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 and residency. The entire process takes multiple visits spread over weeks or months — you cannot complete it in one day. Most people start by scheduling an appointment online at dol.wa.gov, though walk-ins are accepted at some offices during specific hours.
Washington issues licenses to people 16 and older. If you are under 18, the rules are stricter: you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can test for a full license, and you cannot drive alone until you turn 18. If you are 18 or older and have never held a license in any state, you can move straight to the full license test without the learner's permit step.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person with original documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Washington residency.
- If you are under 18, you must first get a learner's permit and hold it for at least six months before you can test for a full license.
- The written knowledge test covers Washington traffic laws and safe driving; you can study using the free online manual at dol.wa.gov or pick up a printed copy at any DOL office.
- The driving test happens on a separate visit after you pass the written test, and you must bring a vehicle registered in Washington and a licensed adult supervisor.
- Processing times vary, but plan for at least two to four weeks from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail.
Documents you must bring to your first visit
Bring originals, not copies. The DOL will not accept photocopies or digital images on a phone. You need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), and proof that you live in Washington (a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian to sign your process in person. If you are 18 or older, you can sign for yourself. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one; the DOL will take it and send it back to that state.
Bring payment for the license fee. Washington charges $72 for an eight-year license if you are 18 or older, or $37 for a four-year license if you are under 18. The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.
Getting your learner's permit if you are under 18
If you are under 18, your first step is to get a learner's permit. Schedule an appointment or walk in during open hours. Bring the same documents listed above. You will take a written knowledge test on Washington traffic laws — 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study using the free manual at dol.wa.gov or ask for a printed copy at the office.
If you pass the test, the DOL will issue your permit on the spot. The permit costs $20. You can then drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting next to you in the front seat. You must hold the permit for at least six months before you can test for a full license. During that time, you cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m.
After six months, schedule another appointment to take the driving test. Bring the vehicle you will drive during the test, a licensed adult supervisor, and your learner's permit.
Passing the written knowledge test if you are 18 or older
If you are 18 or older and have never held a license, you take the written test at your first visit. The test has 40 questions about Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 32 correctly. The test takes about 30 minutes.
Study the Washington Driver Guide, which is free online at dol.wa.gov under "Publications." You can also pick up a printed copy at any DOL office. The guide covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different signs mean, how to handle bad weather, and what to do if you are pulled over. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test.
If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at most offices, though you may have to wait a few hours. There is no extra fee for retakes.
Scheduling and taking your driving test
After you pass the written test, schedule an appointment for your driving test. You cannot take the driving test on the same day as the written test. Most offices have a wait of two to four weeks for a driving test appointment.
On the day of your test, bring your learner's permit or your written test pass receipt, a vehicle registered in Washington, and a licensed adult who is at least 18 years old and has a valid license. The adult must sit in the front passenger seat during the test. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and responding to road conditions. The examiner will ask you to do things like parallel park, make turns, stop at signs, and merge into traffic.
If you pass, the DOL will take your photo and issue a temporary license on paper. Your permanent license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must schedule another appointment.
What happens after you pass your driving test
The DOL will give you a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. This temporary license works anywhere a regular license works — you can drive alone, drive at any time, and use it as identification. Keep it with you until your permanent license arrives.
Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provided at your appointment. Standard mail takes two to three weeks. If you need it faster, you can pay for expedited mail when you explore, though this costs extra.
Your license is valid for eight years if you are 18 or older, or four years if you are under 18. You can renew it online or by mail before it expires, without taking another test.
If you already have a license from another state
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Washington, you can transfer it without retaking the written or driving tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Washington residency, and payment for the license fee. The DOL will take your out-of-state license and mail it back to that state. Your new Washington license will arrive in two to three weeks.
If your out-of-state license is expired, you will have to take both the written and driving tests as if you were a new driver. If your license was suspended or revoked in another state, Washington may refuse to issue you a license until that suspension or revocation is lifted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online?
No. Washington requires you to take the written test in person at a Department of Licensing office. You can study online using the free manual at dol.wa.gov, but the actual test must be taken at an office with an examiner present.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it, but you must schedule another appointment. There is no fee for retakes. Most people who fail the first time pass on their second or third attempt. Common reasons for failing include hitting cones during parking, not stopping fully at stop signs, or not checking mirrors and blind spots.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
You need to prove your Social Security number, but you do not have to bring your card. A W-2 form, 1099 form, or Social Security card all work. If you do not have any of these, call your local DOL office to ask what other documents they will accept.
How long does the whole process take?
If you are 18 or older with no prior license, plan for four to eight weeks from your first appointment to receiving your license in the mail. If you are under 18, add at least six months for the learner's permit waiting period. If you are transferring from another state, it takes two to three weeks.
What if I move before my license arrives?
Contact the Department of Licensing with your new address before your license is mailed. You can update your address online at dol.wa.gov or call your local office. If your license is already in the mail, it may be returned to the DOL, and you can pick it up at an office or request it be remailed to your new address.