Washington Hardship License After DUI
Washington requires 25/50/10 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 QuoteWashington 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 as a traditional tort state with mandatory liability insurance. The Washington State Department of Licensing and Washington State Patrol enforce proof of insurance requirements through electronic verification. All DUI convictions in Washington trigger a 3-year SR-22 filing requirement and mandatory ignition interlock installation before any driving privileges — including hardship or restricted licenses — can be issued.
Liability Insurance
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Ignition Interlock Insurance Endorsement
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
- BAC level at arrest — BAC .15 or higher moves most drivers into the highest surcharge tier and extends IID requirements to 2 years minimum instead of 1 year
- Prior violations in the past 5 years — a second DUI within 7 years triggers felony classification in Washington and disqualifies most hardship license applications entirely
- County of residence — King, Pierce, and Spokane counties carry 15–25 percent higher base rates than rural counties due to claims frequency
- IID compliance history — missed calibration appointments or failed breath tests during the IID period can extend SR-22 filing duration beyond the standard 3 years
- Vehicle type and usage — commercial vehicles and rideshare vehicles are typically excluded from SR-22 policies, forcing drivers to purchase separate commercial SR-22 filings at double the rate
- Marital status and household drivers — adding a spouse with a clean record to the policy can reduce premiums by 10–15 percent even during the SR-22 period
Drive Legally on Your Restricted License
Get My Hardship-License SR-22 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
How long do I need SR-22 insurance after a DUI in Washington?
Washington requires SR-22 filing for 3 years from the date of DUI conviction, not the arrest date. The 3-year period restarts from zero if your SR-22 lapses at any point — a single missed payment that results in policy cancellation resets the entire 3-year clock from the lapse date.
Can I get a hardship license immediately after a DUI in Washington?
No. Washington imposes a mandatory 90-day hard suspension for first-offense DUI before you can apply for an ignition interlock driver's license — the restricted license type available to DUI offenders. Second offense or refusal cases face 1-year or 2-year hard suspensions before any restricted privileges are available.
Does Washington accept out-of-state SR-22 filings if I move after a DUI?
No. Washington requires SR-22 to be filed by a carrier licensed in Washington, and the filing must list Washington as the state of compliance. If you move to Washington from another state with an active SR-22 requirement, you must obtain a new Washington SR-22 policy within 30 days of establishing residency — your prior state's SR-22 does not transfer.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate filed by your insurer to the Washington DOL proving continuous liability coverage. Required for 3 years after DUI conviction.
Non-Owner SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 liability policy for drivers who do not own a vehicle. Satisfies state filing requirements without insuring a specific car.
Ignition Interlock Device Insurance
Coverage endorsement required by some carriers when an IID is installed. Confirms the device is active and calibrated.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Policies written by non-standard carriers for drivers with DUI convictions, license suspensions, or SR-22 filing requirements.
Liability-Only Coverage
Covers only damage and injury you cause to others. No coverage for your own vehicle damage.