What you need to do to get a Washington driver's license
To get a Washington driver's license, you will need to visit a Department of Licensing office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. Washington does not issue licenses by mail or online. The entire process typically takes a few weeks from the time you submit your documents to the time you receive your license in the mail, though you will get a temporary paper license to drive when ready after passing your tests.
You can start the process at any age, but you must be at least 16 years old to take the knowledge test and at least 16 years and 6 months old to take the driving test. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person with original documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number before you can test.
- The knowledge test covers Washington traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free online manual at dol.wa.gov or pick up a printed copy at any licensing office.
- After you pass the knowledge test, you will schedule a driving test at the same office, which typically happens within a few weeks.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing both tests, and your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
- If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you may not need to take the knowledge test again, depending on when you moved to Washington.
Documents you must bring to the Department of Licensing office
Bring original documents — not copies — that prove three things: your identity, your Washington residency, and your Social Security number. You cannot use a photocopy, a photo on your phone, or a document that has been altered.
For identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a valid passport card, a birth certificate issued by a U.S. state or territory, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization. A school ID, library card, or expired license will not work for this step.
For Washington residency, bring one document dated within the last 12 months showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax statement, a vehicle registration, or a bank or credit card statement. A piece of mail addressed to you at your Washington address counts if it is from a government agency, a school, or an employer.
For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number.
How to prepare for the knowledge test
The knowledge test has 50 questions about Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the licensing office, and you can take it in English or in one of several other languages.
Study using the free Washington Driver Guide, available at dol.wa.gov or as a printed booklet at any Department of Licensing office. The guide covers everything the test covers. You can also take practice tests online at dol.wa.gov to see which topics you need to review more. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test.
You will pay a fee to take the knowledge test. The fee varies depending on the type of license you are seeking, but typically ranges from $20 to $40. Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card — not all offices accept all payment methods, so call ahead if you are unsure.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
After you pass the knowledge test, you will schedule your driving test at the same Department of Licensing office. Most offices have openings within two to four weeks. You will take the test in your own vehicle or in a vehicle provided by the licensing office, depending on the office's policy — call ahead to ask what your local office requires.
The driving test lasts about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. You will drive on local streets and possibly on a highway or freeway. The examiner will give you directions as you drive and will watch how you handle turns, stops, parking, and other common driving situations.
Bring your temporary paper license, proof of vehicle insurance, and the vehicle's registration and title. If you are using a vehicle that is not registered in your name, bring a signed letter from the owner giving you permission to use it for the test. You must also bring someone who is at least 18 years old and holds a valid driver's license to sit in the vehicle during the test — this person cannot help you drive, but they must be present.
What happens after you pass the driving test
You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing the driving test. This license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive in Washington. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within two to three weeks.
If you do not receive your permanent license within four weeks, contact the Department of Licensing to check the status. Keep your temporary paper license until your plastic license arrives — you will need it if you are stopped by police.
If you already have a license from another state
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you have lived in Washington for less than 30 days, you may not need to take the knowledge test again. Bring your out-of-state license along with your other documents to the Department of Licensing office. The staff will tell you whether you can skip the knowledge test based on your license's issue date and your state of residence.
You will still need to take the driving test and provide all the same documents proving identity, residency, and Social Security number. The process is otherwise the same as for a first-time applicant.
Fees and how long the process takes
The knowledge test fee ranges from $20 to $40 depending on the type of license. The driving test fee ranges from $30 to $50. The license itself costs between $72 and $82 for an eight-year license, or between $36 and $41 for a four-year license. Fees vary slightly by office and change periodically, so check dol.wa.gov or call your local office for the exact amount.
From the time you walk into the Department of Licensing office to the time you receive your permanent license in the mail, the process typically takes three to six weeks. The knowledge test can usually be taken the same day you submit your documents. The driving test is usually scheduled within two to four weeks. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass the driving test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the knowledge test online or by mail?
No. You must take the knowledge test in person at a Department of Licensing office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or at a third-party location.
What if I fail the knowledge test or the driving test?
You can retake either test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee each time you take it. Most people who fail study the areas they struggled with and retake the test within one to two weeks.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring a different document?
You do not need to bring your Social Security card specifically. You can bring a W-2, a 1099, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration instead. If you have your card, it is the fastest option.
Can someone else pick up my license from the Department of Licensing office?
No. Your license is mailed to the address you provided on your process. You cannot pick it up in person or have someone else collect it for you.
What if I move to a different address before my license arrives?
Contact the Department of Licensing as soon as possible with your new address. They can update your mailing address so your license is sent to the correct place. If your license is already in the mail, it may be returned to the Department of Licensing, and you will need to pick it up in person or request it be mailed again.