What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended license in Washington State, you must first contact the Department of Licensing (DOL) to find out why your license was suspended and what specific steps are required. The reason for suspension — unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical reasons, or a DUI conviction — determines what you have to do next. Most suspensions require you to pay outstanding fines or fees, resolve the underlying legal issue, and then submit a reinstatement request to DOL.
Washington does not have a single reinstatement process that works for every suspension. A suspension tied to unpaid tickets requires different steps than one tied to a DUI or a medical hold. Calling DOL's licensing section at 360-902-3900 is the fastest way to learn exactly what your suspension requires. Have your driver's license number ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to learn the specific reason your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it.
- Most suspensions require you to pay fines, resolve court issues, or complete a required program before DOL will consider reinstatement.
- You will need to submit a reinstatement request to DOL, either online through their website or by mail, along with proof that you have met all requirements.
- Processing time varies, but reinstatement typically takes two to four weeks after DOL receives your complete request.
- Some suspensions require you to carry an SR-22 insurance certificate or install an ignition interlock device before you can drive again.
Finding out why your license was suspended
Washington suspends licenses for different reasons, and each one has its own reinstatement path. The most common causes are unpaid traffic fines or court-ordered restitution, failure to appear in court, a DUI or reckless driving conviction, medical reasons (such as a seizure or loss of consciousness), and failure to maintain auto insurance. Some suspensions are temporary — they lift automatically after a set period — while others stay in place until you take action.
Call DOL at 360-902-3900 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time) and tell them you need to know the reason for your suspension. They will tell you the suspension type, the date it began, and whether it is still active. Write down everything they tell you, including any case numbers or court information. If you cannot reach DOL by phone, you can also check your suspension status online through the DOL website by entering your driver's license number.
Paying fines and resolving court issues
If your suspension is tied to unpaid traffic fines, you must pay the full amount owed before DOL will reinstate your license. Contact the court that issued the ticket — the ticket itself lists the court name and phone number. The court can tell you the exact amount due, whether payment plans are available, and where to send payment. Some courts accept payment by phone, online, or by mail.
If your suspension is tied to failure to appear in court, you will need to contact the court to reschedule your appearance or resolve the case. Failure to appear suspensions often cannot be lifted until the court case is resolved. Once you have paid fines or resolved the court matter, ask the court or the agency that reported the suspension to notify DOL. Some courts do this automatically, but others require you to request it in writing.
DUI and reckless driving suspensions
A suspension following a DUI or reckless driving conviction has additional requirements beyond paying fines. You must complete a substance abuse assessment and any treatment or education program that the assessment recommends. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle — a device that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.
The court or DOL will tell you which programs you must complete and where to find them. Once you have finished all required programs and paid all fines, you can request reinstatement from DOL. If an IID is required, you must have it installed before you can drive, and you will need to provide DOL with proof of installation. The IID requirement typically lasts between six months and three years, depending on the offense.
Medical suspensions and how to clear them
Washington suspends licenses for medical reasons when a doctor reports a condition that may affect driving safety, or when you have a seizure, loss of consciousness, or similar event. To reinstate after a medical suspension, you must provide DOL with a medical evaluation from a licensed physician stating that you are safe to drive. The doctor's letter must address the specific condition that led to the suspension.
You do not need to see a DOL-approved doctor — any licensed physician in Washington can provide the evaluation. Once you have the letter, submit it to DOL along with your reinstatement request. DOL may require additional medical information or testing depending on the condition. Processing medical reinstatements can take longer than other types because DOL reviews the medical documentation carefully.
Submitting your reinstatement request
After you have met all the requirements for your suspension type, you can request reinstatement from DOL. You can submit your request online through the DOL website, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. Online submission is fastest — you will upload proof that you have met all requirements (paid fines, completed programs, medical clearance, or court resolution) and pay the reinstatement fee.
The reinstatement fee in Washington is $100 for most suspensions, though some suspension types have different fees. If you submit by mail, send your request and supporting documents to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Include a copy of your driver's license or ID, proof of payment or program completion, and a check or money order for the reinstatement fee. Mail processing takes longer than online submission — typically two to three weeks for DOL to receive and process your request.
What happens after you submit your request
Once DOL receives your complete reinstatement request, they will review it to confirm that you have met all requirements. If everything is in order, your license will be reinstated and you will receive a new license in the mail within one to two weeks. If DOL finds that your request is incomplete or that you have not met all requirements, they will contact you to explain what is missing.
Do not drive until your license has been officially reinstated. Driving on a suspended license is a crime in Washington and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension. If you are unsure whether your reinstatement has been processed, call DOL again at 360-902-3900 and provide your case number or driver's license number.
SR-22 insurance and other ongoing requirements
Some suspensions require you to carry an SR-22 certificate — proof of financial responsibility — for a set period after reinstatement. This is most common after a DUI conviction or multiple traffic violations. An SR-22 is not a type of insurance; it is a form your insurance company files with DOL to prove you have coverage. You must contact an insurance agent and ask them to file an SR-22 on your behalf. The filing fee is typically $15 to $25.
If an ignition interlock device is required, you must have it installed before you can drive and must maintain it for the entire required period. You will need to visit a service center monthly for breath tests and device maintenance. Failure to maintain the device or testing positive for alcohol will result in another suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get my license back after I submit my reinstatement request?
Processing time depends on how you submit your request. Online submission typically takes one to two weeks. Mail submission takes two to three weeks for DOL to receive your request, plus one to two weeks to process it. You will receive your new license in the mail once reinstatement is approved.
Can I drive while my reinstatement request is being processed?
No. Your license remains suspended until DOL officially reinstates it. Driving on a suspended license is illegal and can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and a longer suspension. Wait until you receive your new license in the mail before driving.
What if I cannot afford to pay my fines all at once?
Contact the court that issued the ticket and ask about payment plans. Many courts allow you to pay fines in installments over several months. Once you have set up a payment plan, ask the court to notify DOL so your suspension can be lifted while you pay. Some courts will do this automatically; others require a written request.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
You do not need a lawyer for most reinstatements. However, if your suspension is tied to a court case you do not understand, or if you have multiple suspensions, speaking with a lawyer may help you understand your options. Many legal aid organizations in Washington offer free or low-cost help to people who cannot afford a lawyer.
What if my suspension was for a medical reason and I have recovered?
You will need a letter from a licensed physician stating that you are medically safe to drive. The letter should address the specific condition that led to the suspension. Submit this letter to DOL along with your reinstatement request and the reinstatement fee. DOL will review the medical information and make a decision.