What You Need to Do to Reinstate in Washington
To reinstate your Washington driver's license, you must contact the Department of Licensing (DOL), pay any outstanding fines or fees, and meet the specific requirements tied to why your license was suspended or revoked. Washington does not have a single reinstatement process — the steps depend on whether you were suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, medical reasons, or another cause. The DOL will tell you exactly what you owe and what documents you need when you call or visit in person.
Most people can begin the reinstatement process by phone or online through the DOL website, but some cases require an in-person visit to a licensing office. You will need to bring proof of payment for any fines, proof that you have met the underlying requirement (such as completion of a DUI course), and a valid form of identification. The entire process typically takes one to three weeks after you have paid all fees and submitted required documents.
Key Takeaways
- Washington suspensions and revocations have different causes — unpaid tickets, DUI, child support arrears, or medical issues — and each has its own reinstatement path.
- You must pay all outstanding fines, fees, and court costs before the DOL will process your reinstatement.
- Some reinstatements require proof of completion of a course or program, such as a DUI education class or substance abuse treatment.
- Contact the DOL directly at 360-902-3900 or visit a local licensing office to confirm what documents and payments you need.
Suspension vs. Revocation: Which One You Have
Washington distinguishes between a suspension and a revocation, and the difference matters for reinstatement. A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, and once that period ends and you meet the conditions, you can reinstate. A revocation is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process with the DOL, and some revocations require you to wait a minimum time before you can even request reinstatement.
A suspension typically results from unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, or accumulating too many points on your driving record. A revocation usually follows a DUI conviction, multiple serious violations, or a medical information that you are unsafe to drive. The DOL notice you received will state which one applies to you and whether there is a waiting period. If you are unsure, call the DOL at 360-902-3900 and provide your driver's license number — they will tell you the status and the reason.
Paying Fines, Fees, and Court Costs
Before the DOL will reinstate your license, you must pay all outstanding fines, fees, and court costs associated with the suspension or revocation. This includes the original traffic ticket fine, any late fees the court added, the DOL reinstatement fee (currently $100 for most suspensions), and any other penalties tied to your case. If you owe money to the court, you pay the court directly. If you owe the DOL reinstatement fee, you pay that when you submit your reinstatement request.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court or the DOL to ask about a payment plan. Some courts allow you to pay in installments, and the DOL may process your reinstatement once you have made a first payment and agreed to a schedule. Do not ignore the debt — unpaid fines can result in a new suspension or a hold on your reinstatement. Keep receipts or confirmation numbers for every payment you make.
DUI Suspension and Revocation Reinstatement
A DUI suspension in Washington is typically administrative and happens when ready after arrest, separate from any criminal court case. If your license was suspended after a DUI arrest, you have the right to request a hearing with the DOL within 20 days of the arrest. If you did not request a hearing or lost it, the suspension stands, and you must wait the suspension period (usually 90 days for a first offense) before you can reinstate.
A DUI revocation is different and follows a criminal conviction. To reinstate after a DUI revocation, you must complete an alcohol or drug treatment program approved by the DOL, pay the reinstatement fee, and sometimes install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle. The DOL will provide a list of approved treatment providers. You cannot reinstate until you have proof of completion. For a first DUI revocation, you typically must wait one year from the date of revocation before you can request reinstatement.
Reinstatement After Child Support or Court-Ordered Suspension
Washington suspends licenses for unpaid child support, unpaid court-ordered fines, or failure to appear in court. If your suspension is due to child support arrears, you must contact the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) or the court that issued the order. You cannot reinstate directly through the DOL — the agency that suspended your license must first release the suspension by certifying that you have paid the arrears or entered into a payment agreement.
Once the suspending agency releases the hold, notify the DOL that the suspension has been lifted. You may need to submit a release letter or court order to the DOL. The DOL does not charge an additional reinstatement fee for these suspensions once the underlying debt is resolved, but you should confirm this when you contact them. Call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to verify that the suspension has been cleared from their system.
Medical Suspension Reinstatement
The DOL can suspend your license if a doctor reports a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if you fail a vision or medical examination. To reinstate after a medical suspension, you must obtain a medical clearance from a physician and submit it to the DOL. The form is called the "Medical Examination Report" and is available on the DOL website or at any licensing office.
Your doctor must complete the form and confirm that your condition has improved or been managed to the point that you are safe to drive. You then submit the completed form to the DOL, along with the reinstatement fee. The DOL will review the form and either reinstate your license or request additional information from your doctor. This process usually takes two to four weeks. If the DOL denies reinstatement, you have the right to request a hearing.
How to Submit Your Reinstatement Request
You can reinstate your Washington license by mail, online, by phone, or in person at a licensing office. The fastest method is usually online through the DOL website if you have already paid all fines and fees and have no outstanding holds. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a payment method for the reinstatement fee.
If you are reinstating by mail, send a letter to the DOL that includes your name, driver's license number, date of birth, the reason for the suspension or revocation, proof of payment for all fines and fees, and any required documents (such as proof of DUI course completion). Mail it to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want confirmation of receipt. In-person reinstatement at a licensing office is also available and allows you to resolve issues on the spot if the DOL has questions about your documents.
Common Mistakes That Delay Reinstatement
The most common mistake is paying only part of what you owe. If you pay the traffic ticket fine but not the court costs or the DOL reinstatement fee, your reinstatement will be denied. Before you submit your request, confirm with both the court and the DOL that all amounts have been paid in full. Another frequent error is submitting incomplete documents — for example, a DUI course completion certificate that does not include the course provider's name or the date completed. The DOL will reject it and ask you to resubmit.
A third mistake is not checking whether there are multiple suspensions on your record. Some people have been suspended more than once for different reasons, and you must resolve all of them before the DOL will reinstate your license. Call 360-902-3900 and ask the DOL to list every suspension or revocation on your record. Finally, do not assume your reinstatement is complete until you receive written confirmation from the DOL. Check your status online or call to verify that your license is active before you drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take after I pay everything?
If you submit everything correctly by mail or in person, reinstatement usually takes one to three weeks. Online reinstatement can be faster — sometimes the same day if there are no holds or issues. The DOL will send you a confirmation letter or email once your license is reinstated.
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended or revoked until the DOL officially reinstates it. Driving with a suspended or revoked license is a criminal offense in Washington and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. Wait for written confirmation from the DOL before you drive.
What if I cannot afford to pay all the fines at once?
Contact the court that issued the fines and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow installment payments. Once you have made a first payment and have a written agreement, some courts will ask the DOL to lift the suspension temporarily while you pay the rest. The DOL can tell you whether this option is available in your case.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
No. Most reinstatements are straightforward and you can handle them yourself by following the DOL's instructions. However, if your suspension is tied to a criminal case or a complex court order, speaking with a lawyer may help you understand your options and avoid mistakes.
What if the DOL denies my reinstatement request?
The DOL will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include incomplete documents, unpaid fines, or failure to meet a requirement like DUI course completion. You can request a hearing to challenge the denial. The letter will include instructions for requesting a hearing and the important date to do so.