Requesting a hearing

If we notify you that your driving privileges are going to be suspended, revoked, denied, or restricted, you may request a hearing or an administrative review to contest the action.

What is the difference between a hearing and an administrative review?

• Hearings are more formal than administrative reviews, and may be appealed to superior court. All hearings are tape-recorded and are often conducted by telephone.
• Administrative reviews are not taped, and are frequently used to explain the license suspension and provide you with more information. If you appeal the results of a review, the case goes to a formal hearing before a different Hearing Officer.

Will I get a hearing or an administrative review?

If your license was suspended or revoked because of an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI), you will be offered a formal hearing. In most other cases, you will be offered an administrative review to discuss the facts first.

How do I request a hearing or administrative review?

Type of suspension	How to request a hearing	Fee
Driving under the influence (DUI) (Note: Includes refusal to take breath or blood test.)	Request a hearing online. OR Complete a Driver’s Hearing Request and mail it with the fee to the address on the form.	$200*
Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO)	Complete a Habitual Traffic Offender Hearing Request and mail or fax it to us at the address on the form. OR Contact us at hearings@dol.wa.gov	None
Cases other than DUI or HTO	Complete the hearing request form you received with the letter notifying you of your license suspension, and mail it to the address on the form. OR Contact us at hearings@dol.wa.gov	None

*This fee may be waived if you are found to be below the US Poverty Threshold. You must complete the Hearing Fee Waiver Application (included with Driver’s Hearing Request form) to apply for a waiver.

More information

For more information about requesting a hearing, see (DUI) Driving under the influence or Types of suspensions.

Where can I get a hearing request form?

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

In most cases, the law enforcement officer should give you a hearing request form when you are arrested for DUI. You may also get a Driver’s Hearing Request form from our website or request a hearing online.

Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO)

You may get a Habitual Traffic Offender Hearing Request form on our website.

Cases other than DUI or HTO

You should receive a request form with the letter notifying you of your license suspension.

What other forms might I need?

• Hearing Fee Waiver Application (included with Driver’s Hearing Request form)
• Intent to Seek Deferred Prosecution

When will the hearing be scheduled?

We will mail you a letter telling you the time and date of the hearing or interview. If you need to change the date, time, or the telephone number where you can be reached, call the Hearing Officer at least one week before your hearing.

Who will conduct the hearing?

A Hearing Officer, who is a Department of Licensing employee with no prior involvement with your case, will conduct the hearing or administrative review.

Related laws

• RCW 46.20: Drivers’ licenses—identicards
• WAC 308-103: Rules of procedure for hearings conducted under RCW 46.20.308