Washington suspends your license for specific violations, and driving anyway carries criminal penalties that escalate with each offense

A suspended license in Washington means the Department of Licensing (DOL) has temporarily removed your driving privilege. You cannot legally drive any vehicle on public roads during the suspension period. Driving anyway is a separate crime from whatever caused the suspension in the first place — it does not matter if you were a safe driver that day or if you only drove to the grocery store.

The consequences depend on how many times you have been caught driving with a suspended license. A first offense is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $250 and possible jail time up to 30 days. A second offense within seven years increases the fine to $500 and jail time up to 90 days. A third or subsequent offense within seven years becomes a gross misdemeanor, with fines up to $1,000 and jail time up to 364 days. These are criminal convictions that appear on your record.

Washington also distinguishes between a suspended license (temporary removal, usually for a specific reason like unpaid tickets or a DUI conviction) and a revoked license (permanent removal requiring a formal reinstatement process). Driving with a revoked license carries the same criminal penalties as driving suspended, but the path to getting your license back is longer and more expensive.

Key Takeaways

  • Driving with a suspended license in Washington is a criminal offense separate from whatever caused the suspension, with fines starting at $250 for a first offense.
  • Your license is suspended for specific reasons — unpaid traffic fines, DUI conviction, accumulating too many points, or failure to appear in court — and the suspension period varies by reason.
  • The Department of Licensing website shows your current license status and the reason for any suspension, and you can check this before getting behind the wheel.
  • Reinstating a suspended license usually requires paying outstanding fines, completing required programs (like DUI school), or waiting out the suspension period, depending on the cause.
  • If you need to drive during a suspension, Washington offers a Probationary License for limited work-related driving in some cases, but you must request it through DOL.

Why Washington suspends licenses and how long suspensions last

The DOL suspends licenses for several reasons, and each has a different suspension length. Accumulating 12 or more points on your driving record within a 12-month period triggers a suspension that lasts 30 days for a first offense, 60 days for a second, and 90 days for a third or more. Points come from traffic violations — speeding, reckless driving, failure to stop at a red light, and similar infractions each carry a point value.

A DUI or physical control conviction results in a mandatory license suspension that begins when ready upon arrest in many cases. The suspension period depends on whether it is a first, second, or subsequent offense and whether you refused a breath or blood test. A first DUI suspension can last 90 days to one year; a second within ten years can last one to three years.

Unpaid traffic fines also trigger suspension. If you do not pay a fine by the due date or fail to appear in court for a traffic ticket, the DOL suspends your license until you resolve the underlying violation. Failure to appear suspensions can be lifted once you contact the court and handle the ticket, but you still owe the fine.

You can check your license status and suspension reason on the DOL website at dol.wa.gov. Enter your driver's license number and date of birth to see whether your license is currently valid, suspended, or revoked, and the reason for any suspension.

Criminal penalties for driving suspended and how they increase

Washington treats driving with a suspended license as a separate crime, meaning you face charges in addition to whatever caused the suspension. The charge is Driving While License Suspended (DWLS), and the severity depends on your history.

A first DWLS offense is a misdemeanor. The fine is up to $250, and you can be sentenced to up to 30 days in jail. The court may also impose a probation period and require you to pay court costs.

A second DWLS offense within seven years is still a misdemeanor but with harsher penalties: a fine up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail. A third or subsequent DWLS offense within seven years becomes a gross misdemeanor, the most serious category below a felony. Penalties include a fine up to $1,000 and up to 364 days in jail.

These are criminal convictions that go on your record and can affect employment, housing, insurance rates, and future driving privileges. A conviction also adds points to your driving record, which can trigger additional suspensions even after you have served the original one.

How to check your license status before driving

Before you drive, you should verify that your license is valid. The DOL provides a free online lookup tool at dol.wa.gov/driverslicense. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth. The tool shows your current status — valid, suspended, or revoked — and if suspended, the reason and the date the suspension ends.

You can also call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to speak with someone who can confirm your status and explain the reason for any suspension. This is useful if you are unsure whether a suspension has been lifted or if you want to understand what steps you need to take to reinstate your license.

If you discover your license is suspended and you were not aware, do not drive. Ignorance of the suspension is not a legal defense to a DWLS charge. The moment you received notice of the suspension — whether by mail, email, or through the court — the suspension became effective, and driving after that point is a crime.

Steps to reinstate a suspended license in Washington

Reinstatement depends on why your license was suspended. For a suspension due to accumulated points, you must wait out the suspension period. Once the suspension date passes, your license is automatically reinstated at no cost — you do not need to take any action or pay a fee.

For a suspension due to unpaid fines or failure to appear, you must contact the court that issued the ticket and resolve the violation. This usually means paying the fine in full or arranging a payment plan. Once the court confirms payment or compliance, they notify the DOL, and your license is reinstated. Some courts allow you to pay online or by phone; others require you to appear in person.

For a DUI suspension, reinstatement is more involved. You must complete a Substance Abuse Assessment and any treatment or education programs the assessment recommends. You must also pay a reinstatement fee to the DOL, which varies but is typically $200 to $300. Only after you have completed these steps and submitted proof to the DOL will your license be reinstated.

For a revoked license, the process is even longer. You must wait a minimum period (often one to five years depending on the reason for revocation), complete required programs, pass a written driving test, and pay reinstatement fees. Some revocations require a hearing before the DOL before reinstatement is possible.

Probationary License for work-related driving during suspension

Washington offers a Probationary License (also called a Restricted License or Work Permit) in limited situations. This allows you to drive to and from work, school, or medical appointments during a suspension, but only for those specific purposes. You cannot use it for personal errands or any other driving.

To request a Probationary License, you must submit a form to the DOL explaining why you need to drive and providing details about your work location, school, or medical facility. The DOL reviews your request and decides whether to grant it. Approval is not may provide — the DOL considers factors like the reason for your suspension, your driving history, and whether public transportation is available.

A Probationary License is not automatic and does not explore to all suspension types. For example, if your license was suspended due to a DUI, you may not be may be able to access for a Probationary License until you have completed certain requirements. Check with the DOL or contact a local attorney to understand whether you may have access to.

If you are granted a Probationary License, you must carry it with you while driving and follow the restrictions exactly. Driving outside the permitted purposes — for example, stopping at a store on the way home from work — is still a DWLS violation and can result in criminal charges.

How a DWLS conviction affects your record and future driving

A conviction for Driving While License Suspended is a criminal record that stays with you. It appears on background checks for employment, housing, and loans. Some employers, particularly those in transportation, security, or positions requiring a clean record, will not hire someone with a DWLS conviction.

A DWLS conviction also adds points to your driving record. Depending on the circumstances, it can add 4 to 6 points. If you already had points on your record, this can trigger another suspension, creating a cycle of suspensions and convictions that becomes harder to break.

Insurance companies also view a DWLS conviction seriously. Your rates will increase, and some insurers may refuse to cover you altogether. If you are involved in an accident while driving with a suspended license, your insurance may deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for damages.

If you are charged with DWLS, you have the right to legal representation. A criminal defense attorney can review the circumstances, challenge the evidence, and potentially negotiate a reduced charge or sentence. Many attorneys offer free consultations, and if you cannot afford one, you can request a public defender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a ticket for driving with a suspended license if I did not know it was suspended?

Yes. Washington law does not require the state to prove you knew your license was suspended — only that you drove while it was suspended. Once you received notice of the suspension, whether by mail or through the court, you are responsible for knowing about it. If you are unsure of your status, check the DOL website before driving.

What is the difference between a suspended and revoked license?

A suspended license is temporary — it ends on a specific date or once you meet certain conditions. A revoked license is permanent and requires a formal reinstatement process that can take years. Driving with either one is a crime, but revocation is more serious and harder to overcome.

If I pay my traffic fine, does my suspension end when ready?

Not always. If your suspension was due to unpaid fines, paying the fine resolves the underlying violation, but the court must notify the DOL before your license is reinstated. This can take a few days to a week. Do not assume your license is valid the moment you pay — verify your status with the DOL before driving.

Can I drive for work if my license is suspended?

Only if you have been granted a Probationary License specifically for work driving. You must request this from the DOL and receive approval. Driving for work without a Probationary License is still a DWLS violation, even if your employer needs you to drive.

Will a DWLS conviction show up on a background check?

Yes. A DWLS conviction is a criminal record and will appear on background checks for employment, housing, and loans. It can affect your ability to get hired, rent an apartment, or obtain credit. The conviction stays on your record permanently, though some convictions can be vacated or sealed under certain circumstances — ask an attorney about your options.