Washington driver's license
Get your first license in Washington after moving to the US.
The short answer
If your license from another state has already expired, Washington asks you to pass the Driving Knowledge Exam and the Driving Skills Exam before it issues one.1 The application fee is $50, and the issuance fee for the license is charged on top of it.2 A driver license or ID card from a US state counts as your identity document while it is valid or expired no more than 1 year.3 The driver guide you study from is free to download in 17 different languages.4, 5 The car you bring to the drive test needs valid registration and proof of current liability insurance.6
How it goes
- 1You arriveYou have moved to Washington and you want to drive here.
- 2Your permitYou practice on the road with a learner permit.
- 3The written testYou take the written test.
- 4Behind the wheelYou take the drive test behind the wheel.
- 5Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.
What it costs
| What you pay | Amount |
|---|---|
| Applying for a new license2 | $50 |
| Issuing the license, charged for each year it is good for2 | $10 for each year |
The application fee is charged in addition to the fee for issuing the license.2
If you just arrived in the US
Your immigration status
A standard driver license and ID card in Washington do not show a person's residency or legal status.7
If your license from another state has expired
A newcomer whose out-of-state license has already expired must pass both the Driving Knowledge Exam and the Driving Skills Exam to get a Washington license.1
If you have no license to transfer
Washington does not allow transferring a learner's permit from another state. The applicant must take Washington's knowledge test and get a new permit.8
Documents you need
- Documents that are still validA recently expired driver's license or instruction permit can serve as identity documentation if it contains the applicant's signature, date of birth, and photograph. This section does not define how recent the expiration must be.9
- An out-of-state ID, driver license, or learner permit is accepted stand-alone if valid or expired for no more than 1 year. If expired but issued up to 6 years ago, it is an A-list document. If older, it is a B-list document.3
- A valid U.S. passport or passport card is a stand-alone identity document. A U.S. state or territory-issued ID, driver license or learner permit is accepted valid or expired for no more than 1 year.10
Your Social Security Number
Giving your number, and who may see it
The department verifies your Social Security number with the Social Security Administration and uses it to help enforce child support laws.11
Tests you take
Eye test
The department checks your vision before issuing your license. If you use corrective glasses or contact lenses, this is recorded on your license.12
An applicant with visual acuity worse than 20/40 Snellen with both eyes combined, or another apparent significant visual limitation, must have an eye examination by a competent vision authority.13
If your vision cannot be corrected to at least the 20/100 range, you fail the eyesight part of the examination and are not qualified to drive.14
If your vision cannot be corrected to at least the 20/70 range, you are not qualified to drive at night.15
Drive test
For a first driver's license, the department may waive the driving demonstration if you meet all other licensing requirements and have passed the appropriate Washington knowledge test.16
Practice questions for the written test
You can download the driver guide as a free PDF; it is available in 17 different languages.4
The official study material for the knowledge test is the Washington State Driver Guide.5
Using an interpreter
The department may approve the use of electronic translation devices to support the driver's license application and issuance process.17
Practising with your permit
Who can sit with you while you practise
While you drive, a driver training education course instructor, or a licensed driver with at least five years of driving experience, must sit in the seat beside you.18
What to bring to the drive test
Who comes with you
Only the applicant, an examiner, a service animal, and an interpreter for the deaf or hard of hearing are allowed in the vehicle during the test. A supervisor or staff-in-training may also ride along as an observer, but the applicant may object at the start of the test.19
The car and its insurance
The vehicle used for the driving exam must have proof of current liability insurance showing the policy holder's name or the vehicle's description.6
Proof of auto liability insurance for the vehicle you are using to test, A vehicle in good working condition with valid registration, tabs, and plates, Brake lights (including the center light), Turn signals (hand signals can be used before sunset), Seat belts (must lock and unlock properly), License plate (must be valid), Parking brake, Windshield (checked for any items or cracks that impair safe vision), Passenger door (must open and close from the inside and outside), Driver's door window (must roll down far enough to allow you to use hand signals), Mirrors (the law requires outside left and inside rearview or outside left and outside right), Windshield wipers, headlights, and defrosters (if weather requires use)20
No weapons are allowed in the vehicle.21
You may use a rental car for the drive test.22
Where to go
Who gives the tests
Department of Licensing driver licensing office, Licensed driver training schools, School districts offering a traffic safety education program23
During the drive test an instructor decides whether the applicant can operate a vehicle safely while applying their knowledge of traffic laws to real situations. The test is taken at a training and testing location and its fee varies by location.24
Booking an appointment
Make an appointment at a driver licensing office at https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/extdriveses/ESP/NoLogon/?Link=ScheduleApptLSO.25
Office locations
Find a driver licensing office at https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/dolprod/dsdoffices/.26
Other states
U
Sources
Every numbered fact above is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.
- 1
“If your out-of-state license is expired, you'll need to pass both the Driving Knowledge Exam and Driving Skills Exam before getting a Washington license.”
dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/4745/driver-guidepdf/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
- 2
“(2) Fee . Prior to January 1, 2026, each applicant for a new license must pay an application fee of $35. On or after January 1, 2026, each applicant for a new license must pay an application fee of $50. (a) The application fee is in addition to the fee charged for issuance of the license.”
app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspxChecked July 27, 2026
- 3
“U.S. state or territory-issued ID, driver license, or learner permit (valid or expired for no more than 1 year) Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization (must have your photo and signature) Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) Re-entry Permit (Form I-327) Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) Border Crossing Card (Form DSP-150) Valid U.S.”
dol.wa.gov/…/documents-proof-identityChecked August 1, 2026
- 4
“Use the links below to download a PDF version of the driver guide, which is available in 17 different languages.”
dol.wa.gov/…/driver-guidesChecked July 27, 2026
- 5
“The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) produces the official Washington State Driver Guide. This guide refers to many Washington laws and provides safety advice that might not be in the laws.”
dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/4745/driver-guidepdf/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
- 6
“A legally licensed and registered vehicle must be used for the driving exam. The vehicle needs to have proof of current liability insurance (showing the policy holder’s name or the vehicle’s description) and be in safe operating condition. Brake lights, signal lights, and seat belts must work. Your examiner will verify all requirements before the exam begins.”
dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/4745/driver-guidepdf/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
- 7
“A standard driver license and ID card do not indicate a person's residency or legal status.”
dol.wa.gov/id-cards/real-idChecked July 26, 2026
- 8
“If you are moving to Washington and already have a permit from another state, there is no way to trade it in for a Washington permit. You have 2 options: If you are 15 and a half, you can take Washington’s knowledge test and get a new permit.”
dol.wa.gov/…/get-your-learner-permitChecked July 26, 2026
- 9
“(1)(a) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, an applicant has not satisfied the identity requirements of RCW 46.20.035 unless he or she displays or provides the department with at least one of the following pieces of valid identifying documentation: (i) A valid or recently expired driver's license or instruction permit that contains the signature, date of birth, and a photograph of the applicant; (ii) A Washington state identicard or an identification card issued by another state that contains the signature and a photograph of the applicant; (iii) An identification card issued by the United States, a state, or an agency of either the United States or a state, of a kind commonly used to identify the members or employees of the government agency, that contains the”
app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspxChecked August 4, 2026
- 10
“both your name and birth date Stand-alone documents Any identity document we have on file for you (driver license, learner permit, ID card, EID/EDL, etc.). May be expired up to 1 year Valid U.S. passport or passport card U.S. state or territory-issued ID, driver license, or learner permit (valid or expired for no more than 1 year) Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization (must have your photo and signature) Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) Re-entry Permit (Form I-327) Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571) Border Crossing Card (Form DSP-150) Valid U.S. military Common Access Card or Uniformed Services ID Card Verification Letter from Department of Social and Human Services (DSHS), Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Western State Hospital, or Eastern State Hospital Youth Verification Packet or Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (ORIA) Verification Packet Federal Bureau of Prisons Release ID Card A-List documents U.S. passport or passport card that expired up to 1 year ago U.S. visa Foreign passports with I-94, I-551 Alien, Documentation, Identification,”
dol.wa.gov/…/documents-proof-identityChecked July 26, 2026
- 11
“We verify your Social Security number with the Social Security Administration and use it to help enforce child support laws.”
dol.wa.gov/…/documents-proof-identityChecked August 1, 2026
- 12
“DOL will check your vision before issuing your license. If you use corrective glasses or contact lenses, this will be recorded on your license.”
dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/4745/driver-guidepdf/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
- 13
“(a) Any person with visual acuity worse than 20/40 Snellen with both eyes combined either corrected or uncorrected, or with some apparent significant visual limitation, must have an eye examination by a competent vision authority.”
app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspxChecked July 27, 2026
- 14
“An applicant whose vision cannot be corrected to at least 20/100 Snellen range will be deemed to have failed the portion of the driver's license examination specified by RCW 46.20.130 (1)(a) pertaining to eyesight and ability to see, and will be deemed to have failed to demonstrate that he or she is qualified to drive.”
app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspxChecked August 4, 2026
- 15
“An applicant whose vision cannot be corrected to at least 20/70 Snellen range will be deemed to have failed to demonstrate that he or she is qualified to drive at night.”
app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspxChecked August 4, 2026
- 16
“For purposes of issuance of an original driver's license, the department may waive the actual demonstration of the ability to operate a motor vehicle where the applicant meets all other licensing requirements, has successfully completed the appropriate Washington knowledge test or tests”
app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspxChecked August 4, 2026
- 17
“The department may approve the use of electronic translation devices to support the driver's license application and issuance process, including for: Driver training education purposes, including for behind-the-wheel instruction; driver's license examination purposes; and assessment purposes.”
app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspxChecked August 4, 2026
- 18
“A driver training education course instructor who meets the qualifications of chapter 46.82 or 28A.220 RCW, or a licensed driver with at least five years of driving experience, occupies the seat beside the driver.”
app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspxChecked July 27, 2026
- 19
“Only you, an examiner, a service animal, and an interpreter for the deaf or hard of hearing are allowed in the vehicle during the test. Sometimes one of our supervisors or a staff-in-training may ride along as an observer. If you have an objection, please tell us at the start of the test.”
dol.wa.gov/…/what-expect-your-drive-testChecked July 26, 2026
- 20
“To be able to take the drive test, you must bring:”
dol.wa.gov/…/do-i-need-take-testChecked July 26, 2026
- 21
“No weapons are allowed in the vehicle.”
dol.wa.gov/…/what-expect-your-drive-testChecked July 26, 2026
- 22
“You may use a rental car for the drive test.”
dol.wa.gov/…/do-i-need-take-testChecked July 26, 2026
- 23
“Schedule an appointment at a driver licensing office in License Express. 1.13 | DRIVER TRAINING EDUCATION Driver training schools approved to offer courses for new drivers under 18 will have classroom instruction and behind-thewheel training from a licensed instructor. School options include private driver training schools and select school districts. A map of approved schools and their services can be found by searching driver training school at dol.wa.gov. OVER 18 Drivers over 18 who haven’t completed a driver training course face an increased crash risk. To address this, some driver training schools also offer adult traffic safety courses for new drivers over the age of 18. You can take these classes as a novice driver, as someone new to the United States, or as a refresher. Proper training and skill review is good for any age. • 1.14 | FOR GUARDIANS OF NEW DRIVERS Experienced driving mentors can be a great resource for new drivers. Modeling safe driving behaviors and clear communication are two ways mentors can get involved in a young driver’s learning. Driver training courses for students under age 18 are required to offer a parent orientation class. Attending these sessions will familiarize mentors with the program and further explain the 40 hours of daylight and 10 hours of night driving requirement. Additional resources can be found by searching teen safe driving agreement at dol.wa.gov. 1.15 | MAINTAINING YOUR LICENSE REPLACING YOUR DRIVER LICENSE If your license is lost, stolen, destroyed, or illegible, you can apply for a replacement online at dol.wa.gov. You can also request a duplicate in person at any driver licensing office. RENEWING”
dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/4745/driver-guidepdf/downloadChecked August 1, 2026
- 24
“During the drive test, an instructor will determine whether you can operate a vehicle safely while applying your knowledge of traffic laws to real-life situations. You'll need to pay a fee to take the test that varies by location—check with your testing location for the exact amount. You must score at least 80 out of 100 to pass the test. Your examiner will discuss your results with you, and if you do not pass, there may be a waiting period before you can retest. A passing score is good for one year. If you do pass, your score will be sent directly to us. To be able to take the drive test, you must bring: Proof of auto liability insurance for the vehicle you are using to test. A vehicle in good working condition with valid registration, tabs, and plates. You will not be allowed to take the drive test without these 2 items. You may use a rental car for the drive test. Ready to take the drive test? Schedule your test at a training and testing location . Print Was this information helpful? Yes No How can we improve it? Submit Leave this field blank Related information Training and testing locations See approved training schools and driver license testing locations. See training and testing locations Washington driver guides We provide driver guides in multiple languages that cover the state rules for driving on Washington's roads and highways. View driver guides Return to top Department of Licensing Department of Licensing About us Access and inclusion accessible_forward Careers Reports and data Rulemaking Title VI notice Complete tasks online Complete tasks online View all online services Register your car Renew driver license or ID Renew tabs Manage your prorate or fuel tax account Information for Information for Military personnel, veterans, and their spouses People moving to Washington People who are unhoused People with disabilities Current employees Contact DOL Contact DOL Contact us Office locations Tell us how we're doing Help us improve our services © Washington State Department of Licensing Bids and contract acquisitions | Public disclosure | Privacy center Visit Facebook page Visit Twitter page Visit Youtube page Visit Instagram page Visit Bluesky page Visit LinkedIn page Visit RSS Feed Home”
dol.wa.gov/…/do-i-need-take-testChecked July 26, 2026
- 25
“Make an appointment at a driver licensing office -> https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/extdriveses/ESP/NoLogon/?Link=ScheduleApptLSO”
dol.wa.gov/appointments-and-locationsChecked July 26, 2026
- 26
“Find a driver licensing office -> https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/dolprod/dsdoffices/”
dol.wa.gov/appointments-and-locationsChecked July 26, 2026
Applying for a driver's license in Washington?
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