How long does a suspension stay on your driving record

Things to know

If you are reinstating a driver license suspended for failure to appear (FTA) for a Driving while License Suspended 3rd Degree (DWLS3) charge that was later reduced to a non-criminal traffic offense or dismissed, you may be eligible to have the standard $75 reissuance fee waived.

Reinstating drivers who received an FTA suspension for a DWLS3 charge that was reduced or dismissed should contact DOL via email at for further information on fee waiver eligibility.

If a reinstating driver is eligible to have this fee removed, the email will direct them to online services to complete their transaction if a new license is needed or direct them to make an appointment if they wish to visit an office. If evidence that the DWLS3 charge was reduced or dismissed cannot be found by DOL staff or provided by the reinstating driver, the $75 fee cannot be waived.

Learn more about how a recent court ruling changes how we handle failure to appear (FTA) driver license suspensions.

Why was my license suspended or revoked?

Your license was suspended or revoked because you didn't pay a ticket or appear in court for criminal violation as required.

How long will my license be suspended or revoked?

Until you pay the fine or comply with the requirement to appear in court and we (DOL) have received notification from the court that the matter has been resolved.

Can I get a restricted license?

You may be eligible for an Occupational/Restricted License (ORL), if you've sent us proof of financial responsibility (usually an SR-22).

Can I contest or appeal the suspension?

You may request an administrative review within 15 days from the date on your suspension or revocation letter. The letter we sent to you includes a form to request an appeal.

How can I get my license back?

  1. Once your failure to appear has been cleared with the court, they'll issue a certificate of adjudication.
  2. After the court notifies us that your failure to appear has been cleared, we'll update your driving record to show your license isn't suspended or revoked any more for the failure to appear in court or pay tickets.
  3. If nothing else on your record prevents it, apply for a new license. You'll need to pay a:
    • $75 reissue fee plus your licensing fees if the original charge wasn't drug or alcohol related.
    • or
    • $150 reissue fee plus your licensing fees if the original charge was drug or alcohol related.

Get step-by-step instructions

You must have a License Express account for this step. Please log in or join to get a list of what you need to do to get your driving privileges back. While logged in, select the "View reinstatement requirements" link. This will open a customized list. Once you've resolved all items, you can take the next step to get your card. You can:.

  • Renew your license
  • or
  • Replace your license

If it has been more than 6 years since you had a valid license, follow the steps to getting your first license.

  • RCW 46.20.289: Suspension for failure to respond, appear, etc.
  • RCW 46.20.391: Temporary restricted, occupational licenses — Application — Eligibility — Restrictions — Cancellation
  • RCW 46.63.070: Response to notice — Contesting determination — Hearing — Failure to respond or appear
  • RCW 46.20.270: Conviction of offense requiring withholding driving privilege — Procedures — Definitions
  • RCW 46.63.110(6): Monetary penalties
  • RCW 46.64.025: Failure to appear — Notice to Department
  • RCW 46.20.245: Mandatory revocation — Notice — Administrative, judicial review — Rules — Application
  • RCW 46.20.311(3)(a): Duration of license sanctions — Reissuance or renewal
  • RCW 46.55.105: Responsibility of registered owner
  • RCW 46.20.291: Authority to suspend — Grounds
  • Replace your driver license or ID card
  • Renew your driver license/ID card

Questions? Need help?

Call us: 360.902.3900 (TTY: Call 711)

Other Suspension Information

License Cancellation

Altered

A driver license or identification card may be canceled if the Ohio BMV has knowledge it was obtained fraudulently or unlawfully, issued in error, altered or willfully destroyed.

Reinstatement Requirements
  • Retake complete driver license exam

Ohio Revised Code: 4507.19

Co-Signer

The co-signer of a temporary instruction permit or driver license for a minor under age 18 can surrender the minor’s license or temporary instruction permit and request it be canceled.

Reinstatement Requirements

If a new co-signer is available, a new driver license or temporary instruction permit may be issued with no test requirement. If the temporary instruction permit or driver license are not expired, only a deputy fee will be charged.

To request a transfer of co-signer, the minor and the new co-signer must be present at the deputy registrar license agency. The original co-signer does not need to be present.

The applicant must retake the complete driver license exam if:

  • The same individual who requested the cancellation co-signs for a new license
  • The driver license or temporary instruction permit expired
  • He or she is now age 18 or older

Ohio Revised Code: 4507.07

Court-Ordered

A court may cancel the driver license of an individual as part of sentencing for any offense.

Reinstatement Requirements
  • Retake complete driver license exam

Fraudulent Issuance

The registrar may cancel a driver license or state-issued identification card if he or she receives evidence that the applicant knowingly gave false information on his or her application.

Reinstatement Requirements
  • Wait 60 days after cancellation
  • If driver license was canceled, retake complete driver license exam
  • If a commercial driver license was canceled, pay a reinstatement fee

Ohio Administrative Code: 4501:1-1-29

Holder of Driver License and ID Card

In Ohio, an individual may not hold an Ohio driver license and state identification (ID) card at the same time. Having a permanent ID card issued will cancel a driver license.

Reinstatement Requirements
  • Retake complete driver license exam

Ohio Revised Code: 4507.50

Voluntary Surrender

An individual may choose to surrender his or her license. Upon receipt by the Ohio BMV, the license will be canceled.

Reinstatement Requirements
  • Retake complete driver license exam

Ohio Administrative Code: 4501:1-206

How long does a suspension stay on your driving record in Florida?

Points are assigned based on the type of conviction and remain on the driver record for at least five years from the date of disposition (conviction). ... Point Suspensions..

How long do points stay on your driving record in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, demerit points stay on a driver's record for 36 months. Drivers who have less than ten points won't face any consequences. But drivers with ten to 13 points will likely get a letter warning of the possible penalties of future violations.

How do I clear a suspended registration in NY?

You may pay the amount due prior to the suspension effective date listed on the NYS DMV's Notice of Registration Suspension. If payment is received at least five (5) days prior to the suspension effective date, the pending registration suspension will be cleared.

How long does a suspended license stay on your record in PA?

This minimum period (from 3-6 years) is determined by the number of violations that caused the current suspensions/revocations on your driving record. In addition, any outstanding citations, judgments, examinations or hearings must first be satisfied.