SR22 State

How to get your license reinstated in Washington

Checked against official Washington sources · Last reviewed October 5, 2026

Getting a suspended Washington license back means meeting every requirement of your suspension, paying the reissue fee, and often having an SR-22 filed. The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) handles reinstatement, and you reinstate your license by logging in to its License eXpress online service. [1][2]

SR-22 required?
Yes
Base reinstatement fee
$75
Keep SR-22 for
3 years

Step by step

  1. Check your status and requirements

    Check your driver license status online through DOL. DOL also has a page for each type of suspension, so you can see what yours requires. [2][3]

    Suspended driver license ↗

  2. Ask about a restricted license while suspended

    An Occupational/Restricted License (ORL) costs $100 and requires proof of financial responsibility, such as an SR-22, but it isn't available for DUI or physical control suspensions. An Ignition Interlock License (IIL) also costs $100 and lets you drive a vehicle with an interlock device after a DUI, physical control, reckless driving, or alcohol- or drug-related vehicular assault or homicide. [4][5][6]

    Occupational/Restricted Driver License ↗

  3. Have your insurer file an SR-22, if required

    Your insurer files the SR-22 with DOL online or by fax. A certificate of deposit or liability bond of at least $60,000 also counts. In most cases you keep the proof for 3 years from the date you're eligible to reinstate, and DOL takes 7-10 business days to process it. [1]

  4. Pay the reissue fee

    The reissue fee is $75 after a suspension or revocation that wasn't alcohol-related, or $170 if it was. Other fees may also apply. You reinstate your license through License eXpress. [2][6]

    Suspended driver license ↗

  5. Keep your SR-22 insurance in force

    If your insurer tells DOL your SR-22 insurance was canceled, DOL suspends your license again. The suspension lasts until your insurer reports that you're back in compliance. [7]

  6. Confirm your status before you drive

    Check your license status online again to make sure your license is valid before you get behind the wheel. [2]

    Suspended driver license ↗

After a DUI arrest or conviction

  1. Request a hearing within 7 days, if you want one

    You have 7 days from your arrest to request a hearing to contest the suspension. You can ask online or by mail. The fee is $375, which may be waived if you are found indigent and your income is below the poverty threshold. [3][6][8]

    Requesting and preparing for a driver hearing ↗

  2. Know when your suspension starts

    A suspension after a DUI arrest starts 30 days after the arrest. A suspension after a conviction starts 45 days after DOL gets notice of the conviction from the court. [3]

  3. Get an alcohol/drug assessment

    If you're convicted of an alcohol- or drug-related offense, you need an Alcohol/Drug Assessment/Treatment Report from a Washington state certified agency. [3]

  4. Plan for the higher fee and an SR-22

    The reissue fee is $170 after an alcohol-related suspension. DUI suspensions also require proof of financial responsibility, usually an SR-22, which can be released after 3 years. [1][6][9]

Not legal advice. Rules change; confirm your own requirements with Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) before you drive.

SR-22 rules in Washington · If your SR-22 lapses · Reinstatement in other states

Sources

  1. Washington DOL - Financial responsibility (SR-22) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  2. Washington DOL - Suspended driver license (check status, reinstate through License eXpress) (official agency page, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
  3. Washington DOL - DUI (Driving under the influence) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  4. Washington DOL - Occupational/Restricted Driver License (ORL) (official agency page, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
  5. Washington DOL - Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  6. Washington DOL - Driver licensing fees (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  7. Washington DOL - Canceled insurance (suspension type) (official agency page, accessed Oct 5, 2026)
  8. Washington DOL - Requesting and preparing for a driver hearing (official agency page, accessed Oct 6, 2026)
  9. RCW 46.20.311 - Duration of license sanctions - Reissuance or renewal (statute, accessed Oct 5, 2026)

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