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

Washington issues driver's licenses through the Department of Licensing (DOL). The process has three main steps: pass a written knowledge test, pass a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity and residency. You can get your license at any DOL office, and the whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can complete the tests on the same day if you're ready.

The specific requirements depend on whether you're a first-time driver, moving to Washington from another state, or renewing an expired license. Each path has different documents you'll need and different fees. Washington also offers a Discover Driving program for teens that changes some of these requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • You must pass a written test, a driving test, and provide proof of identity and Washington residency before DOL will issue your license.
  • First-time drivers need a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your Washington address.
  • You can take the written test at any DOL office without an appointment, but you must schedule a driving test appointment in advance.
  • The current fee for a standard driver's license is $72 for an eight-year license, though fees vary for different license types and renewals.
  • If you're under 18, you must complete a driver's education course and hold a permit for at least six months before taking the driving test.

Documents you'll need to bring to DOL

Washington requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. For identity, bring your birth certificate, passport, or state ID from another state. If you don't have a birth certificate, you can order one from the Washington State Department of Health or the state where you were born.

For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number visible. For residency, bring two documents that show your current Washington address. These can include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or a letter from your employer or school. Documents must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you're under 18, you also need a completed Affidavit of Parental Consent (form DL 44) signed by a parent or guardian, and proof that you've completed a driver's education course. The course can be taken online or in person through a private driving school.

The written knowledge test

The written test covers Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it at any DOL office without scheduling ahead. The test has 50 questions, and you need to answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, though you can return on another day if you don't pass.

DOL provides a free study guide called the Washington Driver Guide, available on their website and in print at any office. The guide covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few days before taking the test. If you fail, there's no waiting period to retake it — you can schedule another test visit right away.

The written test costs $20. If you pass, DOL will issue you a permit that allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult before you take the driving test.

The driving skills test

After you pass the written test, you must schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. You cannot take both on the same day. You can schedule online through the DOL website, by phone at 1-360-902-3900, or in person at any office. Wait times for driving test appointments vary by location and season — some offices have openings within a week, while others may have a wait of several weeks.

For the driving test, bring your permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you'll be driving. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A DOL examiner will ride with you for about 20 to 30 minutes and evaluate your ability to start and stop, turn, change lanes, park, and follow traffic laws. You need to demonstrate safe driving to pass.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before scheduling another appointment. There's no limit to how many times you can take it. Each test attempt costs $20.

Age-specific requirements for drivers under 18

Washington's Discover Driving program sets different rules for drivers under 18. You must be at least 15 years and 6 months old to get a permit, and you must hold the permit for at least six months before taking the driving test. You also must complete a driver's education course — either classroom or online — before you can get your permit.

Once you have your permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or have held your license for 12 months, whichever comes later.

If you're under 18 and want to take the driving test, you also need to show proof that you've completed driver's education. Most schools offer this course, and private driving schools do as well. The course typically takes 30 hours and costs between $200 and $500, though some schools offer it free or at reduced cost.

Fees and how to pay

A standard eight-year driver's license costs $72. The written test costs $20, and each driving test attempt costs $20. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, that costs $20. DOL accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at offices. Online services like scheduling a test or renewing by mail may have different payment methods.

If you're renewing an expired license, the cost depends on how long it's been expired and whether you renew in person or by mail. A renewal by mail costs $72 for an eight-year license. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may need to retake the written and driving tests instead of renewing.

Moving to Washington from another state

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you don't need to take the written and driving tests again. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Washington license by visiting a DOL office with your current license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Washington residency. The exchange fee is $72 for an eight-year license.

Your out-of-state license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If it is, you'll need to pass the written and driving tests. If your out-of-state license is expired, you can still exchange it as long as it expired less than five years ago. If it's been expired longer, you'll need to retake both tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

No. You must pass the written test first, receive your permit, and then schedule a separate driving test appointment. Most people schedule the driving test for a few days or weeks after passing the written test to allow time for practice.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There's no limit to how many attempts you get. Each attempt costs $20. Many people fail once or twice before passing — it's normal to need practice time between attempts.

Do I need to take driver's education if I'm over 18?

No. Driver's education is required only for drivers under 18 in Washington. If you're 18 or older, you can take the written and driving tests without completing a course, though studying the Driver Guide is still strongly recommended.

How long is a Washington driver's license valid?

A standard driver's license is valid for eight years. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before it expires. You can renew by mail, online, or in person at a DOL office.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You can order one from the Washington State Department of Health if you were born in Washington, or from the vital records office in the state where you were born. The process takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can use a passport or state ID from another state as proof of identity.