What you need to get a Washington driver license
Washington issues driver licenses through the Department of Licensing (DOL). To get your first license or renew an expired one, you will need to visit a DOL office in person, bring specific documents, pass a written test and vision screening, and pay a fee. The state does not issue licenses by mail or online process.
The documents you bring depend on whether you are getting your first license or renewing one that has expired. Washington requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or a statement that you do not have one. A passport, state ID card, or birth certificate can serve as proof of identity. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works for residency.
If you are renewing a license that expired fewer than five years ago, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting an office. Check the DOL website or call your local office to confirm whether your situation qualifies for mail or online renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Washington requires you to visit a Department of Licensing office in person for your first license or if your license has been expired for more than five years.
- Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number.
- You will take a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test before the license is issued.
- Renewal fees and processing times vary depending on the type of license and whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.
Documents required at the DOL office
Washington has a specific list of documents that satisfy each requirement. For proof of identity, you can bring a U.S. passport, a passport card, a birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card. The document must not be expired.
For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Washington address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax statement, a homeowners insurance policy, or a bank or credit card statement. A piece of mail from a government agency also works if it shows your name and address.
For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can sign a statement saying so, and the DOL will issue a license without one.
The written test and vision screening
Before you receive your license, you must pass a written knowledge test about Washington traffic laws and road signs. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages, including Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese.
The DOL also requires a vision screening at the office. An eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist is not required unless you fail the screening at the DOL office. If you fail the vision screening, you will need to have an eye exam and bring the results back to the DOL before your license can be issued.
If you are renewing a license and have not had any violations or medical issues, you may not need to retake the written test. Ask the DOL office whether the test is required for your renewal.
Driving test requirements and exemptions
Washington requires a practical driving test for first-time license holders. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving practices. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, steering, lights, and wipers.
Some people are exempt from the driving test. If you hold a valid driver license from another state or country, you may not need to take the test. If you are renewing a Washington license that has not been expired for more than five years, you do not need to retake the driving test.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can test, but you must pay the test fee each time.
License types and fees
Washington offers several types of driver licenses. A standard license allows you to drive most passenger vehicles. A commercial driver license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. A motorcycle endorsement allows you to ride a motorcycle on public roads.
Fees vary by license type and how long the license is valid. A standard driver license is valid for five or eight years, depending on your age. The fee for a five-year license is lower than for an eight-year license. Commercial licenses and motorcycle endorsements have separate fees. The DOL website lists current fees, which change periodically.
If you are renewing by mail or online, the fee is the same as renewing in person. If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, there is a replacement fee that is different from the renewal fee.
Where to find a DOL office and how long processing takes
Washington has DOL offices in most cities and counties. You can find the office nearest you on the DOL website by entering your city or zip code. Some offices require an appointment, while others accept walk-ins. During busy times, wait times can be long, so calling ahead to ask about current wait times is a good idea.
If you explore in person, your license is usually issued the same day or within a few days. If you renew by mail, processing typically takes two to four weeks. Online renewal is faster, usually taking a few business days.
If you need your license urgently, ask the DOL office whether they can issue a temporary license while your permanent license is being processed. A temporary license is valid for a limited time and allows you to drive while you wait for the permanent license to arrive.
Renewing your license before it expires
Washington sends renewal notices to your address on file about 60 days before your license expires. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew by contacting the DOL directly. Renewing before your license expires is easier than renewing after it has expired, because you have more options for how to renew.
If your license has expired fewer than five years ago, you can usually renew by mail or online without visiting an office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license in person, which means taking the written test and vision screening again.
If your license is about to expire and you have a medical condition or other issue that might affect your driving, tell the DOL when you renew. They may require an eye exam or a medical evaluation before issuing your new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Washington license online?
You can renew online if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you meet other requirements, such as having no medical holds or violations. The DOL website has a tool to check whether you are may be able to access for online renewal. If you are may be able to access, the process takes a few business days.
What happens if I let my license expire for more than five years?
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must explore for a new license in person. You will need to bring all required documents, pass the written test, pass the vision screening, and take the driving test again. This process is the same as getting your first license.
Do I need to take the written test again when I renew?
If you are renewing a license that has not been expired for more than five years, you usually do not need to retake the written test. However, the DOL may require the test if you have had violations or medical issues. Ask your local DOL office whether the test is required for your specific renewal.
What if I fail the vision screening at the DOL office?
If you fail the vision screening, you must have an eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and bring the results to the DOL. Once you provide proof that your vision meets the state standard, your license can be issued. You do not need to retake the written test or driving test.
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my permanent license?
Some DOL offices issue temporary licenses that are valid for a limited time while your permanent license is being processed. Ask the office staff whether a temporary license is available. A temporary license allows you to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.