REV stands for "Revoked" and means your license is no longer valid
REV on a Washington driver's license indicates that your license has been revoked by the Department of Licensing (DOL). A revoked license is not the same as suspended — it means the state has permanently cancelled your driving privileges, and you cannot legally drive until the revocation is lifted through a formal process.
Revocation is a serious status that typically results from violations like multiple DUI convictions, reckless driving convictions, or accumulating too many traffic violations in a short period. Once your license shows REV, you must stop driving when ready. Driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense in Washington and can result in jail time, fines, and additional charges.
Key Takeaways
- REV means your Washington license is revoked, not suspended, and you cannot legally drive under any circumstances.
- Revocation usually results from DUI convictions, reckless driving, or accumulating multiple serious traffic violations.
- You must contact the Washington Department of Licensing to find out why your license was revoked and what steps are required to restore it.
- Restoring a revoked license requires meeting specific conditions set by DOL, which may include waiting periods, fees, or completion of required programs.
- Driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense that can lead to arrest, jail time, and additional fines.
Why Washington revokes a license instead of suspending it
Washington distinguishes between suspension and revocation. A suspension is temporary — your license is taken away for a set period, after which it is automatically restored if you meet certain conditions. A revocation is permanent until you take action to restore it. The state uses revocation for more serious violations because they indicate a pattern of dangerous driving or repeated criminal conduct.
Common reasons for revocation in Washington include a second or subsequent DUI within ten years, a conviction for vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, accumulating 12 or more points on your driving record within a three-year period, or refusing a breath or blood test during a DUI stop. Some revocations are mandatory under state law, meaning the court has no discretion — once you are convicted, revocation follows automatically.
How to find out why your license was revoked
Contact the Washington Department of Licensing directly to learn the specific reason for your revocation. You can reach DOL by phone at 1-360-902-3900 or visit their website at dol.wa.gov. Have your driver's license number ready when you call. DOL will tell you the violation that triggered the revocation and provide information about restoration requirements.
You can also request your driving record from DOL, which will show all violations, suspensions, and revocations on your file. This record is important because it documents exactly what happened and when, which you will need if you pursue restoration. Some people discover they have a revocation they were unaware of — this can happen if you moved and did not receive notice, or if a conviction was entered without your knowledge.
Steps to restore a revoked Washington license
Restoration is not automatic and varies depending on the reason for revocation. For a DUI-related revocation, you typically must wait a minimum period (often one year for a first offense, longer for subsequent offenses), complete a substance abuse assessment and any required treatment, pay a restoration fee to DOL (currently $200 for most revocations), and pass a written driving test and vision test.
For revocations based on accumulated points or reckless driving, the process may be different. Some revocations require you to file a petition with the court that issued the revocation, particularly if you believe the revocation was entered in error or if circumstances have changed. DOL will explain which process applies to your situation when you contact them. Do not assume you can straightforward pay a fee and get your license back — most revocations require you to demonstrate that the underlying problem has been addressed.
What you cannot do while your license is revoked
You cannot legally drive any vehicle in Washington or any other state while your license is revoked. Revocation is recognized across state lines through the National Driver Register, so your revocation will follow you if you move. Driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense — typically charged as a Class B felony if you have prior convictions for driving with a suspended or revoked license, or as a misdemeanor if it is your first offense.
Penalties for driving with a revoked license include up to 90 days in jail for a first offense, fines of $250 to $500, and a mandatory additional license suspension. If you are caught driving with a revoked license, you will face criminal charges in addition to the original revocation, making restoration much harder. You also cannot obtain a hardship license or restricted license for most revocations — these are only available for suspensions in limited circumstances.
Hardship licenses and limited driving privileges
Washington does not issue hardship licenses for revocations the way it does for suspensions. However, in some cases you may petition the court for a limited license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments while your revocation is in place. This is not automatic and requires you to demonstrate to a judge that you have a genuine hardship and that public safety will not be compromised.
To request a limited license, you must file a petition in the court that issued the revocation. You will need to show proof of employment, school enrollment, or medical need, and explain why you cannot use public transportation or other alternatives. The judge has discretion to grant or deny the petition. Even if granted, a limited license is restricted to specific routes and times, and driving outside those limits is still a criminal offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my license back when ready if I pay a fine?
No. Revocation requires you to meet specific conditions set by the Department of Licensing, which typically include waiting periods and completion of programs like substance abuse treatment for DUI revocations. Paying a fee is part of restoration, but it is not the only step. Contact DOL to learn what conditions explore to your revocation.
What happens if I drive with a revoked license?
Driving with a revoked license is a criminal offense. You can be arrested, charged with a misdemeanor or felony depending on your history, fined $250 to $500, and jailed for up to 90 days. You will also face additional license suspension on top of your existing revocation, making it much harder to restore your driving privileges later.
Does my revocation expire on its own after a certain number of years?
No. A revocation does not expire automatically. You must take action to restore your license by meeting the conditions set by DOL. If you do nothing, your revocation remains in place indefinitely. Contact the Department of Licensing to find out what steps are required for your specific revocation.
Can I drive in another state while my Washington license is revoked?
No. Revocations are reported to the National Driver Register and recognized in all states. You cannot legally drive in any state while your Washington license is revoked. Attempting to obtain a license in another state while your Washington license is revoked can result in additional criminal charges.
How long does it take to restore a revoked license?
The timeline depends on the reason for revocation and whether you meet all conditions. For DUI revocations, you typically wait one to five years depending on the offense, complete required programs, and then submit your restoration request. Processing by DOL usually takes several weeks. For other revocations, the timeline varies — contact DOL for a specific estimate based on your situation.