License Reinstatement Following Vehicular Homicide Conviction

 Posted on July 21, 2026 in DUI

A conviction for vehicular homicide in Washington always results in the revocation of your driver’s license. However, revocation does not necessarily mean that you will lose your driving privileges forever.

Depending on the circumstances, you may eventually be able to apply for a new license. The rules for getting your license back are strict. The Washington State Department of Licensing will look closely at your driving record and whether you have completed every requirement. Our Tacoma license reinstatement attorney can help you understand what is possible in your case. 

How Long Is Your License Revoked After Vehicular DUI Homicide in Washington State?

Washington Revised Code §46.20.285 requires the Department of Licensing to revoke a driver’s license for two years after a vehicular homicide conviction. However, the revocation period is paused as long as you are incarcerated.

Under Washington Revised Code §46.20.311, someone convicted of vehicular homicide cannot have driving privileges restored until the two-year revocation period has expired. This means you could be without a driver’s license for many years. 

When Can You Get Your Driver’s License Back After Vehicular DUI Homicide in Washington? 

When the revocation period ends, your former license doesn’t become valid again. You must apply for a new license and meet the Department of Licensing’s requirements.

You will need to:

• Submit a new license application.

• Pay the required $75 reissue and other licensing fees.

• Provide proof of financial responsibility (SR-22) for 3 years from the date you're eligible to reinstate your license for that incident.

• Fix any holds on your driving record.

• Satisfy any ignition interlock requirements.

Washington law requires the Department to be satisfied that it is safe to allow you to drive again.

Do You Have to Complete Alcohol or Drug Treatment After a Washington State DUI Vehicular Homicide Conviction?

A vehicular homicide conviction involving alcohol or drugs requires substance-use treatment and certain conditions you must follow. 

The actual requirements you have to fulfill depend on the details of your vehicular homicide conviction and the sentence you received, as well as your treatment and compliance history and whether you have other restrictions on your driving record

An attorney will look at your criminal judgment, Department of Licensing record, and any related alcohol or drug case requirements before letting you know what you need to do. 

Can You Get an Ignition Interlock Device in Washington After a Vehicular Homicide Conviction?

Under Washington Revised Code §46.20.385, someone convicted of vehicular homicide based on driving under the influence can apply for an ignition interlock driver license. An ignition interlock device requires the driver to provide a breath sample before the vehicle will start. 

To qualify, you will generally need to install a functioning ignition interlock device in every vehicle you would drive and then give proof of installation. You’ll have to prove that you’re financially responsible and pay the restricted-license application fee. You must also be otherwise eligible based on your driving record.

The government may cancel the ignition interlock driver’s license if the ignition interlock device is removed, stops functioning, the driver violates the license restrictions, or another suspension or revocation occurs.

Can You Challenge a License Revocation After a Vehicular Homicide?

A license revocation following a vehicular homicide conviction is mandatory under Washington law. This is different from some administrative suspensions that can be challenged through a Department of Licensing hearing shortly after an arrest or notice.

However, there may still be disputable issues involving:

• Whether the Department calculated the revocation period correctly

• Whether confinement dates were recorded correctly

• Whether another suspension is improperly blocking reinstatement

• Whether you qualify for an ignition interlock license

• Whether the Department improperly denied a new license

• Whether court records contain an error

Because these cases can involve so much complicated bureaucracy, you should work closely with an attorney to make sure you have the best chance of getting your driving privileges back. 

Contact a Tacoma, WA License Reinstatement Attorney

If you hope to get your license back after a conviction for vehicular homicide related to DUI, you need a respected and aggressive Pierce County, Washington criminal defense attorney on your side. Attorney Michael Austin Stewart has more than 30 years of experience protecting clients in serious and high-profile criminal cases. He is known for being extremely tough in the courtroom while remaining approachable and easy to talk to with his clients.

Contact The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer for a free initial consultation. Call 253-442-7544 today.

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