What you need to bring and where to go

To get a Washington driver's license, you visit a Department of Licensing (DOL) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pass a written test and a driving test, and pay a fee. The whole process usually takes a few weeks from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail.

Washington has about 40 DOL offices across the state. You can find the one nearest you and check current wait times on the Department of Licensing website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times change by season and time of day.

You cannot complete this process online or by mail. You must appear in person at a DOL office, and you must bring original documents — photocopies are not accepted.

Key Takeaways

  • You need one document proving who you are (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and one proving where you live (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • The written knowledge test covers traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Washington Driver Guide available on the DOL website.
  • The driving test happens at the same DOL office and tests basic vehicle control, parking, and following traffic laws on public roads.
  • The total cost is $72 for a standard five-year license, paid at your first office visit; your license arrives by mail within two weeks.
  • If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you may skip the written and driving tests and renew directly.

Documents you must bring to the DOL office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Washington. Identity documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, passport card, or state ID card. Residency documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — all must be dated within the last 90 days and show your current address.

If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring proof of the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access, or bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) documentation.

Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you — they must sign your process in person.

The written knowledge test

The written test has 50 questions about Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. The test is multiple choice and takes about 30 minutes.

You can study using the free Washington Driver Guide, available as a PDF on the DOL website. The guide covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, lane changes, and what different road signs mean. Many people study the guide for a few hours or a few days before their test.

If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test the same day or schedule another visit. There is no extra fee to retake the test.

The driving test

The driving test happens at the same DOL office where you took the written test, usually within a few days of passing it. An examiner sits in your vehicle while you drive on public roads for about 10 to 15 minutes. The examiner watches how you handle basic tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. You cannot use a vehicle that is not registered to you or someone in your household.

If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting at least one day. You pay the test fee again each time you retake it — currently $20 per attempt.

If you already have a valid license from another state

If you hold a current, valid driver's license from another U.S. state or territory, you do not have to take the written or driving test. You can exchange it for a Washington license by visiting a DOL office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and payment of $72.

Your out-of-state license must not be suspended, revoked, or expired. If it is expired but was valid when you moved to Washington, contact the DOL before your visit to confirm whether you can still exchange it.

Timeline and what happens after you pass

After you pass both tests, you pay the $72 fee at the DOL office. The office takes your photograph and prints a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you.

Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks in most cases, though it can take up to four weeks. The license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can drive using your temporary paper license during this waiting period.

If your permanent license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DOL. Bring your temporary license with you if you need to visit an office again.

Renewing or replacing your license

When your license is about to expire, you can renew it online through the DOL website if you have no medical conditions, no violations, and no address changes. Online renewal costs $72 and takes about two weeks.

If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DOL office in person. If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the DOL and request a replacement; the fee is $20.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test before I visit the office in person?

No. You must visit a DOL office to take the written test. You cannot take it online or at home. The office staff will administer the test on a computer at the office.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one day. You pay the $20 test fee each time. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.

Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?

Yes. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe condition. It does not have to be registered to you, but it must belong to you or someone in your household. The examiner will check the registration and insurance before the test begins.

How long is a Washington driver's license valid?

A standard driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can renew it online if you have no violations or medical changes, or in person at a DOL office.

What if I move to a different address in Washington?

You must update your address with the DOL within 60 days. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. There is no fee to update your address.