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Washington: SR-22 and DUI license rules
Form: SR-22 Agency: Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) · checked Oct 25, 2026
Washington requires proof of financial responsibility (an SR-22) to reinstate after a DUI-related suspension, usually for 3 years from the date you become eligible to reinstate.Source: dol.wa.gov, checked Oct 25, 2026
Key rules
| SR-22 / FR-44 used? | Yes. SR-22 insurance written for Washington by an approved insurer. Alternatives: a DOL certificate of deposit or a liability bond of at least $60,000.Source: dol.wa.gov, checked Oct 25, 2026 |
|---|---|
| How long you must keep it on file | In most cases, 3 years from the date you are eligible to reinstate your license.Source: dol.wa.gov, checked Oct 25, 2026 |
| Minimum liability limits | $25,000 bodily injury or death of 1 person, $50,000 bodily injury or death of 2 or more people, $10,000 property damage (per accident).Source: dol.wa.gov, checked Oct 25, 2026 |
| License suspension, 1st DUI | Administrative suspension after a first test result of 0.08+ BAC (no prior incident in 7 years): 90 days, unless you complete or are enrolled in a pretrial 24/7 sobriety program.Source: app.leg.wa.gov, checked Oct 25, 2026 |
| License suspension, 1st chemical test refusal | First refusal within 7 years: license revoked for 1 year. Second or later within 7 years: 2 years (or until age 21, if longer).Source: app.leg.wa.gov, checked Oct 25, 2026 |
| Reinstatement fee | $170 reissue fee when the suspension is for DUI or a related administrative action ($75 for most other suspensions).Source: app.leg.wa.gov, checked Oct 25, 2026 |
| Ignition interlock | After a first DUI conviction (or deferred prosecution), you may drive only vehicles with an ignition interlock for at least 1 year. A prior restriction raises this to 5 years, then 10 years.Source: app.leg.wa.gov, checked Oct 25, 2026 |
| Hardship / restricted license | Yes. An Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) lets you drive an interlock-equipped vehicle during the suspension or revocation. You must file proof of financial responsibility (SR-22) to get one.Source: app.leg.wa.gov, checked Oct 25, 2026 |
How to reinstate (official steps)
- Serve the suspension (or drive only on an Ignition Interlock Driver License).Source: dol.wa.gov, checked Oct 25, 2026
- Get an alcohol/drug assessment from a Washington-certified agency and complete any treatment or class it requires.Source: dol.wa.gov, checked Oct 25, 2026
- Show proof of ignition interlock installation if it is required.Source: dol.wa.gov, checked Oct 25, 2026
- File an SR-22 with DOL through your insurer.Source: dol.wa.gov, checked Oct 25, 2026
- Pay the reissue fee ($170 for a DUI suspension).Source: app.leg.wa.gov, checked Oct 25, 2026
Notes
- After a DUI conviction in court, DOL may suspend your license for 90 days to 4 years depending on prior offenses, with credit for suspension time already served for the same arrest.Source: dol.wa.gov, checked Oct 25, 2026
- You have 7 days from your arrest to request a DOL hearing to contest the administrative suspension. The suspension starts 30 days after the arrest.Source: dol.wa.gov, checked Oct 25, 2026
Official links
- Washington DOL: DUI suspensions
- Washington DOL: Financial responsibility (SR-22)
- Washington DOL: Mandatory insurance
- RCW 46.20.3101: Implied consent license sanctions
- RCW 46.20.720: Ignition interlock restriction
Not legal advice. Not an insurer. This page summarizes Washington’s own published rules for a typical first offense. Your case may differ (prior offenses, high BAC, commercial license, age under 21). Confirm with Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) or the court before you act. We don’t sell insurance or quote prices. Spot an error? Email toffee@mail.grokbot.com.