How to get your license back after a DUI in Washington
Getting a license back after a DUI is an agency process, not a court one: the steps below are the ones the Washington State Department of Licensing lists, in its order, each quoted from the agency's own page. Requirements differ by offense, blood-alcohol level, refusal, and prior record; the state's wording controls.
Steps the state lists
- 1
Serve the suspension or revocation period
DOL states there are two separate DUI actions: an arrest-based suspension of 90 days to 2 years beginning 30 days after arrest (unless a hearing is requested within 7 days and decided in the driver's favor), and a conviction-based suspension of 90 days to 4 years beginning 45 days after DOL receives the court's notice, with credit for suspension time already served for the same incident. DOL states the way to reinstate depends on blood alcohol content and prior DUI incidents and refers drivers to the suspension letter it sends.
What the source says
“If you're convicted of DUI in court: We may suspend your driver license for 90 days to 4 years, depending on prior offenses and the severity of the incident. The suspension will begin 45 days after we receive notice from the court showing you were convicted.”
- 2
Pay the reissue (reinstatement) fee
DOL lists 'A paid fee for the same incident' among the requirements it must receive. Under RCW 46.20.311(2)(b)(ii), if the revocation results from a violation of RCW 46.20.308, 46.61.502 or 46.61.504 the reissue fee is $170 (RCW 46.20.311(4) waives an additional reissue fee where full day-for-day credit applies to an additional restriction from the same incident). DOL states reinstatement is done by logging into License Express.
What the source says
“Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, if the revocation is the result of a violation of RCW 46.20.308 , 46.61.502 , or 46.61.504 , the reissue fee shall be $170.”
- 3
Install an ignition interlock device and have the vendor report installation
DOL lists 'The ignition interlock installation compliance' among the requirements and states the driver finds a manufacturer with an approved device on the Washington State Patrol website, has the approved manufacturer install it, and the vendor submits proof of installation to DOL. Under RCW 46.20.311(2)(b)(ii), where RCW 46.20.720 requires an interlock, DOL determines licensing eligibility on written verification from the installing company.
What the source says
“Find IID manufacturers with approved devices by visiting the Washington State Patrol's website. Have an approved IID manufacturer install the device. Once your IID is installed, your IID vendor will submit proof of installation to us”
- 4
Submit the Alcohol/Drug Assessment/Treatment Report
DOL lists 'The alcohol assessment and treatment report requirements compliance' and states that a person convicted of a drug and/or alcohol related offense must get an Alcohol/Drug Assessment/Treatment Report from a Washington state certified agency; if there are no substance abuse or dependence concerns, a one-day class from a certified agency is required. The certified counselor submits the form electronically. Under RCW 46.20.311(2)(b)(ii), for a nonfelony DUI revocation DOL denies reissuance until enrollment and participation in an approved program is established.
What the source says
“When you're convicted of a drug and/or alcohol related offense, you're required to get an Alcohol/Drug Assessment/Treatment Report from a Washington state certified agency.”
- 5
File proof of financial responsibility (SR-22), if applicable
DOL lists 'Financial responsibility compliance, if applicable.' Under RCW 46.20.311(2)(c), after a revocation DOL will not issue a new license until the person gives and thereafter maintains proof of financial responsibility for the future under chapter 46.29 RCW; DOL's IIL page describes this as a Certificate of Insurance (SR-22) obtained through an insurance agent.
What the source says
“the department shall not then issue a new license ... until the person gives and thereafter maintains proof of financial responsibility for the future as provided in chapter 46.29 RCW.”
- 6
Keep the interlock installed for the post-conviction restriction period
DOL states a DUI or Physical Control conviction or deferred prosecution requires an IID for at least 1 year (first offense), at least 5 years (second) or at least 10 years (third or subsequent), with day-for-day credit for each day a device is installed and tolling that stops if the device is removed or non-compliant; removing the device before the period ends results in license suspension and possibly restarting the compliance period.
What the source says
“A conviction of and/or granting of deferred prosecution for a DUI or Physical Control of a motor vehicle. 1st offense: At least 1 year. 2nd offense: At least 5 years. 3rd or subsequent offenses: At least 10 years.”
Official reinstatement page: Washington State Department of Licensing
Conditions that travel with reinstatement
| Reinstatement fee | $170 |
|---|---|
| SR-22 / financial-responsibility filing | Yes · 3 years — Washington SR-22 requirements |
| Ignition interlock | Washington interlock rule |
| Required program | Alcohol/Drug Assessment/Treatment Report (Washington state certified agency); one-day class if no concerns |
| Driving during the suspension | Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) |
| Re-examination | Knowledge test: required in some cases · road test: required in some cases |
Required program: Alcohol/Drug Assessment/Treatment Report (Washington state certified agency); one-day class if no concerns
DOL states that when a person is convicted of a drug and/or alcohol related offense, the person is required to get an Alcohol/Drug Assessment/Treatment Report from a Washington state certified agency; the report shows either no substance abuse/dependence concerns (in which case a one-day class from a certified agency is required) or current treatment progress and compliance with recommendations. The certified counselor submits the form electronically and DOL updates the record once it is evaluated. RCW 46.20.311(2)(b)(ii) refers to reports from the substance use disorder agency or probation department designated under RCW 46.61.5056 and requires enrollment and participation in an approved program before reissuance for a nonfelony DUI revocation.
“If there are no concerns – you'll need to take a one-day class from a Washington state certified agency Current treatment progress and whether or not you're compliant with the recommendations”
Driving during the suspension: Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL)
DOL states an IIL allows driving while the license is suspended or revoked for a drug or alcohol-related offense. Eligibility as stated: the driving record must show an arrest or conviction for DUI or Physical Control involving drugs or alcohol, Reckless Driving, Vehicular Assault or Vehicular Homicide involving drugs or alcohol; an unexpired Washington or valid out-of-state license; and the current suspension must not include Minor in Possession or Habitual Traffic Offender. Application steps as stated: install an IID (installer sends proof), obtain proof of financial responsibility such as an SR-22, and apply online or with a Restricted Driver License Application and the fee; the IID must be maintained in all vehicles driven for the rest of the suspension, with an employer exemption for work vehicles. DOL states the Occupational/Restricted License (ORL) is not available to drivers convicted of DUI. The IIL application fee is $100 per the existing WheelsBack state record (DOL fee schedule).
“An Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) allows you to drive a vehicle while your license is suspended or revoked for a drug or alcohol-related offense.”
When the interlock can be removed
Compliance-based. Under RCW 46.20.720(4), the restriction remains in effect until DOL receives a declaration from the person's ignition interlock vendor certifying that in the 180 consecutive days before release there was no start attempt at 0.04 BrAC or more, no missed random test, no failed random retest (0.020 or more), no failure to appear for maintenance/calibration/monitoring, and no removal by anyone other than a WSP-certified technician, and that a WSP-certified technician inspected the device for tampering at the end of the 180 days. DOL calls this the 'certificate of compliance', submitted by the vendor at the driver's request at the end of the requirement period; any violation restarts the compliance period from the violation date. For convictions before July 23, 2017 the window is the last 4 consecutive months. Day-for-day credit applies for time with a device installed (RCW 46.20.720(5)); DOL states removal before the requirement period is fulfilled results in license suspension and possibly restarting the compliance period. Removal is performed by the vendor at the driver's cost (no state cap; DOL's low-income program reimburses the provider $80 per month per service, including removal).
Compliance period: final 180 consecutive days of the IID requirement period violation-free (last 4 consecutive months for convictions before July 23, 2017)
“shall remain in effect until the department receives a declaration from the person's ignition interlock device vendor, ... certifying the following: (a) That there have been none of the following incidents in the 180 consecutive days prior to the date of release”
Will you have to retake the test? Re-examination in Washington
Some states hand the license back once the conditions are met; others treat a revoked or long-withdrawn license as expired and issue a new one only after the knowledge test, the road test or a vision screening is passed again. The rules below are the licensing agency's own, one per test.
| Knowledge (written) test | Required in some cases The Department of Licensing's DUI and suspended-license pages list no test: how the license is reinstated depends on the case and is set out in the suspension letter, and reinstatement is completed through License Express. The department's testing table requires the knowledge and drive test of a person with no driver license, and its renewal page says a license expired more than eight years cannot be renewed and the driver starts over with the first-license steps. By statute a revoked driver applies for a new license after the revocation period, and the department issues it only when satisfied after investigation of the driver's driving ability that it is safe to do so. What the source says“8 years ago, you can't renew and will need to start over” |
|---|---|
| Road (driving) test | Required in some cases The drive test is on the same footing: the department's table pairs it with the knowledge test for a person with no driver license, an expired license from another state, or a valid license with a medical or physical condition that shows testing is required, and it is not mentioned on the DUI or suspended-license pages. The test is taken at a driver training school or testing location, the examiner sends the score to the department, and a passing score is good for one year. What the source says“During the behind-the-wheel drive test, an instructor will determine whether you can operate a vehicle safely while applying your knowledge of traffic laws to real-life situations. You'll need to pay a fee to take the test that varies by location” |
| Vision screening | Required in some cases A vision and medical screening is taken at a driver licensing office when applying for a driver license, so it accompanies the new license issued to a driver who starts over; it is not listed as a reinstatement step. What the source says“You must have a vision and medical screening at a driver licensing office when: You apply for a driver license” |
What triggers a re-test
The department states a fixed trigger only for expiry: a license expired more than eight years cannot be renewed, and the driver starts over with the first-license steps, which include the knowledge and drive test and a vision screening at a driver licensing office. For a revocation, RCW 46.20.311 provides that after the revocation period the driver applies for a new license with a $75 reissue fee and that the department does not issue it unless satisfied after investigation of the driver's driving ability; the DUI page says the reinstatement requirements are in the suspension letter.
“(b)(i) After the expiration of the appropriate period, the person may make application for a new license as provided by law together with a reissue fee in the amount of $75.”- Testing fee
- $50 — the application fee for a first Washington driver license, plus a $10 per year issuance fee and a $1 technology fee ($111 for six years, $131 for eight); the knowledge and drive tests are priced by the training school or testing location, and the $75 reissue fee after a revocation is separate
What the source says
“$50 application fee + $10 per year issuance fee + $1 technology fee = ... $111 for 6 years or $131 for 8 years”
- Where to take it
- dol.wa.gov — knowledge and drive tests are scheduled at a driver training school or testing location; the vision and medical screening is done at a driver licensing office
- Official driver manual
- Washington Driver Guide
- The rule
- RCW 46.20.311(2)
“the department shall not then issue a new license unless it is satisfied after investigation of the driving ability of the person that it will be safe to grant the privilege of driving a motor vehicle on the public highways”
Questions about re-testing in Washington
- Does a Washington DUI suspension mean retaking the knowledge or drive test?
- The Department of Licensing's DUI page lists no test. It says how the license is reinstated depends on the blood alcohol content and any previous DUI incidents and is set out in the suspension letter, and the suspended-license page has reinstatement done through License Express. The department's testing table requires the knowledge and drive test of a person with no driver license, and a license expired more than eight years cannot be renewed.
- What does the statute say about a revocation?
- Under RCW 46.20.311, a person whose license was revoked applies for a new license after the revocation period with a $75 reissue fee, and the department does not issue it unless satisfied after investigation of the person's driving ability that it will be safe. RCW 46.20.120 requires an applicant for a new or renewed license to pass the driver licensing examination, which the department may waive for a renewal.
- Where are the tests taken and what do they cost?
- At driver training schools and testing locations; the department says the knowledge and drive test fees vary by location. A first license costs a $50 application fee plus $10 per year and a $1 technology fee, and the vision and medical screening is done at a driver licensing office when applying.
Reinstatement knowledge check: Washington
Ten questions on the rules this site cites for the state — the figures the licensing agency and the statute state, with a link to where each one is stated. The order changes every time.
This is not the agency's knowledge test and does not predict it; it checks the rules cited on this site.
Questions about reinstatement in Washington
- What does Washington DOL require to reinstate a license after a DUI?
- DOL's DUI page lists a paid fee for the incident, ignition interlock installation compliance, Alcohol/Drug Assessment/Treatment Report compliance, and financial responsibility compliance if applicable, and directs drivers to the suspension letter and License Express. Under RCW 46.20.311(2), the reissue fee after a DUI revocation is $170, and a new license requires proof of financial responsibility under chapter 46.29 RCW and verification of interlock installation.
- When can the ignition interlock be removed in Washington?
- Under RCW 46.20.720(4), the restriction stays in effect until DOL receives the vendor's declaration that the final 180 consecutive days had no start attempts at 0.04 or more, no missed or failed random retests, no missed service appointments, and no unauthorized removal, with a tampering inspection by a WSP-certified technician. DOL calls this the certificate of compliance; a violation restarts the 180-day period.
- Can a person drive during a Washington DUI suspension?
- DOL states an Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) allows driving during a suspension or revocation for a drug or alcohol-related offense, subject to installing an IID (with vendor proof of installation), filing proof of financial responsibility such as an SR-22, and applying with the fee. DOL states the Occupational/Restricted License is not available to drivers convicted of DUI, and RCW 46.20.720(5) gives day-for-day credit for time on an IIL.
Sources
- Washington State DOL – DUI (Driving Under the Influence): suspensions, requirements to avoid further suspension, IIL, Alcohol Assessment and Treatment Report
- Washington State DOL – Ignition interlock device (IID): installation, requirement periods, tolling, certificate of compliance, financial assistance
- Washington State DOL – Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL)
- Washington State DOL – Suspended driver license (reinstate via License Express)
- RCW 46.20.720 – Ignition interlock device restriction; requirements for removal; day-for-day credit (Washington State Legislature)
- RCW 46.20.311 – Duration of license sanctions; reissuance; reissue fee; program participation; proof of financial responsibility
- RCW 46.20.385 – Ignition interlock driver's license