What you need to do before you go to the Department of Licensing
To get a Washington state driver license, you will need to visit a Department of Licensing office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The process takes multiple visits — you cannot complete it all in one day. Most people spend two to four weeks from their first visit to receiving their license in the mail.
Washington accepts driver licenses from other states and countries, so if you already have one, your path is faster than someone explore for the first time. If you are under 18, the rules are different and include a supervised driving period.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card or tax document, and proof of your current address — a utility bill or lease works — to your first visit.
- The written knowledge test covers Washington traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official manual free on the Department of Licensing website before you go.
- After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate driving test appointment, which usually happens one to three weeks later.
- The total cost is $72 for an eight-year license, and you pay at your first visit; you do not need to pay again for the driving test.
- Your temporary license is valid when ready after you pass the driving test, but your permanent card arrives by mail in five to ten business days.
Documents you must bring to the Department of Licensing office
Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies do not work. You need three things: proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
For identity, bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy from the state where you were born. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a certified copy of your birth certificate from that country. A driver license from another state counts as identity proof if it is still valid.
For Social Security, bring your Social Security card itself, or a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form with your full number on it. A pay stub works if it shows your full nine-digit Social Security number.
For your current address, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The name on the document must match the name you are using for your license. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
How to pass the written knowledge test
At your first visit, you will take a 50-question multiple-choice test on a computer. You need to answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test covers Washington traffic laws, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and road signs. You have one hour to finish.
The Department of Licensing publishes the official Driver Guide free on its website at dol.wa.gov. Read the entire guide before your test — it contains nearly all the information you will be asked about. Many people also study the practice tests available on the same website, which show you the exact format and types of questions.
If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. Most people pass on their second attempt if they study the guide first. You do not move forward to the driving test until you pass the written test.
Scheduling and taking your driving test
After you pass the written test, the Department of Licensing office will give you a temporary license valid for 30 days. You then schedule your driving test appointment online at dol.wa.gov or by phone at 1-360-902-3900. Appointments usually fill up one to three weeks in advance, depending on which office you choose.
Bring your temporary license, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will drive for the test. The vehicle must be registered in Washington and have valid tabs. You cannot use a rental car or a vehicle registered in another state. Bring someone with a valid license to drive the car to the test location if you do not have your own transportation.
The driving test lasts about 30 minutes. You will demonstrate basic skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches. You pass or fail on the spot. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must schedule a new appointment and wait for the next available slot.
What happens after you pass the driving test
When you pass the driving test, the examiner will take your temporary license and issue you a receipt. This receipt is your proof of a valid license until your permanent card arrives. You can drive when ready — the receipt is legal to carry.
Your permanent driver license card will arrive by mail within five to ten business days. It is mailed to the address you provided at your first visit. If you do not receive it after two weeks, call the Department of Licensing at 1-360-902-3900 to check the status.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date you pass the driving test. You do not need to renew it before then unless you change your name, address, or other information on the license.
Different rules if you are under 18
If you are under 18, you must first get a Permit, not a full license. A permit allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front passenger seat. You follow the same document and written test process as an adult, but you pay $20 instead of $72.
After you have held your permit for six months and have logged at least 50 hours of supervised driving (10 of them at night), you can take the driving test for your full license. You must be at least 16 years old to take the driving test. Once you pass, you get a license with restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot have passengers under 20 unless a licensed adult 25 or older is also in the car.
Where to find a Department of Licensing office near you
Washington has 34 Department of Licensing offices across the state. Find the one nearest you at dol.wa.gov/offices. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings. Hours vary by location, so check before you go.
Offices in larger cities tend to have shorter wait times. If your local office has a long wait, you can visit any other Department of Licensing office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your county. Some people drive to a less busy office to get an earlier appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my out-of-state license instead of getting a new Washington license?
No. If you move to Washington or become a resident, you must get a Washington license within 30 days. You cannot renew a license from another state once you live in Washington. However, if you already have a valid out-of-state license, you do not have to retake the written and driving tests — you can exchange it for a Washington license by visiting a Department of Licensing office with your documents and paying the $72 fee.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it as many times as you need. Schedule a new appointment online or by phone. Your temporary license stays valid for 30 days from when you first passed the written test, so you have time to practice and try again. If your temporary license expires before you pass the driving test, you must retake the written test and pay the fee again.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
Yes, the vehicle must be registered in Washington with valid tabs and current insurance. You cannot use a rental car or a vehicle from another state. If you do not own a car, ask a friend or family member to lend you theirs for the test, or ask them to drive you to the test location in their car.
How much does a Washington driver license cost?
A standard eight-year license costs $72. You pay this fee at your first visit when you take the written test. There is no additional charge for the driving test. If you are under 18 and getting a permit first, the permit costs $20, and the license costs $72 when you pass the driving test.
Can I get a Real ID license in Washington?
Yes. A Real ID license has a gold star in the top right corner and meets federal requirements for flying domestically and entering federal buildings. It costs the same as a standard license ($72) and requires the same documents, plus proof of your Social Security number. Most people get a Real ID license automatically when they explore, but you can ask for a standard license instead if you prefer.