Washington driver's license
Get your first license in Washington after moving to the US.
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.
- Your licenseYou pass the tests, and the license is yours.
What it costs
A first license
Until July 1, 2028, the issuance fee is $10 for each year the license is issued, and that includes the required photograph.
On top of the application fee, issuance costs $10 per year of the license term — $80 for an eight-year license, $60 for a six-year one — plus a $1 technology fee. From July 1, 2028 the per-year rate rises by $1, so an eight-year license issued after that date costs $88.
$131 in total, or $111 if you choose the six-year term: a $50 application fee, a $10-per-year issuance fee, and a $1 technology fee.
The application fee is $50, charged on top of the issuance fee. It applies to anyone never licensed in Washington, and to anyone whose last Washington license has been expired for more than eight years.
You pay this when you apply.
If you just arrived in the US
Your immigration status
A standard Washington driver license and ID card say nothing about your residency or legal status — there is no separate credential.
Foreign documents with no expiry date
For a Taiwanese or Japanese license, Washington relies on a translated certification — from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle or the Consulate-General of Japan — not on the card's own dates. A license from a country not on Washington's list means completing all the first-license steps, and there too the card's dates decide nothing.
If your license from another state has expired
An expired license from another state does not waive any tests: you take both the knowledge test and the drive test, the same as someone with no license. The 30-day deadline to get a Washington license after moving still applies.
Documents you need
- Documents that are still validAny identity document DOL already has on file for you — a previous Washington driver license, learner permit, ID card, or enhanced ID or driver license — counts on its own, even if it has been expired for up to one year.
- An ID, driver license, or learner permit issued by a US state or territory counts as strong identity evidence while it is valid or expired no more than one year. Expired for longer than that, it still counts, but only as a weaker supporting document.
Your Social Security Number
Giving your number, and who may see it
DOL verifies your Social Security number with the Social Security Administration and uses it to help enforce child support laws.
You must give your Social Security number, or sign a declaration saying you do not have one. DOL verifies the number with the Social Security Administration and uses it to help enforce child support laws.
Tests you take
Eye test
DOL checks your vision itself before issuing the license, so no outside eye exam report is needed as a matter of course. If you use glasses or contact lenses, that is recorded on your license as a restriction.
The standard is 20/40 Snellen with both eyes combined, with or without correction, and DOL gives the test to every license and permit applicant. Vision worse than 20/40, or any other apparent significant visual limitation, means an eye examination by a qualified vision professional is required.
Vision that cannot be corrected to at least 20/100 is a fail: you are deemed not qualified to drive.
Vision that cannot be corrected to at least 20/100 is a full fail, while vision that cannot reach 20/70 fails only the night-driving standard and brings a daylight-only restriction instead of a refusal. Acuity between 20/50 and 20/100, another uncorrectable vision problem, or meeting the standard only with bioptic or telescopic lenses means a reexamination.
Vision that cannot be corrected to at least 20/70 means you are deemed not qualified to drive at night.
The vision test is a DOL requirement for the license and the instruction permit alike — neither is issued without it.
Every driver license and instruction permit applicant takes a vision test given by DOL.
Drive test
Not everyone takes one: your situation and driving background decide whether you need the drive test or the knowledge test at all. DOL answers this on its "Do I need to take a test?" page.
An operator of a wheelchair conveyance takes a special exam that checks whether they can operate it properly and safely on public roadways within a specified area.
A motorcycle instruction permit is issued only to an applicant who has passed all the knowledge and skills examinations DOL requires and approves.
The exam includes an actual driving demonstration: you must show you can operate a motor vehicle without endangering people or property.
DOL can waive the driving demonstration for an original license if you meet every other licensing requirement, pass the required Washington knowledge test or tests, and satisfy the additional conditions the law sets.
Tries you get on the written test
Washington publishes no limit on attempts and no retest fee. A failed test can mean a waiting period — DOL does not say how long — and a passing score stays good for two years.
Practice questions for the written test
The Washington State Driver Guide is a study aid, not the law itself. The binding rules for driving and licensing live in Title 46 of the Revised Code of Washington.
DOL's own practice test has only five questions — a quick sampler, not a full mock exam. Passing it is not proof you are ready for the real knowledge test.
The official Washington State Driver Guide comes from DOL; the current edition is the April 2025 revision, and the newest version is always at dol.wa.gov. It mixes the law with safety advice that is not law, and the guide itself tells you which is which.
You can download the Washington driver guides at dol.wa.gov/node/494.
The knowledge test is available in 12 languages, including English and Spanish.
Questions on bicycle safety and sharing the road with bicycles are required by law to appear on the test, so you can count on being asked about them. The study publications must also cover proper use of the left-hand lane on multilane highways and the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists and pedestrians.
The Washington Driver Guide is a free PDF download in 17 languages — no purchase and no account needed.
Using an interpreter
DOL can approve electronic translation devices for the license application and issuance process, for driver training including behind-the-wheel instruction, for the examinations, and for assessments.
Practising with your permit
Who can sit with you while you practise
If you only hold a permit, a qualified supervising driver must ride with you, including on the drive to your test appointment. During the exam itself the supervisor waits outside the vehicle.
A licensed driver with at least five years of driving experience must supervise you. Other passengers of any age can ride along.
On a highway, the seat beside you must be filled by a qualified driver training instructor or by a licensed driver with at least five years of driving experience.
What to bring to the drive test
Who comes with you
Only you and the examiner are allowed in the vehicle during the drive test. The exceptions are service animals and sign language interpreters.
The car and its insurance
A rental car registered in another state is lawfully driven here only if it was rented outside Washington, is on a one-way trip out of the state, or is registered under the International Registration Plan. A rental picked up inside Washington will normally carry Washington plates, so this rule does not come into play.
The examiner checks the brake lights (center light included), turn signals, seat belts, license plate, parking brake, windshield, passenger door, driver's door window, mirrors, and — if the weather calls for them — wipers, headlights, and defrosters. If any one item is not working, the examiner will not conduct the drive test at all; that is a refusal to test, not a failed test.
No weapons are allowed in the vehicle.
The car does not have to be yours or insured in your name — the insurance proof can show either the policy holder's name or the vehicle's description, and a rental is allowed. The vehicle must be legally licensed and registered and in safe operating condition, with working brake lights, signal lights, and seat belts, and the examiner verifies all of it before the exam begins.
A rental car is allowed for the drive test. DOL attaches no condition that the rental agreement name you, though the car still needs the required insurance and registration.
You must bring proof of auto liability insurance for the car you are testing in, and the car must be in good working condition with valid registration, tabs, and plates. Missing either one means you will not be allowed to take the drive test.
Where to go
Who gives the tests
The content of the licensing examination and the way it is conducted — the driving part included — are set by the department's director.
Reexaminations and special examinations of knowledge and driving ability are conducted by a licensing services representative. That rule covers repeat and special cases, not necessarily the ordinary first road test.
School districts that offer a qualifying traffic safety education program can give both the traffic-law knowledge portion and the safe-operation portion of the exam.
The person giving your drive test works at a training and testing location — DOL's pages call this person an instructor in one place and an examiner in another. The test is delivered through driver training schools while DOL keeps oversight.
You can take the test at an approved driver training school exam location, or at a driver licensing office with an appointment booked in License Express.
Three places give the tests: a DOL driver licensing office, a driver training school licensed by DOL, or a school district that offers a traffic safety education program.
Booking an appointment
You can book an appointment at a driver licensing office at fortress.wa.gov/dol/extdriveses/ESP/NoLogon/?Link=ScheduleApptLSO.
You can book an appointment at fortress.wa.gov/dol/extdriveses/ESP/NoLogon/?Link=ScheduleApptLSO. No login is needed.
Office locations
You can find a driver licensing office near you at fortress.wa.gov/dol/dolprod/dsdoffices.
You can search for a driver licensing office at fortress.wa.gov/dol/dolprod/dsdoffices.
Other states
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Every source, quoted51 sources
Every fact on this page is quoted from the page that publishes it, in the words it uses.
“The driver's license fee shall be $10 for each year that the license is issued, which includes the fee for the required photograph.”
app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspxChecked August 4, 2026
“(b)(i) The driver's license fee shall be $10 for each year that the license is issued, which includes the fee for the required photograph. (ii) Beginning July 1, 2028, and on July 1st every three years thereafter, the fee under (b)(i) of this subsection must be increased by $1 for each year that the license is issued.”
app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspxChecked July 27, 2026
“On or after January 1, 2026, each applicant for a new license must pay an application fee of $50.”
app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspxChecked August 3, 2026
“(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. (b) "New license" means a license issued to a driver: (i) Who has not been previously licensed in this state; or (ii) Whose last previous Washington license has been expired for more than eight years.”
app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspxChecked July 27, 2026
“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
“Requires translated certification.”
dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-training-and-testing/do-i-need-take-testChecked August 19, 2026
“An expired license from another state Knowledge and drive test No driver license Knowledge and drive test”
“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”
dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/documents-proof-identityChecked July 26, 2026
“U.S. state or territory-issued ID, driver license, or learner permit (valid or expired for no more than 1 year)”
dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/documents-proof-identityChecked August 1, 2026
“We verify your Social Security number with the Social Security Administration and use it to help enforce child support laws.”
dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/documents-proof-identityChecked August 1, 2026
“We verify your Social Security number with the Social Security Administration and use it to help enforce child support laws. If you apply for a driver license, you must provide it or sign a declaration saying you don't have one.”
dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/documents-proof-identityChecked August 3, 2026
“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
“(1) A person applying for a driver's license or instruction permit shall be required to take a vision test administered by the department. (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
“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
“(c) 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. (d) 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 July 27, 2026
“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
“You must first pass the knowledge exam before you can take the Driving Skills Exam.”
dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/4745/driver-guidepdf/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
“A person applying for a driver's license or instruction permit shall be required to take a vision test administered by the department.”
app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspxChecked August 3, 2026
“Depending on your situation and driving background, you may not need to take a knowledge test or a drive test.”
dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-training-and-testingChecked July 26, 2026
“Each operator of a wheelchair conveyance shall undergo a special examination conducted for the purpose of determining whether that person can properly and safely operate the conveyance on public roadways within a specified area.”
app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspxChecked August 4, 2026
“The department may issue a motorcycle instruction permit after the applicant has successfully passed all knowledge and skills examinations required and approved by the department.”
app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspxChecked August 4, 2026
“(c) An actual demonstration of the applicant's ability to operate a motor vehicle without jeopardizing the safety of persons or property.”
app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspxChecked August 4, 2026
“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
“If you do not pass, there may be a waiting period before you can retest. A passing score is good for 2 years.”
“The Washington State Driver Guide is not a legal authority and is not intended for use in court. The guide cannot be used as a basis for legal claims or actions. ... If you are interested in specific laws relating to motor vehicle operation and driver licensing, refer to Title 46 RCW, Motor Vehicles.”
dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/4745/driver-guidepdf/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
“The above guide is full of information that will help prepare you for your knowledge and drive tests . Ready to put what you learned to the test? Try a 5-question practice test .”
dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-training-and-testing/driver-guidesChecked July 27, 2026
“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. All information is as accurate as possible at the time of publication. However, the guide might not reflect the most recent changes made by the Washington Legislature. You can find the most current version of this guide on the DOL website: dol.wa.gov.”
dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/4745/driver-guidepdf/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
“Washington driver guides -> https://dol.wa.gov/node/494”
“The knowledge test is available in 12 languages:”
dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-training-and-testing/do-i-need-take-testChecked August 1, 2026
“The department of licensing shall incorporate a section on bicycle safety and sharing the road into its instructional publications for drivers and shall include questions in the written portion of the driver's license examination on bicycle safety and sharing the road with bicycles.”
app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspxChecked July 27, 2026
“Use the links below to download a PDF version of the driver guide, which is available in 17 different languages.”
dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-training-and-testing/driver-guidesChecked July 27, 2026
“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
“You and the examiner are the only people allowed in the vehicle during the exam. We make exceptions for service animals and sign language interpreters.”
dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/4745/driver-guidepdf/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
“Drive with a licensed driver with at least 5 years of driving experience (you may have other passengers of any age).”
“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 August 4, 2026
“(1) Passenger cars and motor homes currently and properly registered in another jurisdiction will be granted vehicle license reciprocity in this state if: (a) The vehicle was rented by the vehicle operator from a location outside of the state of Washington; (b) The vehicle was dropped off in Washington by the previous renter and is being rented for a one-way trip out of Washington; or (c) The vehicle is registered under the provisions of Article XI, Section 1116 of the International Registration Plan.”
app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspxChecked July 26, 2026
“The examiner will check your: 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). If any vehicle equipment is not working, the examiner will not conduct your drive test.”
“No weapons are allowed in the vehicle.”
“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
“You may use a rental car for the drive test.”
“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.”
“The director shall prescribe the content of the driver licensing examination and the manner of conducting the examination”
app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspxChecked August 4, 2026
“(e) A reexamination of knowledge and driving ability conducted by a licensing services representative; (f) A special examination of knowledge and driving ability conducted by a licensing services representative;”
app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspxChecked July 27, 2026
“School districts that offer a traffic safety education program under chapter 28A.220 RCW may administer the portions of the driver licensing examination that test the applicant's knowledge of traffic laws and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.”
app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspxChecked August 4, 2026
“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.”
“Schedule an appointment at a driver licensing office in License Express.”
dol.wa.gov/media/pdf/4745/driver-guidepdf/downloadChecked July 27, 2026
“Driver training schools licensed by the department under chapter”
app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspxChecked August 1, 2026
“href="https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/extdriveses/ESP/NoLogon/?Link=ScheduleApptLSO">Make an appointment at a driver licensing office”
dol.wa.gov/appointments-and-locationsChecked July 26, 2026
“Make an appointment at a driver licensing office -> https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/extdriveses/ESP/NoLogon/?Link=ScheduleApptLSO”
dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/get-your-first-license-or-permitChecked July 26, 2026
“href="https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/dolprod/dsdoffices/" title="Find a driver licensing office near you.">Find a driver licensing office”
dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/driver-licensing-officesChecked July 26, 2026
“Find a driver licensing office -> https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/dolprod/dsdoffices/”
dol.wa.gov/appointments-and-locationsChecked July 26, 2026
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