Washington FTA License Hold: Clear Court, Reinstate
Washington requires 25/50/10 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Washington at a Glance
25/50/10
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
$75
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Washington
Washington operates under a traditional tort liability system—the at-fault driver's insurance pays for damages. The state requires all drivers to carry proof of insurance and verifies coverage electronically through the Department of Licensing database.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
What Drivers Pay in Washington
$248–$329/mo
Typical monthly rate in Washington, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Time since reinstatement: Most carriers tier pricing at 6 months, 12 months, and 36 months post-reinstatement—your rate drops each time if you maintain continuous coverage without lapses.
Get Back on the Road After a Missed Court Date
Get My Post-FTA Insurance QuoteIf your license is suspended
Occupational/Restricted Driver License (ORL); Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) for DUI
application fee $100, about 10 days to process.
No state action on a lapse
A lapse is not reported to the state here.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need SR-22 filing after a Failure-to-Appear suspension in Washington?
SR-22 is required only if the underlying citation that triggered your FTA was for uninsured driving, driving with a suspended license, DUI, reckless driving, or certain repeat offenses—not for simple speeding, parking, or equipment violations. The court or DOL will notify you if SR-22 is required; if you're unsure, call the DOL at 360-902-3900 and ask whether a proof-of-financial-responsibility filing is attached to your case number.
Can I get a Washington hardship license while my FTA suspension is active?
No. Washington does not issue occupational or hardship licenses for FTA suspensions—the suspension remains in full effect until you appear in court, resolve the underlying matter, and the court releases the hold to the Department of Licensing. Some drivers confuse FTA suspensions with unpaid-fine suspensions, which do allow payment plans; FTA holds require court appearance, not just payment.
How long does it take to reinstate a Washington license after the FTA hold is cleared?
Once the court releases the FTA hold to the Department of Licensing and you purchase insurance, electronic proof typically appears in the DOL system within 24–48 hours. After that, you can pay the reinstatement fee online or at a licensing office and receive immediate digital reinstatement—physical license replacement takes 7–10 business days by mail, but the digital confirmation allows legal driving immediately.
Will my insurance company find out about the FTA suspension when I apply for coverage?
Yes. Washington carriers pull your driving record from the Department of Licensing during the quote process, and FTA suspensions appear as administrative actions with the dates and underlying citation type. Most carriers will still write the policy—FTA by itself doesn't disqualify you—but if the underlying citation was for uninsured driving or DUI, expect placement in the non-standard market with higher premiums.
Coverage Types
Post-FTA Reinstatement Insurance
Coverage placed immediately after clearing an FTA hold and paying the reinstatement fee. Rates depend entirely on the underlying citation—a speeding-ticket FTA prices at standard rates, while an uninsured-driving-ticket FTA requires SR-22 and prices 40–70% higher.
SR-22 If Underlying Citation Requires
A certificate your insurer files with the Washington Department of Licensing proving you carry at least 25/50/25 liability. Required for three years if your FTA was for an uninsured-driving, suspended-license, or DUI citation—not required if the FTA was for speeding, parking, or minor infractions.
Minimum Liability Compliance
Washington's 25/50/25 liability floor—the least coverage you can carry legally. Covers the other driver's injuries and property damage when you're at fault, but nothing on your own vehicle and minimal protection if the other driver sues beyond the limits.
Non-Standard Auto
Policies written by carriers specializing in drivers with recent FTA suspensions, SR-22 requirements, or other license issues. Rates are 30–60% higher than standard market, but underwriting is flexible—many non-standard carriers don't check whether a bench warrant was issued or recalled.
Standard Auto Coverage Post-Reinstatement
Full-service policies with preferred or standard carriers after your FTA suspension is resolved and 6–12 months have passed without further incidents. Includes better claims service, accident forgiveness options, and 20–40% lower premiums than non-standard placement.