Minor in possession

What is minor in possession?

  • When a person age 13–17 signs a diversion agreement or is convicted of possession of alcohol. (Age is determined by the incident date.)
  • When a person age 13–20 signs a diversion agreement or is convicted of a drug offense. (Age is determined by incident date.)
  • When a person under age 18 pleads guilty or is found guilty of illegal possession of a firearm while in a vehicle.
  • When a person under age 18 commits any offense while armed with a firearm in which a motor vehicle served an integral function.
  • When a person age 13–17 is convicted of any offense involving a firearm, whether or not it is related to using a motor vehicle.

What happens if I am found guilty of minor in possession?

When a court or other juvenile agency notifies us that you have violated the minor in possession law, we will:

  • revoke your driver license.
  • mail you a letter that:
    • explains the revocation.
    • lists options you have for reinstating your license early.
    • includes a form to appeal the revocation.

Driving record

These convictions and signed diversion agreements do not show on your driving record, only the fact that your license was revoked.

What happens when my driver license is revoked for minor in possession?

Washington driver license

When your license is revoked for minor in possession:

  • you cannot drive as long as your license is revoked.
  • you cannot apply for a driver license or instruction permit as long as your license is revoked.
  • any Washington license or instruction permit you currently have is no longer valid. You must take it to any driver licensing office or mail it to:
    Driver Records
    Department of Licensing
    PO Box 9030
    Olympia WA 98507-9030

Out-of-state driver license

While your license is revoked for minor in possession:

  • you may not apply for a Washington driver license.
  • you may not drive in Washington with a license from another state or province.

We will notify your home state or province that your license was revoked, and they may take license action there.

How long will my license be revoked?

Your license will be revoked starting 45 days after we mail you the notice of revocation.

Type of offense Length of revocation
First offense 1 year or until your 17th birthday, whichever is longer
Second offense 2 years or until your 18th birthday, whichever is longer

NOTE: Once you are 21 years old, at your request we will release any revocations for minor in possession.

Early license reinstatement

Depending on the type of offense, you may be able to reinstate your driver license before the full term of the revocation is completed:

Type of offense Date when you are eligible for early license reinstatement
Possession of firearms No early reinstatement available.
First offense, possession of alcohol or drugs 90 days after whichever comes last:
  • Your 16th birthday.
  • The date of conviction or the date the diversion agreement was signed.
  • The date your license was revoked.
Second offense, possession of alcohol or drugs Whichever comes LAST:
  • Your 17th birthday.
  • One year after the date of conviction or the date the diversion agreement was signed.
  • The date your license was revoked.

Can I get a restricted license while my license is revoked?

No, you cannot be issued any type of driver license or instruction permit while your license is revoked for minor in possession.

Can I contest or appeal the revocation?

You cannot request a hearing for this type of license revocation. However, you can challenge the revocation by requesting that we conduct an administrative review.

Only two issues will be considered during the review:

  • Whether our records correctly identify you.
  • Whether the information we received from the court or juvenile agency accurately describes the action they took.

How to request an administrative review

You may request a review within 15 days of the date on the letter you received from us notifying you of the license revocation. The letter includes a request form that you may complete and send to us:

  • by fax to (360) 664-8492.
  • OR
  • by mail to:
    Hearings and Interviews
    Department of Licensing
    PO Box 9031
    Olympia, WA 98507-9031

How can I get my license back?

When the revocation term is over

Once you are eligible to apply for a new license or instruction permit, you must:

  • successfully complete all applicable tests.
  • pay licensing fees.
  • pay a $75 reissue fee.

Note: Remember to keep your address current with us so we can notify you of any changes to your driving status. Report any change of address within 10 days of moving, using the Driver License Change of Address form.

Early license reinstatement

Contact the diversion counselor or court where you were convicted to discuss the possibility of getting your license reinstated early. If they decide to grant your request, they will complete a Request for Early Reinstatement form and send it to us. We will notify you in writing when you are eligible to apply for a new license or instruction permit.

Related laws

Minor in possession of alcohol

Drug offenses

Firearms offenses

  • RCW 9.41.040: Unlawful possession of firearms—Ownership, possession by certain persons—Penalties
  • RCW 13.40.265: Firearm, alcohol, and drug violations