How to Get Your License Back After a DUI in Washington

Under Washington Revised Code (RCW) § 46.61.502, a person commits a DUI violation (Driving Under the Influence) by operating a vehicle within the state while impaired by intoxicating liquor, cannabis, or any drug or having a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.08 or higher within 2 hours after driving.

A Washington DUI violation is a gross misdemeanor that triggers an automatic license suspension by the Washington State Department of Licensing. Additionally, beyond fines and potential jail time, the loss of driving privileges may result in significant practical challenges, such as employment impacts on jobs requiring a driving license, inability to participate in social activities, and difficulty with identification (a driver's license is a legal identification document).

Step 1: Know the Terms of Your Suspension

There are two separate suspensions relating to DUI violations in Washington. These are:

• Administrative suspension by the Washington State Department of Licensing
• Court-ordered suspension for criminal conviction.

In Washington, the suspension timeline for DUI depends on the circumstances surrounding the violation. The table below outlines the various categories of DUI offenses in Washington, including the types and duration of suspensions.

Administrative License Suspension by the Washington State Department of Licensing

Post-conviction Suspension

Washington State has zero tolerance for underage DUI. A BAC of 0.02% to 0.07% for drivers under 21 years is a misdemeanor that may result in 90 days in jail, a $1,000.00 fine, and a 60 to 180-day license suspension.

In Washington, there is no fixed timeline for applying for an Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) or an Occupational/Restricted Driver License (ORL); offenders may apply immediately. However, it may take 7 to 10 business days for the DOL to act on the application after receiving the necessary documents.

Step 2: Fulfill Court and DMV Requirements

A DMV administrative suspension and a court-imposed revocation are two distinct actions. In Washington, the Department of Licensing will impose an automatic license suspension on drivers if they fail a DUI test or refuse to take one. This action is separate from other penalties that may result from criminal trials. On the other hand, a court-ordered license revocation results from criminal convictions for a DUI violation. Beyond suspension, Washington courts may impose fines, community service, mandatory DUI education programs, and jail time as part of criminal convictions for DUI offenses.

Although both the DOL and the court-ordered suspension are separate, they run concurrently, and offenders do not have to serve them back-to-back.

Step 3: Complete a DUI Education or Treatment Program

There are three categories of DUI programs available in Washington State. These are:

• Level I – Alcohol & Drug Information School
• Level II – Outpatient Counseling (Risk Reduction)
• Level III – Intensive Outpatient / Treatment.

The courts mandate these programs, and the Department of Licensing (DOL) requires their completion through state-certified providers for license reinstatement.

The table below outlines the duration, enrollment methods, and average costs of DUI programs in Washington State.

Note that without receiving and submitting the certificates of completion for these programs, the DOL will not reinstate licenses even after their suspension periods.

Step 4: Get SR-22 Insurance or Equivalent

An SR-22 certificate is a document insurers file with the Washington State Department of Licensing, showing that a named driver has the minimum auto coverage required by law. Washington requires SR-22 certificates for high-risk drivers, including those:

• Guilty of reckless driving or DUI violations
• Driving without insurance
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license.

Not all insurance companies offer SR-22 coverage. Hence, interested individuals should inquire if their local insurers offer SR-22 coverage and modify their car policies to include it. Individuals who do not own personal vehicles may opt for a non-owner SR-22 policy.

Applicants should expect a one-time filing fee of $15.00 to $50.00. Additionally, car insurance premiums could jump from about $300.00 to over $800.00. High-risk drivers may witness a 20% to 70% increase in yearly auto insurance premiums.

In Washington, DUI offenders typically must maintain a 3-year SR-22 coverage after reinstatement. Failure to do this will result in license re-suspension.

Step 5: Pay Reinstatement Fees

The fees to reinstate a license in Washington State after a DUI suspension depend on the nature of the offense. In Washington State, depending on the circumstances surrounding the suspension, the Department of Licensing may charge any or a combination of the following fees:

• $100.00 for alcohol-related DUI suspension
• $75.00 for non-alcohol incidents
• $100.00 fee for Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) application
• $100.00 for Occupational/Restricted License (ORL) application
• $375.00 DUI hearing request fee
• $50.00 for Probationary license after DUI or deferred prosecution.

The Washington State Department of Licensing accepts credit/debit cards and checking account payments through the SecureAccess Washington (SAW) payment portal. Applicants may also pay by cash or check at the DOL offices.

Step 6: Submit Your License Reinstatement Application

Individuals applying for driver's license reinstatement may do so online, by mail, or by visiting the Washington State DOL offices. For online submission, applicants should register and log in to the Washington State Department of Licensing License Express Portal. Alternatively, mail the documents and applicable payments (checks and cashier's checks) to:

Department of Licensing
P.O. Box 9030
Olympia,
WA 98507-9030.

For walk-in submission of a license reinstatement application in Washington State, identify the nearest DOL driver licensing office through the Office Local App.

To view the license reinstatement checklist, visit the DOL Suspended License Webpage.

What If You Are Denied License Reinstatement in Washington?

There are several reasons the Washington State Department of Licensing may deny an application for reinstatement of a license. The DOL may deny a reinstatement request if:

• The applicant did not meet the requirements for reinstatement
• The offender has multiple active suspensions
• The application did not include the complete or correct documents for reinstatement
• The applicant has pending court actions, or a court issues a new suspension.

If the DOL denies an application for reinstatement of a license, the petitioner should:

• Request an administrative review or hearing to evaluate if the decision is lawful
• Contact the court or the DOL to identify the causes of the denial and fix them
• Reapply for reinstatement immediately (there is no mandatory waiting period) unless the denial is due to a new suspension or revocation.

Hardship Licenses: Driving with Limited Privileges

Hardship or restricted licenses permit drivers to drive legally while serving a license suspension. Washington State's Ignition Interlock Driver's License (IIL) is a version of a hardship license.

However, unlike in most states, the IIL allows 24/7 driving for any reason and to any location, as long as the offender installs an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on the vehicle and complies with all IID requirements (this makes the IIL less restrictive than other hardship licenses). Washington State's IIL applies to drivers under license suspension due to arrest or conviction for:

• DUI violation
• Reckless driving
• Vehicular assault involving alcohol
• Vehicular homicide involving drugs.

Additionally, an applicant typically must have an unexpired Washington or a valid out-of-state driver's license. Furthermore, suspensions due to habitual traffic offenses and those relating to minors in possession are not eligible for IIL.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your License Back After a DUI?

The time it takes to reinstate a license after a suspension in Washington State depends on the length of the suspension, the offender's history, and how quickly the offender meets the requirements. The table below outlines the timeframe for reinstatement of licenses in Washington State.