What you need to do to get a Washington driver license

To get a driver license in Washington State, you will visit a Department of Licensing office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The process takes at least two visits — one to take the written test and one to take the driving test — and you cannot schedule the driving test until you pass the written one. Most people complete both tests within a few weeks, though wait times at local offices vary by location and season.

Washington issues a standard driver license valid for eight years. If you are under 21, your license will expire sooner and have different restrictions. You will need to bring specific documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and Washington residency before you can test.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person to explore, take a written test, and take a driving test — you cannot do any of these online or by mail.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and two documents showing your current Washington address before your first visit.
  • You will pay a fee at your first visit to take the written test; the fee varies depending on your age and license type, so check the Department of Licensing website for the current amount.
  • After you pass the written test, you can schedule a driving test appointment, which usually happens within a few weeks depending on your local office's availability.
  • You must bring your own vehicle to the driving test, and it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

Documents you need to bring to your first visit

Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. You will also need proof of identity — a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or state ID card from another state all work. If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

You must also prove you live in Washington. Bring two documents showing your current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement. Documents must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person at the Department of Licensing office.

The written knowledge test

The written test covers Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Washington Driver Guide, which is free and available on the Department of Licensing website. The guide covers everything the test will ask about.

The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You take the test on a computer at the Department of Licensing office during your first visit. If you do not pass, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment for a later date — there is no waiting period between attempts.

You will pay the license fee at this visit, whether you pass or fail. If you fail the test, you will pay again when you retake it at a later appointment.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

After you pass the written test, a Department of Licensing staff member will help you schedule your driving test appointment. You cannot schedule it online or by phone — scheduling happens at the office after you pass the written test. Most offices have appointments available within two to four weeks, though this varies by location.

Bring your own vehicle to the driving test. The vehicle must be registered in Washington, have current insurance, and be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins. Bring your proof of insurance and vehicle registration.

The driving test lasts about 30 minutes and includes basic maneuvers such as parking, turning, and stopping, as well as driving on streets and possibly highways. You must follow all traffic laws during the test. If you do not pass, you can retake it, though you will need to schedule another appointment and may wait several weeks for the next available slot.

Fees and how long the license lasts

The fee for a driver license depends on your age and the type of license you are getting. Fees change periodically, so check the Department of Licensing website for the current amount before your visit. You pay the fee at your first visit when you take the written test, not after you pass the driving test.

A standard driver license issued to someone 21 or older is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. If you are under 21, your license will expire sooner — usually on your 21st birthday or within a few years of issuance, depending on your age when you receive it. Licenses for people under 21 also come with restrictions on when you can drive and how many passengers you can have.

What to do if you have a suspended or revoked license

If your license was suspended or revoked in Washington or another state, you cannot get a new Washington license until the suspension or revocation ends. Contact the Department of Licensing to find out the status of your license and when you become may be able to access to explore again.

If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic tickets or fines, you may need to pay those debts before the suspension is lifted. If it was suspended for medical reasons, you may need to provide a doctor's clearance. The reason for the suspension determines what you must do to restore your driving privileges.

Getting a license if you learned to drive in another country

If you have a valid driver license from another country, you can use it to drive in Washington for a limited time as a visitor. To get a Washington license, you must pass the written test and driving test just as anyone else does. Your foreign license does not waive either test.

Bring your foreign license, your passport or travel documents, and proof of Washington residency to your first visit. If your foreign license is not in English, bring an official translation or certified copy along with the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person to take the written test. The test is administered on a computer at the office, and you cannot take it remotely or complete it at home.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test, but you will need to schedule another appointment at a Department of Licensing office. Wait times for the next available appointment vary by location. You do not need to retake the written test — once you pass it, that result stays on file.

Do I need to take a driver education course before I can get my license?

No driver education course is required for adults. However, if you are under 18, Washington law requires you to complete a driver education course or a supervised driving period before you can get your license. Ask the Department of Licensing about the specific requirements for your age.

Can I renew my license online?

Yes, you can renew your license online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired for more than five years, and you must not have any medical or legal holds on your record. Visit the Department of Licensing website to see if you are may be able to access and to renew online.

What if I move to a different county in Washington after I get my license?

You do not need to get a new license if you move within Washington. Your license remains valid at your new address. If your address changes, you can update it online through the Department of Licensing website or at any licensing office.