How Washington reinstates a suspended or revoked license
To reinstate your Washington driver's license, you must first contact the Department of Licensing (DOL) to find out why it was suspended or revoked, then complete the specific steps that reason requires. Washington does not have a single reinstatement process — what you do depends on whether you were suspended for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, unpaid court fines, a DUI conviction, medical reasons, or another cause. The DOL will tell you which documents you need, what fees you owe, and whether you must pass a test or meet other conditions before your license can be restored.
You can contact the DOL by phone at 360-902-3900 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time), or visit their website at dol.wa.gov to check your license status online using your driver's license number and date of birth. Many suspensions can be resolved without visiting an office in person, though some require you to appear or submit documents by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to learn the specific reason your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you must take.
- Different suspension reasons require different actions — unpaid tickets, child support, court fines, and DUI convictions each have their own reinstatement path.
- You can check your license status online at dol.wa.gov using your driver's license number and date of birth.
- Most reinstatements require you to pay fees and resolve the underlying reason (such as paying tickets or fines), and some require a written or driving test.
- Processing times vary, but the DOL typically completes reinstatement requests within one to two weeks of receiving all required documents.
Suspension for unpaid traffic tickets or court fines
If your license was suspended because you did not pay a traffic ticket or court fine, you must pay the full amount owed before the DOL will reinstate it. Contact the court that issued the ticket or fine — the court name appears on your citation or court notice — and ask what amount is currently due. Some courts allow payment by phone or online; others require you to pay in person or by mail.
Once you have paid, ask the court for written confirmation of payment. Then contact the DOL and provide that confirmation. The DOL charges a reinstatement fee (the amount varies depending on the reason for suspension, but typically ranges from $75 to $200). You can pay the reinstatement fee by phone, online, or in person at a DOL office. After the DOL receives both the court's confirmation and the reinstatement fee, your license is usually restored within one to two weeks.
Suspension for unpaid child support
If your license was suspended because of unpaid child support, you must contact the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Division of Child Support, not the DOL directly. Call 1-800-457-6202 to speak with your child support case worker. They will tell you the exact amount owed and discuss payment options, which may include a payment plan if you cannot pay the full amount at once.
Once you have made an arrangement with DSHS or paid what is owed, DSHS will notify the DOL that the suspension should be lifted. This process typically takes one to two weeks. You do not need to contact the DOL separately — DSHS handles the communication. If you want to confirm your license status, you can check online at dol.wa.gov or call the DOL at 360-902-3900.
Suspension for DUI or other serious violations
If your license was suspended or revoked because of a DUI conviction, reckless driving, or other serious violation, the reinstatement process is more complex and depends on the specific offense and your driving history. You must wait out a mandatory suspension period (which varies from several months to several years depending on the offense), and you may be required to complete an alcohol or drug treatment program, install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, or pass a written knowledge test and driving test.
Contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to learn your specific requirements and the earliest date you can request reinstatement. The DOL will provide a checklist of what you need to complete. Some requirements, such as treatment programs, must be completed through approved providers — the DOL can direct you to programs in your area. Once you have completed all requirements and paid the reinstatement fee, the DOL will restore your license.
Suspension for medical reasons
If your license was suspended for medical reasons — such as a seizure disorder, vision loss, or other condition that affects your ability to drive safely — you must obtain medical clearance before reinstatement. The DOL will tell you which type of medical professional must evaluate you (usually your primary care doctor or a specialist related to your condition). You will need to have that professional complete a form provided by the DOL and submit it to the DOL.
Once the DOL receives the medical clearance, you may also be required to pass a written test, a vision test, or a driving test to demonstrate that you can drive safely. The DOL will tell you which tests explore to your situation. After you pass any required tests and pay the reinstatement fee, your license will be restored.
What to expect during the reinstatement process
After you have resolved the reason for your suspension and submitted all required documents and fees to the DOL, processing typically takes one to two weeks. You can check the status of your reinstatement request by calling 360-902-3900 or checking your status online at dol.wa.gov. Once your license is reinstated, you will receive a new license card in the mail within one to two weeks, or you can pick it up at a DOL office when ready if you prefer.
If you need to drive before your new license card arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit from the DOL office. Some offices can issue a temporary permit on the spot; others may mail it to you. Call ahead to ask whether your local office offers same-day temporary permits.
Where to find help and resources
The Department of Licensing website at dol.wa.gov has a section dedicated to license suspension and reinstatement. You can find the phone number for your local DOL office, check your license status online, and read forms you may need. If you are struggling to pay fines or child support, ask the court or DSHS about payment plans or hardship waivers — many courts and agencies will work with you if you cannot pay in full when ready.
If you received a DUI or other serious violation, you may also benefit from speaking with a traffic attorney who can review your case and explain your options. Some attorneys offer free initial consultations. The Washington State Bar Association has a lawyer referral service at 206-443-9000 or online at wsba.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until the DOL officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is a crime in Washington and can result in additional fines and criminal charges. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask the DOL about a temporary driving permit.
What if I cannot afford to pay the full amount owed?
Contact the court or agency that is holding the suspension (the court for tickets and fines, DSHS for child support) and ask about a payment plan. Many courts and agencies will allow you to pay in installments. Once you have an agreement in place, let the DOL know — some suspensions can be lifted while you are paying under a plan.
How long does reinstatement take after I submit everything?
The DOL typically processes reinstatement requests within one to two weeks of receiving all required documents and fees. If you have not heard back within two weeks, call 360-902-3900 to check the status of your request.
Do I have to take a driving test to get my license back?
It depends on the reason for suspension. DUI suspensions and medical suspensions often require a test; suspensions for unpaid tickets or fines usually do not. The DOL will tell you whether a test is required when you contact them about reinstatement.
What if my license was suspended in another state but I now live in Washington?
Contact the DOL at 360-902-3900. Washington can reinstate your license if you resolve the out-of-state suspension, but the process depends on what state suspended it and why. The DOL can guide you through the steps.