Driver's License FAQ

• What is a Department of Licensing Hearing? - You essentially have a contract with the State of Washington that says you will not get a DUI, and if you do, you will lose your driver's license. The DOL hearing is a civil hearing to consider if you have broken the rules of the contract. Consequences include: For the first administrative action, an adult will have their license suspended for 90 days. A minor with an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater will have their license suspended for 90 days. An adult or minor who refuses to give a sample of blood or breath will have a one year license revocation. For a second or subsequent administrative action, an adult will have their license revoked for two years. A minor with an alcohol concentration of 0.02 or greater will have their license revoked for two years or until the age of twenty-one, whichever is longer. For a second or subsequent administrative action, an adult who refuses to give a sample of their blood or breath will have a two year revocation. A minor who refuses to give a sample of blood or breath will have their license revoked for two years or until the age of twenty-one, whichever is longer.
• How do I get my license back? - In order to reinstate a suspended license, you must file and maintain proof of financial responsibility, SR-22 insurance, and pay a reissue fee with the DOL. If your license was revoked, you must file and maintain proof of financial responsibility, SR-22 insurance, present written verification by a company doing business in this state that it has installed an Ignition Interlock Device (IID), pay a reissue fee with the DOL, and satisfactorily complete a driver's ability test.
• What is SR-22 insurance? - SR-22 insurance is required if you lose your driver's license. Essentially the State requires you to prove financial responsibility. SR-22 insurance is an additional layer of insurance. For more information, contact 
• What is ADIS? - ADIS is shorthand for Alcohol Drug Information School. This 8-hour class may be a condition from the court, but it is something that I recommend all of my clients complete as soon as possible.
• What is the victim's impact panel? - The Victim's Impact Panel (VIP) is a one hour and a half long course that may be a condition by the court; however, I strongly recommend you attend the panel. You can find the dates and location for the panels in your area by clicking here.
• What is ignition interlock and how much does it cost? - An ignition interlock device (IID) is a breath screening device that is wired into your vehicle that prevents it from starting if it detects blood alcohol. The device has a pre-set limit.
• I am not an alcoholic, will I still have to do treatment? - Treatment ranges from an 8-hour class (ADIS) to two years of treatment.
• I am an alcoholic, how much treatment will I have to complete? - Two years, if a certified treatment agency determines that you are an alcoholic.
• What about a deferred prosecution? - A deferred prosecution is an intensive five (5) year program, while not easy, does offer you benefits. If, after consultation, you decide to avoid trial, and admit that you have an alcohol, drug or mental health problem, you can ask the court to defer, place the charge on a "time-out", for a period of five years. After five years, if you successfully complete the program, and you have no further violations, and you follow the courts requirements, the DUI will be dismissed.