What you need to do to get your license back
Reinstating a suspended driver's license in Washington State requires you to contact the Department of Licensing (DOL), resolve the reason for the suspension, and pay a reinstatement fee. The specific steps depend on why your license was suspended — whether it was for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, a DUI conviction, or another violation. Washington does not automatically restore your driving privileges once the suspension period ends; you must take action to request reinstatement.
The reinstatement process typically takes two to four weeks after you submit your request and meet all requirements. Some suspensions can be lifted when ready if you pay outstanding fines or fees, while others require you to complete court-ordered programs or wait out a mandatory suspension period before you can even request reinstatement.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Washington Department of Licensing to find out the exact reason your license was suspended and what you must do to resolve it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay a reinstatement fee of $100 to $200, plus any outstanding fines, tickets, or child support owed.
- Some suspensions require completion of a program (such as a DUI education course) or a waiting period before you can request reinstatement.
- You can request reinstatement by mail, online through the DOL website, or in person at a DOL office once all requirements are met.
- Your license will not be automatically restored when a suspension period ends — you must submit a reinstatement request yourself.
Finding out why your license was suspended
The Washington Department of Licensing suspends licenses for different reasons, and each has its own reinstatement path. Common reasons include failure to pay traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, a DUI or reckless driving conviction, accumulation of too many points from traffic violations, or failure to maintain insurance.
To find out which reason applies to you, contact the DOL's Customer Service Center at 360-902-3900 or visit the DOL website and use their license status lookup tool. You will need your driver's license number or Social Security number. The DOL representative can tell you the suspension type, when it began, and what specific actions you must take before reinstatement is possible.
Write down or print the exact requirements the DOL gives you. Different suspension types have different reinstatement procedures, and missing a step will delay your request.
Resolving the underlying reason for suspension
Before you can request reinstatement, you must address whatever caused the suspension in the first place. If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, you must pay those fines to the court that issued the ticket. If it was suspended for unpaid child support, you must contact the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) or the court handling your case to arrange payment or a payment plan.
For DUI-related suspensions, you may need to complete a substance abuse assessment and enroll in an approved treatment or education program. The court or DOL will specify which program and how long it takes. Some DUI suspensions also include a mandatory waiting period — typically 90 days to one year depending on whether it was a first or repeat offense — during which you cannot drive at all, even with a restricted license.
If your suspension is due to accumulation of traffic violation points, you may be able to request reinstatement once the suspension period has passed, but you still must pay the reinstatement fee. If it is due to failure to maintain insurance, you must provide proof of current insurance coverage before reinstatement.
Paying the reinstatement fee and any outstanding amounts
Washington charges a reinstatement fee that ranges from $100 to $200, depending on the type of suspension. This fee is separate from any fines, tickets, or child support you owe. You must pay both the reinstatement fee and any outstanding amounts owed before the DOL will process your request.
You can pay by mail, online through the DOL website, or in person at a DOL office. If you are paying multiple debts (fines to a court, child support to DSHS, and the reinstatement fee to DOL), each agency may require separate payment. Ask each one which payment methods they accept and where to send or submit payment.
Keep receipts or confirmation numbers for all payments. When you submit your reinstatement request, you may need to provide proof that you have paid everything owed.
Submitting your reinstatement request
Once you have resolved the reason for suspension and paid all required fees and fines, you can request reinstatement. The DOL offers three ways to submit your request: by mail, online, or in person at a DOL office.
Online reinstatement is the fastest option if your suspension qualifies. Visit the DOL website, navigate to the reinstatement section, and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, and proof of payment for any fees owed. Online requests are typically processed within one to two weeks.
Mail reinstatement requires you to send a written request to the DOL along with copies of payment receipts and any required documentation (such as proof of insurance or program completion). Mail the request to the address provided by the DOL Customer Service Center. Processing time is typically two to four weeks.
In-person reinstatement at a DOL office allows you to submit your request and receive when ready feedback on whether all requirements are met. Bring your driver's license, proof of payment, and any other documents the DOL specified. You will still need to wait for the DOL to process the request, but staff can confirm on the spot that your paperwork is complete.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
After the DOL receives your reinstatement request, they will review it to confirm that all requirements have been met. If everything is in order, your license will be reinstated and you will receive a notice by mail. If something is missing or incomplete, the DOL will contact you to explain what else is needed.
During the processing period, you cannot legally drive. Driving with a suspended license is a criminal offense in Washington and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you need to drive before your license is reinstated, you may be able to request a temporary restricted license or hardship license, depending on the reason for your suspension. Ask the DOL whether this option is available for your situation.
Once your license is reinstated, you will be able to drive normally. However, if you were suspended for traffic violations, your driving record will still reflect those violations, and your insurance rates may be affected.
Restricted licenses and hardship licenses
In some cases, you may be able to drive for work or medical purposes while your license is suspended, using a restricted license or hardship license. Availability depends on the reason for your suspension. For example, if your license was suspended for unpaid child support, you may be able to get a restricted license that allows you to drive to and from work. If it was suspended for a DUI, a hardship license may be available after a waiting period and completion of required programs.
To request a restricted or hardship license, contact the DOL and ask whether your suspension type qualifies. If it does, you will need to submit an process, pay a fee, and provide documentation of your need to drive (such as a letter from your employer or proof of a medical appointment). Processing typically takes one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate my license?
Processing time is typically one to four weeks after you submit your request, depending on whether you explore online, by mail, or in person. Online requests are usually the fastest. The time does not include any waiting periods required before you are allowed to request reinstatement (such as a mandatory suspension period for a DUI).
What if I cannot pay all the fines and fees at once?
Contact the court that issued your ticket or the agency that is owed money (such as DSHS for child support) and ask about payment plans. Many courts and agencies will allow you to pay in installments. Once you have a payment plan in place, ask whether you can request reinstatement while making payments, or whether you must pay in full first.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DOL officially reinstates it. Driving during this time is illegal. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask the DOL whether a restricted or hardship license is available for your suspension type.
What if my reinstatement request is denied?
The DOL will explain in writing why your request was denied and what additional steps you need to take. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, unpaid fines, or failure to complete a required program. Contact the DOL to clarify what is needed and resubmit your request once you have addressed the issue.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
No. The reinstatement process is straightforward and you can handle it yourself by contacting the DOL and following their instructions. However, if your suspension is related to a criminal case (such as a DUI) or a complex legal matter, you may want to consult with an attorney to understand your options.