If you have a driver’s license suspension in another state, you might think it won’t follow you to Washington—but that’s not the case. Thanks to national databases and interstate agreements, a suspension from one state can impact your driving privileges in Washington and beyond. Understanding how these suspensions are tracked and what you can do about them is crucial if you’re facing a license suspension issue.

How Do States Share Suspension Information?

Washington participates in the Driver License Compact (DLC) and the National Driver Register (NDR), which allow states to share information about traffic violations and suspensions. If your license is suspended in another state, Washington will likely find out and may take action against your ability to drive here.

  1. Driver License Compact (DLC) – This agreement between states ensures that serious traffic violations and suspensions are reported to the driver’s home state, which may then take reciprocal action.
  2. National Driver Register (NDR) – This federal database contains records of drivers who have had their licenses suspended or revoked, making it easy for Washington’s Department of Licensing (DOL) to check your status before issuing or renewing a license.

Can You Get a Washington License If Your Out-of-State License is Suspended?

If your license is suspended in another state, Washington will not issue you a new license until the suspension is resolved. When you apply for a Washington license, the DOL will check the NDR for any outstanding suspensions. If a suspension is found, you will need to clear it with the original state before Washington grants you driving privileges.

Will Washington Suspend Your License for an Out-of-State Violation?

In many cases, yes. If you commit a serious traffic offense—such as DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance—in another state, Washington may suspend your license just as if the violation had occurred here. The DOL has the authority to take action based on reports from other states, especially for major offenses.

How to Clear an Out-of-State Suspension

If your license is suspended in another state but you need to drive in Washington, here’s what you should do:

  • Contact the State That Issued the Suspension – Find out what steps are required to lift the suspension, which may include paying fines, completing a defensive driving course, or providing proof of insurance.
  • Obtain Clearance from the NDR – Once your suspension is lifted, make sure the state updates the National Driver Register to reflect your valid status.
  • Check With Washington DOL – After resolving the issue, verify with the Washington DOL that you are eligible for a Washington license or that your driving privileges will not be impacted.

If you’re dealing with an out-of-state license suspension that is affecting your ability to drive in Washington, you may have legal options to challenge or resolve the issue. At the Law Office of Erin Bradley McAleer, we help clients navigate complex license suspension cases and fight for their right to drive. Call us today for a free consultation!