What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back in Washington

A suspended license in Washington means the Department of Licensing (DOL) has temporarily removed your driving privilege, but reinstatement is possible once you meet the conditions that caused the suspension. The process differs depending on why your license was suspended — whether for unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical reasons, or a DUI conviction. You cannot straightforward wait out the suspension period; you must take specific actions and often pay fees before DOL will restore your driving privilege.

The first step is always to contact DOL directly to learn the exact reason for your suspension and what you must do to clear it. You can call the DOL Customer Service line at 360-902-3900, visit a DOL office in person, or check your suspension status online through the DOL website. Without knowing the specific reason, you cannot move forward — different suspension types have different reinstatement paths.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact DOL by phone, in person, or online to find out the exact reason your license was suspended and what actions are required to clear it.
  • Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, court costs, or child support before DOL will consider reinstatement.
  • DUI-related suspensions require an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation and a separate reinstatement fee paid to DOL.
  • After you complete all requirements, you must submit proof to DOL and pay the reinstatement fee — typically $100 to $200 — before your license is restored.
  • Processing time after you submit your reinstatement request is usually 5 to 10 business days, but can take longer if documents are incomplete.

Suspensions for Unpaid Fines, Court Costs, or Tickets

If your license was suspended because of unpaid traffic fines, court costs, or failure to pay a ticket, you must pay the full amount owed to the court that issued the citation. DOL does not collect these payments directly — the court does. Contact the court listed on your ticket or suspension notice and ask for the exact balance due, including any late fees or collection costs that may have been added.

Once you pay the court, request a receipt or proof of payment. The court will notify DOL electronically that the debt has been cleared, but this can take 5 to 10 business days. After DOL receives notice from the court, you can then pay the DOL reinstatement fee (typically $100 to $200, depending on the type of suspension) to restore your license. You can pay this fee online through the DOL website, by mail, or in person at a DOL office.

If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the court about a payment plan. Some courts allow installment payments, which may allow DOL to lift the suspension once you have made the first payment and committed to a schedule. Ask the court specifically whether they will notify DOL of a payment agreement.

Suspensions for Failure to Appear in Court

A failure-to-appear (FTA) suspension means you missed a court date related to a traffic or criminal charge. To clear this suspension, you must resolve the underlying case by appearing in court or working with the court to handle the matter. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and move on — the court must close or resolve the case first.

Contact the court that issued the suspension notice and explain that you missed the hearing. Ask what options are available: you may be able to appear in person, request a continuance, enter a plea, or resolve the matter by phone or video if the court allows it. Bring any documents related to the case, such as the ticket, citation, or court notice. Once the court resolves the case, it will send notice to DOL. After DOL receives that notice, you can pay the reinstatement fee to restore your license.

If you are unsure which court issued the suspension, call DOL and provide your driver's license number. They will tell you the court name and case number, which you can then use to contact the court directly.

Suspensions for Unpaid Child Support or Family Support Obligations

Washington suspends licenses for people who fall behind on child support or family support payments. The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) or a private child support enforcement agency reports the delinquency to DOL. To clear this suspension, you must bring your support account current or enter into a payment agreement with the support enforcement agency.

Contact the child support enforcement office listed on your suspension notice. They will tell you the amount owed and discuss payment options. If you cannot pay in full, ask about a payment plan or modification of your support obligation if your circumstances have changed. Once you have paid the arrears or established a payment agreement that the enforcement office approves, they will notify DOL. You can then pay the DOL reinstatement fee to restore your license.

If you are having difficulty locating the correct enforcement office, call the Washington State Support Registry at 1-800-457-3839. They can direct you to the right agency and provide account information.

DUI-Related Suspensions and Ignition Interlock Requirements

A DUI suspension in Washington is more complex than other suspension types because it often requires installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) before you can drive again. An IID is a breath-testing device connected to your vehicle's ignition; you must provide a breath sample before the engine will start. The length of the suspension and IID requirement depend on whether this is your first offense and the circumstances of your arrest.

For a first DUI offense, your license is typically suspended for 90 days. After that period, you can request an IID-restricted license, which allows you to drive only vehicles equipped with an IID. To do this, you must: (1) install an IID in a vehicle you own or regularly drive, (2) provide DOL with proof of installation from an approved vendor, and (3) pay the DOL reinstatement fee. The IID installation costs vary by vendor but typically range from $100 to $200 upfront, plus a monthly monitoring fee of $60 to $100.

For a second or subsequent DUI offense within 10 years, the suspension period is longer and the IID requirement is mandatory for a longer period. Contact DOL or consult with a DUI attorney to understand your specific suspension length and IID timeline. DOL maintains a list of approved IID vendors on its website; you must use an approved vendor or the installation will not be recognized.

Medical Suspensions and Reporting Requirements

DOL may suspend your license if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as seizures, severe vision loss, or cognitive impairment — or if you failed to report a medical condition when renewing your license. To clear a medical suspension, you must provide DOL with a medical evaluation or clearance from your healthcare provider.

DOL will send you a form (usually the "Medical Evaluation Report" or a similar document) that your doctor must complete. This form asks your healthcare provider to assess whether you are safe to drive and whether any restrictions explore — such as corrective lenses, daytime driving only, or no highway driving. You must have your doctor complete and sign this form, then submit it to DOL along with the reinstatement fee.

Processing a medical reinstatement can take longer than other types because DOL may need to review the medical information and may request additional documentation from your doctor. Once DOL approves your medical clearance, you can pay the reinstatement fee and your license will be restored, often with any restrictions noted on the license itself.

Paying the Reinstatement Fee and Submitting Your Request

Once you have completed all the requirements for your specific suspension type — paid fines, resolved court cases, cleared child support arrears, installed an IID, or obtained medical clearance — you must pay DOL's reinstatement fee and submit your reinstatement request. The fee is typically $100 to $200, depending on the suspension reason and whether you are requesting a restricted license (such as an IID-restricted license for DUI).

You can pay the reinstatement fee and submit your request online through the DOL website, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. If you pay online, you will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you pay by mail, send a check or money order payable to "Washington State Department of Licensing" along with a completed reinstatement form (available on the DOL website) to the address listed on your suspension notice. If you pay in person, bring your ID and proof that you have met all suspension requirements.

After DOL receives your payment and verifies that all requirements are met, processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days. You will receive a notice in the mail confirming that your license has been reinstated. Your physical license card will remain valid; you do not need to obtain a new one unless it has expired or been damaged.

What Happens If You Drive on a Suspended License

Driving with a suspended license in Washington is a criminal offense. A first violation is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. A second or subsequent violation within five years carries harsher penalties, including up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Additionally, driving on a suspended license will extend your suspension period and may result in a new suspension being added to your record.

If you are stopped by law enforcement while your license is suspended, you will be cited and may be arrested. Your vehicle may be impounded. Even if you have completed all reinstatement requirements, you cannot legally drive until DOL has processed your reinstatement request and restored your license. If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, explore alternatives such as public transportation, rideshare services, or asking someone with a valid license to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take DOL to reinstate my license after I pay the fee?

Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days after DOL receives your payment and verifies that all suspension requirements are met. If your documents are incomplete or DOL needs additional information, processing may take longer. You can check the status of your reinstatement request online through the DOL website or by calling customer service.

Can I get a temporary driving permit while my reinstatement is being processed?

Washington does not issue temporary permits during reinstatement processing. However, if your suspension is for a DUI and you have installed an IID, you may be able to drive a vehicle equipped with the IID while your reinstatement request is being processed. Ask DOL whether this applies to your situation.

What if I cannot afford to pay all the fines or fees at once?

Contact the court or enforcement agency responsible for your suspension and ask about a payment plan. Many courts allow installment payments, and some may notify DOL once you have made the first payment and committed to a schedule. For child support suspensions, the enforcement office can discuss modification of your support obligation if your financial circumstances have changed.

Do I need to take a driving test to get my license reinstated?

No, you do not need to retake the written or driving test for a standard reinstatement. However, if your suspension was medical-related, DOL may require additional documentation from your healthcare provider. If your license has expired during the suspension period, you will need to renew it, which may include a test depending on how long it has been expired.

What if my suspension was issued in error or I believe it was wrongful?

Contact DOL when ready to dispute the suspension. You can request a hearing before DOL's administrative law judge to challenge the suspension. You must request the hearing within a specific timeframe — usually 10 days from the date of the suspension notice. Bring any documentation that supports your case, such as proof of payment, court records, or correspondence with the court or enforcement agency.