What you need to do to get your Washington license back
To reinstate your Washington driver's license, you must first find out why it was suspended or revoked, then complete the specific steps the Department of Licensing (DOL) requires for that reason. Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee, resolve the underlying issue (such as paying traffic fines or installing an ignition interlock device), and submit proof to DOL before you can drive legally again.
The process differs depending on whether your license was suspended for unpaid tickets, a DUI conviction, failure to maintain insurance, or another reason. You cannot straightforward renew your license online or at the licensing office — you must clear the suspension first, or you will be turned away.
Key Takeaways
- Washington suspends licenses for specific reasons: unpaid traffic fines, DUI convictions, failure to maintain insurance, or accumulating too many points, and each reason has its own reinstatement path.
- You must contact the Department of Licensing or the agency that caused the suspension to learn the exact requirements and fees for your situation.
- Most reinstatements require payment of a fee (typically $100 to $200), proof that the underlying issue is resolved, and a waiting period before you can drive again.
- If your suspension is related to a DUI, you will likely need an ignition interlock device installed and proof of SR-22 insurance before reinstatement is possible.
- Driving on a suspended license in Washington is a crime and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Finding out why your license was suspended
The Department of Licensing sends a notice by mail when your license is suspended, but that notice may have arrived months ago or gone to an old address. The fastest way to find out the reason is to call DOL at 360-902-3900 or check your status online through the DOL website using your driver's license number and date of birth.
When you contact DOL, have your license number ready and ask specifically: What is the suspension reason? What is the reinstatement fee? What documents or actions do I need to complete before I can reinstate? Write down the answers, because you will need them to move forward.
If your suspension is related to unpaid traffic fines, the court that issued the ticket may have also suspended your license. In that case, you will need to contact the court directly to pay the fine before DOL will reinstate you. If your suspension is related to a DUI, the Washington State Patrol or the court handling your case will have additional requirements.
Reinstatement for unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered suspensions
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or failed to appear in court, you must pay the fine in full to the court that issued the ticket. Once the court receives payment, it will notify DOL that the suspension can be lifted. You can pay by phone, online, or in person at the courthouse — ask the court clerk which method is fastest.
After the court confirms payment, contact DOL to request reinstatement. You will need to pay the DOL reinstatement fee (currently $100 for most suspensions, though this varies). Once DOL receives both the court's notification and your reinstatement fee, your license will be restored, usually within one to two business days.
Reinstatement after a DUI suspension
A DUI suspension in Washington typically lasts 90 days for a first offense, but you may be able to drive with restrictions after 30 days if you meet certain conditions. To do so, you must install an ignition interlock device (a breathalyzer connected to your car's ignition) and obtain SR-22 insurance (proof that you carry the state's minimum liability coverage).
To reinstate after a DUI, contact the Department of Licensing and ask for the list of approved ignition interlock providers in Washington. You will need to have the device installed, pay the installation fee (typically $100 to $200), and then provide DOL with proof of installation. You will also need to contact an insurance company and request an SR-22 form, which your insurer will file directly with DOL.
Once DOL receives proof of both the ignition interlock installation and the SR-22 filing, you can request reinstatement. You will pay the reinstatement fee and, if you are within the 30-day window, you will receive a restricted license that allows you to drive only to work, school, medical appointments, and the ignition interlock service center. After the full suspension period ends, you can request removal of the restrictions.
Reinstatement for failure to maintain insurance
If your license was suspended because you did not maintain continuous auto insurance (or did not report an accident), you must obtain a new insurance policy and request an SR-22 form from your insurer. The SR-22 is proof to the state that you now carry the required coverage.
Contact an insurance company and explain that you need SR-22 coverage. Your insurer will file the form directly with DOL at no extra charge (the SR-22 itself is free; you only pay for the insurance policy). Once DOL receives the SR-22, your suspension will be lifted. This usually happens within one to three business days of the filing.
You will not need to pay a separate reinstatement fee for an insurance-related suspension in most cases, but confirm this with DOL when you call.
Reinstatement for accumulating too many points
Washington suspends licenses when drivers accumulate 12 or more points within a 12-month period (or 18 points within 24 months). Points come from traffic violations, accidents, and other infractions. If this is your suspension reason, you cannot straightforward pay a fine — you must wait out a suspension period that typically lasts 30 days for a first suspension.
During the suspension, you can take a defensive driving course, which may reduce your point total and shorten the suspension. Contact DOL to ask which courses are approved and how much they cost. Once your suspension period ends and you have completed any required course, contact DOL to request reinstatement and pay the reinstatement fee.
Steps to complete your reinstatement
| Step | What to do | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Find the reason | Call DOL at 360-902-3900 or check online. Write down the reason, fee, and requirements. | Same day |
| 2. Resolve the underlying issue | Pay fines, install ignition interlock, obtain SR-22, or complete a defensive driving course, depending on the reason. | 1 day to 30 days |
| 3. Gather proof | Collect receipts, court confirmation, ignition interlock installation proof, or SR-22 filing confirmation. | 1 to 5 days |
| 4. Pay the reinstatement fee | Send payment to DOL by mail, phone, or online. The fee is typically $100 to $200. | Same day to 3 days |
| 5. Submit proof to DOL | Mail or upload proof documents to DOL, or provide them in person at a licensing office. | 1 to 5 days |
| 6. Wait for confirmation | DOL will notify you by mail or email when your license is reinstated. Check online status if you want to confirm sooner. | 1 to 5 business days |
What happens if you drive on a suspended license
Driving with a suspended license in Washington is a crime. A first offense is a misdemeanor that can result in a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. Your license suspension will be extended by an additional 12 months, and you may face further criminal charges if you are stopped again.
If you need to drive before your reinstatement is complete, ask DOL whether you are may be able to access for a temporary restricted license or a work permit. Some suspension reasons allow limited driving privileges while the reinstatement process is underway.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a suspended license in Washington?
The timeline depends on the suspension reason and how quickly you complete the required steps. If you pay a fine when ready, reinstatement may take one to two business days. If you need to install an ignition interlock or wait out a suspension period, it may take 30 days or longer. Contact DOL to ask for a specific timeline based on your situation.
Can I get a temporary license while my suspension is being processed?
Washington does not issue temporary licenses during reinstatement, but you may be able to obtain a restricted license or work permit if your suspension reason allows it. Ask DOL whether you are may be able to access when you call to find out your suspension reason.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
DOL does not waive reinstatement fees, but you can ask about payment plans if you cannot pay in full. Contact DOL directly to discuss your situation. Some courts also offer payment plans for unpaid fines.
Do I need to take a driving test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a written or driving test. You only need to resolve the underlying issue, pay the fee, and provide proof to DOL. Your license will be restored with the same class and restrictions you had before the suspension.
What if my license was suspended in another state but I now live in Washington?
Washington recognizes suspensions from other states through the Interstate Compact. You will need to contact the state that suspended your license to resolve the issue there before Washington will reinstate you. Once that state lifts the suspension, contact Washington DOL to request reinstatement.