Getting your license back in Washington requires paying what you owe, meeting the suspension terms, and filing the right paperwork with the Department of Licensing
A suspended license in Washington means you cannot legally drive until the suspension ends and you complete the reinstatement process. The state suspends licenses for unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, drug convictions, accumulating too many points, or failing to appear in court. The path back depends on why your license was suspended — some suspensions lift automatically on a set date, while others require you to take action first.
The fastest way to restore your license is to contact the Department of Licensing directly to find out the exact reason for your suspension and what you must do to clear it. You can call them at 360-902-3900, check your status online at dol.wa.gov, or visit a local licensing office in person. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Department of Licensing by phone, online, or in person to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what steps you need to take.
- If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount to the court or collection agency before the Department of Licensing will reinstate you.
- Some suspensions require you to file an official reinstatement request and pay a reinstatement fee (currently $100 in Washington) after meeting all other conditions.
- The reinstatement process typically takes one to two weeks after you submit all required documents and fees, though you can sometimes get a temporary permit to drive while waiting.
Determine why your license was suspended
Washington suspends licenses for different reasons, and each has its own reinstatement path. The most common reasons are unpaid traffic fines or court costs, failure to appear in court, accumulating 12 or more points in a three-year period, driving under the influence convictions, unpaid child support, and drug-related convictions.
Call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 and provide your driver's license number. The staff member will tell you the suspension reason, the date it began, and what you must do to clear it. Write down everything they tell you, including any case numbers, court names, or amounts owed. If you prefer not to call, you can check your suspension status online at dol.wa.gov by logging into your account or using the license status lookup tool.
Pay all fines, court costs, or child support owed
If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or court costs, you must pay the full amount before the Department of Licensing will reinstate your license. Contact the court that issued the ticket or citation — the Department of Licensing will have given you the court name when you called. The court's collections department can tell you the exact amount owed and accept payment by phone, online, or in person.
If your suspension is tied to unpaid child support, contact the Division of Child Support at 1-800-457-6202. They will tell you the amount owed and set up a payment plan if you cannot pay in full when ready. Once you have paid or arranged a payment plan, ask for written confirmation and keep it with you.
After you pay, the court or child support agency will send notice to the Department of Licensing that the debt is cleared. This can take several business days, so do not expect your license to be reinstated the same day you pay.
File a reinstatement request with the Department of Licensing
Once you have met all the conditions for your suspension (paid fines, completed any required programs, or waited out the suspension period), you must file a formal reinstatement request with the Department of Licensing. You can do this online at dol.wa.gov, by mail, or in person at any licensing office.
The reinstatement request form is called the "process for Reinstatement of Driving Privilege" and is available on the Department of Licensing website. You will need to provide your driver's license number, the reason your license was suspended, and proof that you have met all reinstatement conditions. If you paid fines, bring a copy of the payment receipt or court confirmation. If you completed a substance abuse treatment program or traffic safety course, bring the completion certificate.
Include the reinstatement fee with your request. As of 2024, the fee is $100, though you should confirm the current amount by calling the Department of Licensing or checking their website, as fees can change.
Pay the reinstatement fee
Washington charges a $100 reinstatement fee to restore your driving privilege after a suspension. This fee is separate from any fines or court costs you may have already paid. You can pay the fee when you submit your reinstatement request online, by mail, or in person.
If you are submitting your request by mail, include a check or money order made out to the Department of Licensing. If you are filing online, you can pay by debit card or credit card. If you are going in person to a licensing office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Wait for processing and receive your new license
After you submit your reinstatement request and fee, the Department of Licensing typically processes it within one to two weeks. During this time, your license remains suspended. You can check the status of your request online or by calling 360-902-3900.
Once your reinstatement is approved, the Department of Licensing will mail you a new physical license to the address on file. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary permit at a licensing office. The temporary permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license.
If your reinstatement request is denied, the Department of Licensing will send you a letter explaining why and what additional steps you need to take. Common reasons for denial include unpaid fines still on your record or failure to complete a required program.
Handle suspensions for points or traffic violations
If your license was suspended because you accumulated 12 or more points within a three-year period, the suspension is automatic and lasts a set number of days based on how many points you have. You cannot shorten this suspension period, but once it ends, you can file for reinstatement when ready.
Points suspensions typically last 30 days for a first suspension, 60 days for a second, and 90 days for a third or subsequent suspension within a five-year period. After the suspension period ends, follow the standard reinstatement process: file the reinstatement request, pay the $100 fee, and wait for processing.
If you want to reduce points on your record in the future, you can take a defensive driving course approved by the Department of Licensing. This course can remove up to three points from your record once every five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a suspended license if I have an emergency?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Washington and can result in additional criminal charges, fines up to $1,000, and jail time. If you have a genuine emergency, call 911 or use a taxi, rideshare service, or ask someone else to drive.
What if I cannot pay my fines all at once?
Contact the court that issued your ticket and ask about a payment plan. Most courts will work with you to set up installment payments. Once you have a payment plan in place, ask the court to notify the Department of Licensing so your suspension can be lifted while you pay.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit my request?
The Department of Licensing typically processes reinstatement requests within one to two weeks. Your new license will be mailed to you after approval. If you need to drive before it arrives, request a temporary permit at a licensing office.
Do I have to retake the written or driving test to get my license back?
No. Reinstatement does not require you to retake any tests. You only need to file the reinstatement request, pay the fee, and meet any conditions tied to your specific suspension reason.
What if my license was suspended for a DUI conviction?
DUI suspensions have additional requirements beyond the standard reinstatement process. You must complete an alcohol or drug treatment program, install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, and sometimes complete community service. Contact the Department of Licensing to learn the exact requirements for your case, as they vary based on whether it was a first or repeat offense.