What you need to do to get your Washington license back
To reinstate your Washington driver's license after suspension, you must first contact the Department of Licensing (DOL) to find out why it was suspended and what steps are required. The reinstatement process depends entirely on the reason for suspension — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, a DUI conviction, failure to pay child support, or another violation. You cannot straightforward reapply; you must resolve the underlying issue before DOL will restore your driving privileges.
Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee to DOL, which varies by suspension type. You may also need to provide proof that you have resolved the cause — such as proof of payment for fines, completion of a DUI education program, or a court order showing child support is current. Once DOL confirms everything is in order, your license is reinstated and you can drive legally again.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Washington Department of Licensing by phone, mail, or online to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to resolve it.
- Most reinstatements require a fee paid to DOL, and you must resolve the underlying cause — such as paying fines, completing a DUI program, or proving child support is current.
- If your suspension is related to a DUI, you may need an SR22 insurance form and proof of completion of a substance abuse assessment or education program before reinstatement.
- After you submit all required documents and fees, DOL typically processes reinstatement within two to four weeks, though some cases take longer.
- If you drive before your license is officially reinstated, you face criminal charges for driving with a suspended license, which carries fines and possible jail time.
How to find out why your license was suspended
Call the Washington Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 or visit their website at dol.wa.gov to check your driving record. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. DOL staff can tell you the exact reason for suspension — whether it is unpaid fines, a criminal conviction, failure to pay child support, medical reasons, or another cause.
You can also request a copy of your driving record online through the DOL website or by mail. The record will show the suspension date, the reason, and sometimes the steps needed to clear it. If you are unsure what the suspension means or what you need to do next, ask DOL directly — they can walk you through the specific requirements for your case.
Suspension reasons and what each one requires
Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: You must pay the full amount owed to the court or collection agency. Once payment is confirmed, contact DOL to request reinstatement. You will also owe DOL's reinstatement fee, which is typically $75 to $100 depending on the type of suspension.
DUI or reckless driving conviction: You must complete a substance abuse assessment or DUI education program (usually 12 to 16 hours of classes), obtain an SR22 insurance form from your insurance company, and pay the reinstatement fee. Some cases also require an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. DOL will not reinstate until all three are in place.
Failure to pay child support: The court or Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) must confirm that your child support is current or that you have a payment plan in place. Once they notify DOL, you can pay the reinstatement fee and your license will be restored.
Medical suspension: You may need to pass a medical examination or provide a doctor's letter stating you are fit to drive. Submit this to DOL along with the reinstatement fee.
Failure to appear in court or pay a citation: You must resolve the court case — either by paying the citation, appearing in court, or working out a payment plan with the court. Then pay DOL's reinstatement fee.
The reinstatement fee and how to pay it
Washington charges a reinstatement fee for most suspensions. The amount depends on the reason for suspension and ranges from $75 to $250 or more. You can pay by check, money order, credit card, or debit card. Payment can be made online through the DOL website, by mail, or in person at a DOL office.
When you pay, include your driver's license number and the reason for suspension so DOL can match the payment to your record. Keep a copy of your payment confirmation. If you pay by mail, allow extra time for processing — typically one to two weeks before DOL receives and records your payment.
SR22 insurance if your suspension was DUI-related
If your license was suspended because of a DUI, reckless driving, or multiple traffic violations, you will need an SR22 form — a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you have auto insurance. Your insurance company files this directly with DOL; you do not file it yourself.
Contact your current insurance company and ask them to file an SR22. If they will not, you will need to find a new insurer that handles high-risk drivers. SR22 insurance costs more than standard coverage — the increase varies by insurer and your driving history, but expect to pay 50% to 300% more per month. The SR22 requirement typically lasts three years from the date of your conviction or suspension, though this varies by case.
Do not drive until your SR22 is filed with DOL. You can ask your insurance company for proof that it has been submitted, and you can verify it with DOL by checking your driving record online.
What to submit to DOL for reinstatement
Gather all documents related to resolving your suspension before you contact DOL. The exact list depends on your suspension reason, but typically includes:
- Proof of payment of fines or court costs (receipt or court confirmation)
- Proof of completion of a DUI education program or substance abuse assessment (certificate from the program provider)
- SR22 insurance form (filed by your insurer, but you should have a copy)
- Court order or letter from DSHS confirming child support is current (if applicable)
- Medical clearance letter from a doctor (if applicable)
- Your reinstatement fee payment
Submit these documents to DOL by mail, online through their website, or in person at a DOL office. Include a cover letter with your name, driver's license number, and a brief explanation of what you are submitting. Keep copies of everything for your records.
How long reinstatement takes
After DOL receives all required documents and your reinstatement fee, processing typically takes two to four weeks. Some cases are faster if everything is in order; others take longer if DOL needs to verify information with courts, insurance companies, or other agencies.
You can check the status of your reinstatement by calling DOL at 360-902-3900 or checking your driving record online. Do not drive until DOL confirms your license is reinstated — driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Washington and carries fines up to $5,000 and possible jail time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on a temporary permit while waiting for reinstatement?
No. Washington does not issue temporary driving permits during a suspension. You cannot drive legally until DOL officially reinstates your license. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, you must wait for reinstatement or explore other transportation options.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee right now?
Contact DOL to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some suspensions may allow you to pay in installments, though this varies by case. You can also ask the court that imposed the suspension whether they can reduce or waive fees based on financial hardship.
Do I need to retake the written or driving test to get my license back?
Not for most suspensions. Reinstatement restores your existing license without a new test. However, if your license has expired during the suspension, you will need to renew it, which may include a new photo and vision test but not a written or driving test.
What happens if I drive before my license is reinstated?
Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Washington. You face fines of $250 to $5,000, possible jail time, and an additional suspension. Your original suspension may also be extended. Do not drive until DOL confirms reinstatement.
How do I know if my SR22 was filed correctly?
Ask your insurance company for written confirmation that the SR22 has been filed with Washington DOL. You can also verify it by checking your driving record online through the DOL website or by calling 360-902-3900 and asking whether an SR22 is on file.