How to reinstate your Washington driver's license after suspension or revocation
To reinstate your Washington driver's license, you must contact the Department of Licensing (DOL), pay any required fees, and meet the conditions that caused the suspension or revocation in the first place. The process and cost depend on why your license was suspended — whether for unpaid traffic tickets, DUI conviction, failure to appear in court, or another reason. Most people can start the reinstatement process online or by phone, but some situations require an in-person visit or additional steps like completing a safety course.
The first step is always to find out the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked. DOL will not reinstate it until that underlying issue is resolved. For example, if your license was suspended because of unpaid fines, you must pay those fines first. If it was suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete an alcohol education program and install an ignition interlock device.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Washington Department of Licensing by phone at 360-902-3900 or online at dol.wa.gov to learn why your license was suspended or revoked.
- You must resolve the underlying reason for suspension — such as paying fines, completing a safety course, or installing an ignition interlock device — before reinstatement is possible.
- Reinstatement fees range from $100 to $200 depending on the reason for suspension, and you pay this fee when you request reinstatement.
- Some reinstatements can be completed by mail or online, while others require an appointment at a DOL office.
Determine why your license was suspended or revoked
Call the Washington Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time) and provide your driver's license number. The representative will tell you the exact reason for the suspension and what you must do to resolve it. Write down the reason and any specific requirements — this information is essential for the next steps.
You can also check your license status online through the DOL website at dol.wa.gov. Look for the "Check Your License Status" tool, which will show whether your license is suspended or revoked and sometimes provide basic information about why. However, calling is faster if you need detailed instructions on what to do next.
Common reasons for suspension and what you must do
If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered restitution, you must pay the full amount owed to the court or collection agency that issued the citation. Contact the court listed on your ticket or citation to confirm the exact amount and payment method. Once paid, the court notifies DOL automatically, though this can take several business days.
If your license was suspended for failure to appear in court, you must resolve the underlying case by appearing in court or working with an attorney. The court will notify DOL once the case is resolved. If your license was suspended for a DUI conviction, you must complete a Department of Health-approved alcohol education program (usually 12 to 16 hours of instruction) and may need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for a set period. Some suspensions are also tied to child support arrears — in that case, you must bring your child support account current.
Pay the reinstatement fee
Once you have resolved the underlying reason for suspension, you must pay a reinstatement fee to DOL. The fee is typically $100 to $200, depending on the reason for suspension. You can pay by phone, mail, or in person at a DOL office. When you call 360-902-3900 to pay, have your driver's license number ready and ask which payment methods they accept.
If you are paying by mail, send a check or money order to the address DOL provides, along with a letter stating your name, driver's license number, and the reason you are requesting reinstatement. Keep a copy of your payment for your records. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks after DOL receives your payment.
Complete the reinstatement request
After you have paid the fee and resolved the underlying issue, submit your reinstatement request. For most suspensions, you can do this online at dol.wa.gov or by calling 360-902-3900. Have your driver's license number and the confirmation number from your fee payment ready. DOL will process your request and mail you a new license or a temporary driving permit within one to two weeks.
Some situations require an in-person appointment at a DOL office. If you suspended your license due to a medical condition, failed a vision test, or need to take a new written or driving test, you will need to schedule an appointment. You can book an appointment online at dol.wa.gov or by calling 360-902-3900. Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any required medical documentation or test results.
What to expect after you submit your reinstatement request
DOL will send you a confirmation letter within a few business days of receiving your reinstatement request. This letter confirms that your license has been reinstated and provides the date it becomes effective. If you need to drive before your new physical license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at the same time you request reinstatement — this permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait for your new license.
Your new license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you do not receive it within three weeks, call DOL to confirm it was mailed. Keep your temporary permit until the new license arrives. Once your new license is in hand, you can discard the temporary permit.
Special situations: Ignition interlock and restricted licenses
If your suspension was related to a DUI or refusal to take a breath test, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle before your license can be reinstated. An IID prevents your vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. You must have the device installed by a certified vendor, and the installation typically costs $100 to $200. DOL will provide you with a list of certified vendors in your area.
You may also be offered a restricted license, which allows you to drive to work, school, medical appointments, or alcohol education classes while your full license is suspended. A restricted license requires an IID and costs an additional fee. Ask DOL whether a restricted license is an option for your situation — it can allow you to drive legally during the suspension period rather than waiting for full reinstatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take?
Once you have resolved the underlying reason for suspension and paid the reinstatement fee, DOL typically processes your request within one to two weeks. Your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks after that. If you need to drive when ready, request a temporary driving permit at the same time — it is valid for 30 days.
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
Not with your suspended license. However, you can request a temporary driving permit valid for 30 days when you submit your reinstatement request. This permit allows you to drive legally while you wait for your new license to arrive by mail.
What if I cannot afford the reinstatement fee?
Contact DOL at 360-902-3900 to ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some situations may may have access to for a reduced fee or the ability to pay in installments. You must still resolve the underlying reason for suspension — the fee waiver only applies to the reinstatement fee itself.
Do I need to take a new driving test to get my license back?
Not in most cases. If your suspension was for unpaid fines or failure to appear, you do not need to retake the test. However, if your suspension was medical-related, you failed a vision test, or you were convicted of reckless driving, DOL may require a new written or driving test before reinstatement.
What if my license was revoked instead of suspended?
Revocation is permanent and more serious than suspension. You cannot straightforward reinstate a revoked license — you must reapply for a new license from scratch, which includes passing the written test and driving test. Contact DOL to learn whether you are may be able to access to reapply and when you can do so.