What you need to do to get a Washington driver's license

To get a Washington driver's license, you will visit a Department of Licensing (DOL) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process takes multiple visits — you cannot complete it in one day. Most people spend two to four weeks from their first visit to receiving their license in the mail.

Washington issues licenses to people age 16 and older. If you are under 18, the process includes additional restrictions and a waiting period. If you already hold a valid license from another state or country, you may be able to skip the written test, but you will still need to pass the driving test and provide Washington-specific documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DOL office twice: once to pass the written test and submit documents, and again to take the driving test after you have practiced.
  • Bring your Social Security card, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of Washington residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free online manual at dol.wa.gov before you go.
  • The driving test is scheduled weeks after you pass the written test, so plan your practice time accordingly.
  • Your license will arrive by mail within two weeks of passing the driving test; you will receive a temporary paper license to use when ready.

Gather your documents before your first visit

You will need to bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. Bring your Social Security card (the physical card itself), a document that proves your identity, and a document that proves you live in Washington.

For identity, the DOL accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a foreign passport with a visa. For residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, or a government document (such as a tax return or court order) dated within the last 90 days. The document must show your name and current Washington address.

If you are under 18, you will also need written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The DOL provides a form on its website; your parent or guardian must sign it in front of a notary public or a DOL employee (you can have it notarized at your first visit for a small fee).

Pass the written knowledge test at your first DOL visit

Find your nearest DOL office at dol.wa.gov/offices. You do not need an appointment for the written test, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and more crowded on Saturdays.

Bring all your documents and arrive prepared to pay the license fee. As of 2024, a standard five-year license costs $72 for adults and $37 for people under 18. Fees change periodically, so confirm the current amount on the DOL website before you go. The DOL accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.

At the office, you will take a written test on a computer. The test has 50 questions about Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no additional cost. Study the free Washington Driver Guide, available as a PDF on dol.wa.gov, before your visit. The guide covers everything on the test.

Schedule and prepare for your driving test

After you pass the written test, the DOL will schedule your driving test. The earliest available appointment is usually two to four weeks away, depending on how busy your local office is. You will receive a notice by mail with your test date, time, and location.

You must practice driving before your test. Washington law does not specify a minimum number of practice hours, but most people need 20 to 40 hours of supervised driving to feel ready. If you are under 18, you must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the car with you during practice. If you are 18 or older, you can practice alone, but practicing with an experienced driver is safer.

On the day of your test, bring your temporary paper license (issued when you passed the written test), proof of insurance for the vehicle you will drive, and the vehicle itself. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test begins. If anything is broken, the test will be cancelled and you will need to reschedule.

Complete the driving test and receive your license

The driving test lasts about 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. You will also drive on city streets or highways. The examiner is looking for safe habits: checking mirrors, signaling, maintaining speed, and following traffic laws.

If you pass, the examiner will tell you when ready. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one week and pay the test fee again (currently $20). You do not need to retake the written test.

After you pass the driving test, the DOL will mail your physical license to the address you provided. It arrives within two weeks. Your temporary paper license is valid until your physical license arrives, so you can drive legally during that time.

If you hold a license from another state or country

If you already have a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, you can transfer it to Washington without taking the written test. You still must pass the driving test and provide the same documents (Social Security card, identity, and residency proof). The process is otherwise the same: visit a DOL office, pay the fee, schedule a driving test, and receive your license by mail.

If you hold a license from a country outside the U.S., you must take both the written and driving tests. However, the DOL may waive the written test if your country has a reciprocal agreement with Washington. Check dol.wa.gov to see if your country is listed. Even if the written test is waived, you must still pass the driving test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. You must visit a DOL 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 at home.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one week. You will pay the test fee again (currently $20) and schedule a new appointment. You do not need to retake the written test or resubmit your documents.

Do I need to take a driver education course?

No course is required for people 18 and older. If you are under 18, Washington does not mandate a course, but some insurance companies offer discounts if you complete one. Check with your insurance provider.

What if I move after I get my license?

You must update your address with the DOL within 30 days of moving. You can do this online at dol.wa.gov, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. There is no fee for an address change.

How long is a Washington driver's license valid?

A standard license is valid for five years. Licenses for people age 69 and older are valid for three years. You will receive a renewal notice by mail before your license expires.