What You Need to Do to Get Your License Back
A suspended license in Washington means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The steps to restore it depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid tickets, a DUI conviction, too many points, or failure to pay child support. Washington's Department of Licensing (DOL) will not automatically restore your license when the suspension period ends; you have to take specific action first, and that action changes based on the reason for suspension.
The most common path is paying what you owe (fines, fees, or restitution), providing proof of payment to DOL, and then requesting reinstatement. For some suspensions, you will also need to complete a course or pass a test. For others, you will need to show proof of insurance or resolve a court case. This guide walks you through the main suspension types and what each one requires.
Key Takeaways
- Washington suspends licenses for different reasons, and each reason has its own reinstatement process — you must know which type of suspension you have before you can fix it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines, fees, or restitution to the court or DOL, then submit proof of payment to request reinstatement.
- You can check your suspension status and the reason for it by calling DOL at 360-902-3900 or visiting their website with your driver's license number.
- Some suspensions (like those from DUI or reckless driving) require you to complete a course or pass a knowledge test before DOL will restore your driving privileges.
- Reinstatement fees range from $100 to $200 depending on the suspension type, and you must pay these fees in addition to any fines or restitution owed.
Find Out Why Your License Was Suspended
Before you can fix the problem, you need to know what caused the suspension. Washington suspends licenses for many reasons: unpaid traffic tickets or fines, accumulating too many points, DUI or reckless driving convictions, failure to pay child support, failure to appear in court, driving without insurance, or not paying vehicle-related fees. Each suspension type has different requirements to lift it.
Call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time). Have your driver's license number ready. The representative will tell you the exact reason for your suspension, when it started, and what you need to do to get it lifted. You can also check your status online through the DOL website if you have an account, though calling is faster if you need when ready answers.
Write down the suspension reason, the date it began, and any specific instructions DOL gives you. This information is your roadmap for the next steps.
Pay Outstanding Fines, Fees, and Restitution
Most suspensions in Washington require you to pay money before reinstatement. This might include unpaid traffic fines, court costs, restitution to a victim, child support arrears, or vehicle-related fees. The court or DOL will have told you where to send payment when the suspension was issued, but if you are unsure, call the court that handled your case or call DOL again.
Pay by the method the court or DOL accepts — usually check, money order, credit card, or online payment through the court's website. Keep a copy of your payment confirmation or receipt. Do not assume the payment has been processed; wait a few business days, then call to confirm the court or DOL received it and applied it to your account. Once payment is confirmed, you will need to submit proof of payment when you request reinstatement.
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, some courts offer payment plans. Call the court that issued the suspension and ask whether a payment plan is available. Even if you are on a payment plan, you may still be able to request a temporary license to drive to work or school while you pay off the balance — ask DOL about a Probationary License when you call.
Complete Required Courses or Tests
Certain suspensions require you to finish a course or pass a test before DOL will restore your license. If your suspension was for a DUI or reckless driving conviction, you must complete a Substance Abuse Assessment and Treatment program (sometimes called a DUI school). If your suspension was for accumulating too many points, you may need to pass a Knowledge Test (the same written test new drivers take) to show you understand traffic laws.
For DUI suspensions, you will need to find an approved treatment provider in Washington. DOL maintains a list of certified providers on its website. The program typically costs $300 to $500 and takes several weeks. You must complete it and get a certificate of completion before you can request reinstatement. For point-based suspensions, you can take the Knowledge Test at any DOL office or approved testing location; it costs around $20.
Do not skip this step. Even if you have paid all fines and fees, DOL will not reinstate your license if you have not completed the required course or test. Ask DOL which specific course or test applies to your suspension when you call.
Request Reinstatement from the Department of Licensing
Once you have paid what you owe and completed any required courses or tests, you are ready to request reinstatement. You will need to submit a Reinstatement process (Form DL 43) along with proof of payment and proof of course completion (if applicable). You can submit this process in person at a DOL office, by mail, or online through the DOL website.
If you explore online, you will need your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You will also upload scans or photos of your proof of payment and course completion. If you explore by mail, send the completed form and documents to the address DOL provides. If you explore in person, bring the original documents or certified copies.
You will also need to pay a Reinstatement Fee when you submit your process. This fee ranges from $100 to $200 depending on the type of suspension. You can pay by check, money order, credit card, or online. After DOL receives and processes your process, you will receive a letter confirming that your license has been reinstated, usually within 5 to 10 business days.
What to Do If You Need to Drive Before Reinstatement
If your suspension will last several weeks and you need to drive for work, school, or medical reasons, you may be able to get a Probationary License or Occupational License from the court. This is not the same as reinstatement — it is a limited license that allows you to drive only for specific purposes while your suspension is still technically in effect.
To request a Probationary License, you must petition the court that issued the suspension. You will need to show that you have a genuine need to drive (such as a job that requires it or medical treatment) and that you have started taking steps to fix the suspension (such as paying fines or enrolling in a course). The court will decide whether to grant it. This process can take a few weeks, so explore as soon as you know you need to drive.
Not all suspension types allow a Probationary License. DUI suspensions, for example, usually do not. Call the court or DOL to find out whether your suspension type qualifies.
Avoid Driving While Suspended
Driving with a suspended license in Washington is a crime. If you are caught, you face additional fines (up to $1,000), jail time (up to 90 days), and a longer suspension. Your insurance will also likely drop you, and future insurance will be much more expensive. Even if you think the suspension is unfair, driving anyway will only make your situation worse.
If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, use a Probationary License (if available) or arrange rides with someone else. The temporary inconvenience is worth avoiding a criminal record and additional penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I request reinstatement?
Once DOL receives your completed reinstatement process with proof of payment and course completion, processing usually takes 5 to 10 business days. If you explore online, it may be faster. If you explore by mail, add time for the mail to arrive. You will receive a letter confirming reinstatement.
Can I get a temporary license while my suspension is being processed?
A temporary license is different from reinstatement. You can request a Probationary or Occupational License from the court if you have a genuine need to drive, but not all suspension types allow this. Call the court that issued your suspension to ask whether you may have access to.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full fine or reinstatement fee right now?
Contact the court that issued the suspension and ask about a payment plan. Many courts will work with you to spread payments over time. You may also be able to request a Probationary License while you pay off the balance, though this depends on the suspension type.
Do I have to retake the written driving test to get my license back?
Only if your suspension was for accumulating too many points. For other suspension types (like unpaid fines or DUI), you do not need to retake the test. DOL will tell you whether a test is required when you call about your suspension.
What happens if I move out of Washington while my license is suspended?
Your Washington suspension remains in effect even if you move. If you get a license in another state, Washington's suspension may be reported to that state's system, and you could face problems there too. It is better to resolve the suspension before moving or as soon as possible after.