What you pay to reinstate a suspended or revoked Washington driver's license
Washington charges a reinstatement fee to restore a suspended or revoked driver's license, separate from any other fines or penalties you may owe. The fee itself is $200 for most suspensions. However, you cannot reinstate your license by paying the fee alone — you must also clear the underlying reason for the suspension, which might mean paying traffic fines, proof of insurance, or completing a required program.
The reinstatement fee goes to the Department of Licensing (DOL). It is not refundable, even if your reinstatement is later denied. You pay it as part of the reinstatement process, not before you start it.
Key Takeaways
- Washington's reinstatement fee is $200 for most suspensions, paid directly to the Department of Licensing.
- Paying the fee alone does not reinstate your license — you must also resolve the reason for the suspension, such as unpaid fines or proof of insurance.
- The fee is non-refundable and must be paid as part of the formal reinstatement request, not in advance.
- Some suspensions have additional requirements beyond the fee, such as completing a defensive driving course or an alcohol assessment.
- You can check your suspension reason and reinstatement requirements through the DOL website or by calling their customer service line.
Why your license was suspended and what that means for reinstatement
Washington suspends licenses for different reasons, and the reason determines what you must do before you can pay the reinstatement fee. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, driving with a suspended license, no proof of insurance, and DUI-related violations.
For example, if your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine, you must pay that fine before the DOL will accept your reinstatement request. If it was suspended for no insurance, you must provide proof of current coverage. If it was suspended for a DUI, you may need to complete an alcohol assessment and install an ignition interlock device before reinstatement is even possible.
The DOL website lists your suspension reason under your driver's license record. You can also call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to ask what you owe and what steps are required before you can reinstate.
How to request reinstatement and pay the fee
You request reinstatement through the Department of Licensing, either online, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. The online option is fastest if your suspension reason allows it — not all do. DUI-related suspensions and some criminal suspensions must be handled by mail or in person.
To reinstate online, log into your DOL account, select the reinstatement option, confirm that you have met all requirements (paid fines, obtained insurance, completed programs), and pay the $200 fee by credit card or debit card. The fee is processed when ready. If your reinstatement is approved, you will receive a new license by mail within one to two weeks.
If you cannot reinstate online, read the process for Reinstatement of Driving Privileges (form DL 261) from the DOL website, fill it out, and mail it with proof that you have met all suspension requirements and a check or money order for $200 to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes two to four weeks.
In-person reinstatement at a DOL office is also available. Bring your ID, proof of meeting all requirements, and payment for the $200 fee. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
What happens if you have multiple suspensions or owe more than one fee
If your license has been suspended more than once, you may owe multiple $200 reinstatement fees — one for each separate suspension. You must pay all of them before your license can be restored. The DOL will tell you the total amount owed when you check your record or call customer service.
Additionally, if you have unpaid fines, court costs, or other financial obligations tied to your suspensions, those must be paid separately from the reinstatement fee. The reinstatement fee covers only the administrative cost of processing your request; it does not pay down any underlying debt.
Some people find themselves unable to pay multiple fees at once. Washington does not offer a payment plan for reinstatement fees themselves, but you may be able to work with the court or the agency that imposed the fine to set up a payment arrangement for the underlying debt. Contact the court or the agency listed on your citation to ask about options.
Suspensions that require more than just the fee
Certain suspension types require you to complete additional steps before the $200 fee will be accepted. A DUI-related suspension, for instance, requires an alcohol assessment and often an ignition interlock device installation before reinstatement is possible. A suspension for reckless driving may require a defensive driving course. A suspension for driving with a suspended license may require proof of insurance and completion of a traffic safety course.
The DOL will list these requirements when you check your suspension reason. Some requirements take weeks to complete — an alcohol assessment appointment may not be available for 10 to 14 days, and an ignition interlock installation can take several days to schedule. Plan ahead and start these steps as soon as you know your suspension reason.
If you are unsure whether your suspension type requires additional steps, call the DOL at 360-902-3900 or visit a DOL office. Do not assume the fee alone is sufficient.
Reinstating a license suspended for unpaid fines or court costs
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic fine or court-ordered cost, you must pay that amount before the DOL will process your reinstatement request. The fine and the reinstatement fee are separate — you owe both.
You can pay the fine directly to the court that issued it. Most Washington courts accept payment by phone, online, or in person. The court's website or your citation will show the payment methods available. Once the court confirms payment, the suspension is lifted automatically in most cases, and you can then pay the $200 reinstatement fee to the DOL if needed.
In some cases, the court will notify the DOL directly that the fine has been paid, and your license will be reinstated without you having to submit a separate reinstatement request. Check with the court to confirm whether you need to take any additional step with the DOL.
Reinstating a license suspended for no proof of insurance
A suspension for no proof of insurance requires you to show the DOL that you now carry valid coverage before reinstatement is possible. You will need a current insurance card or a letter from your insurance company confirming that you are insured.
Once you have obtained insurance, you can submit your proof to the DOL along with your reinstatement request and the $200 fee. You can do this online if your DOL account allows it, or by mail or in person. The DOL will verify your insurance information and, if everything is in order, process your reinstatement.
Some insurance companies can send proof of coverage directly to the DOL on your behalf. Ask your insurer whether they offer this service — it can speed up the reinstatement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DOL approves your reinstatement and issues a new license. Driving during this time is illegal and can result in additional charges. Wait for your new license to arrive in the mail or be issued at the DOL office before you drive.
What if I cannot afford the $200 reinstatement fee right now?
Washington does not offer a payment plan for the reinstatement fee itself. However, if you owe unpaid fines or court costs that led to the suspension, you may be able to set up a payment plan with the court. Contact the court listed on your citation to ask about options. Once you pay the underlying debt, you will still need to pay the $200 reinstatement fee to the DOL.
Do I get the reinstatement fee back if my request is denied?
No. The reinstatement fee is non-refundable. If your request is denied, you will not get the $200 back. The DOL will tell you why the request was denied and what additional steps you need to take before you can try again.
How long does it take to get my license back after I pay the reinstatement fee?
If you reinstate online and are approved when ready, your new license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. If you reinstate by mail, processing takes two to four weeks, plus one to two weeks for the license to arrive. In-person reinstatement at a DOL office is fastest — you may receive a temporary license the same day.
What if my suspension was for a DUI — is the reinstatement fee the same?
The reinstatement fee is still $200, but DUI suspensions require additional steps before you can reinstate. You must complete an alcohol assessment, and you may need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. These requirements must be met before the DOL will accept your reinstatement request. The assessment and device installation are separate costs not included in the $200 fee.