What happens when your Washington license is suspended
A suspended license in Washington means you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The state Department of Licensing (DOL) suspends licenses for specific reasons — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, accumulating too many points, DUI convictions, or failure to maintain car insurance. The suspension stays in effect until you complete whatever action caused it and then formally request reinstatement.
Reinstatement is not automatic. Even after you have resolved the underlying issue — paid the fine, completed a DUI program, or regained insurance — you must contact DOL and pay a reinstatement fee to get your driving privileges back. The process takes a few weeks, and you cannot legally drive during that time.
Key Takeaways
- You must first resolve the reason your license was suspended before DOL will reinstate it, whether that means paying fines, completing a program, or proving insurance.
- Washington charges a reinstatement fee that varies depending on why your license was suspended, typically between $100 and $200.
- You can request reinstatement online through the DOL website, by mail, or in person at a DOL office.
- Processing takes two to four weeks after DOL receives your request, so plan ahead if you need to drive for work or other essential reasons.
Find out why your license is suspended
Before you can reinstate your license, you need to know exactly why it was suspended. DOL sends a notice by mail explaining the reason and what you must do to resolve it. If you did not receive the notice or cannot find it, you can check your suspension status on the DOL website or by calling their customer service line at 360-902-3900.
The most common suspension reasons are unpaid traffic violations, failure to appear in court, accumulating 12 or more points in a 12-month period, DUI or reckless driving convictions, and driving without proof of insurance. Each reason has different requirements before reinstatement is possible. For example, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines, you must pay those fines first. If it is due to a DUI, you may need to complete an alcohol education program and install an ignition interlock device.
Resolve the underlying issue
Once you know why your license was suspended, take the specific action required. If the suspension is for unpaid fines, contact the court that issued the ticket and pay the full amount. If it is for failure to appear, contact the court and either appear or resolve the case. If it is for a DUI conviction, you will need to complete a DOL-approved alcohol or drug education program before reinstatement is possible.
For suspensions related to insurance, you must obtain a new policy and provide proof to DOL. For point-based suspensions, you straightforward need to wait out the suspension period — these typically last 30 days for the first suspension, 60 days for the second, and one year for the third or subsequent suspension within a five-year period. Once the waiting period ends, you can proceed with reinstatement.
Keep documentation of whatever action you took. If you paid a fine, keep the receipt. If you completed a program, keep the certificate. If you obtained insurance, keep the policy declaration page. You will need to show proof when you request reinstatement.
Submit your reinstatement request to DOL
Washington offers three ways to request reinstatement: online through the DOL website, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. The online method is fastest — you can submit your request and pay the fee when ready, and DOL will process it within two to four weeks.
To reinstate online, go to the DOL website and select the reinstatement option. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). You will also upload proof that you have resolved the suspension reason — a paid receipt, program certificate, insurance declaration, or court document showing the case was resolved.
If you prefer to mail your request, read the reinstatement form from the DOL website or request one by phone. Include your proof documents, the reinstatement fee, and a check or money order. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes longer — typically three to four weeks from the date DOL receives it.
You can also visit a DOL office in person to request reinstatement. Bring your proof documents, your driver's license, and payment for the reinstatement fee. Staff can process your request on the spot, though your license will not be active until DOL completes its review, which still takes a few weeks.
Pay the reinstatement fee
Washington charges a reinstatement fee that depends on the reason your license was suspended. The fee is typically $100 to $200. For suspensions due to unpaid traffic violations or failure to appear, the fee is usually $100. For DUI-related suspensions, the fee is $200. For point-based suspensions, the fee is $100. Some suspensions have additional fees — for example, if you need an ignition interlock device for a DUI suspension, there is an installation and monthly monitoring fee in addition to the reinstatement fee.
DOL accepts payment by check, money order, debit card, or credit card. If you are paying online, you can use a debit or credit card. If you are paying by mail, include a check or money order. If you are paying in person at a DOL office, you can pay by any of these methods.
Wait for DOL to process your request
After you submit your reinstatement request and payment, DOL reviews your documents to confirm that you have resolved the suspension reason. This review typically takes two to four weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended and you cannot legally drive.
DOL will mail you a notice once your reinstatement is approved. The notice will include your new license or a temporary driving permit that you can use while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. If DOL denies your reinstatement request, the notice will explain why and what additional steps you need to take.
If you do not receive a response within four weeks, contact DOL customer service at 360-902-3900 to check the status of your request. Have your driver's license number and date of birth ready.
Understand restrictions that may explore after reinstatement
Depending on why your license was suspended, you may face restrictions when it is reinstated. A DUI suspension, for example, often results in a restricted license that allows you to drive only to work, school, medical appointments, or alcohol treatment programs for a set period. You must carry proof of the restriction and follow it exactly — driving outside these permitted purposes is a separate violation.
Point-based suspensions do not typically come with restrictions, but your driving record will show the suspension. If you accumulate more points within a certain timeframe, you risk another suspension. An ignition interlock device, required for some DUI suspensions, must remain installed for the full period ordered by the court — typically six months to one year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until DOL approves your reinstatement and sends you written notice. Driving during this period is illegal, even if you have submitted your request. If you are stopped by police, you can show them proof that you submitted your reinstatement request, but this does not give you permission to drive.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
Washington does not offer fee waivers or payment plans for reinstatement fees. However, if your suspension is due to unpaid fines, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court for those fines. Contact the court that issued the ticket to discuss options. You will still need to pay the reinstatement fee to DOL separately.
How long does a suspension stay on my driving record?
Suspensions remain on your record for varying lengths of time depending on the reason. Traffic-related suspensions typically stay on your record for three to five years. DUI suspensions remain longer — usually ten years or more. You can request a copy of your driving record from DOL to see the details of your suspension and when it will be removed.
What if I move out of Washington while my license is suspended?
If you move to another state, you will need to reinstate your Washington license before you can obtain a license in your new state. Most states require you to surrender your out-of-state license and will not issue a new one if the old one is suspended. Contact the DOL before you move to complete the reinstatement process.
Can I get a temporary driving permit while waiting for reinstatement?
Not before reinstatement is approved. However, once DOL approves your reinstatement, they may issue a temporary permit that allows you to drive while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. This temporary permit is valid for 30 days. If you need to drive before your reinstatement is approved, you will need to arrange alternative transportation.