Getting a driver license in Washington DC

In Washington DC, you get a driver license through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which is part of the DC government. You will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. The whole process takes multiple visits — you cannot do everything in one day. Most people spend between two to four weeks from their first visit to getting their license in hand, though this varies depending on how quickly you schedule your tests and how many times you need to retake them.

DC issues a Real ID-compliant license, which means it meets federal standards for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. The license is valid for eight years for adults, and you can renew it by mail or online before it expires.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the DMV in person to provide documents, take a vision test, and schedule your written and driving tests.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and a valid passport or birth certificate — the exact documents depend on your citizenship status.
  • The written test covers DC traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free DC DMV manual available on the DMV website.
  • You must pass the written test before you can schedule a driving test, and you need a vehicle and a licensed adult in the car during your driving test.
  • The fee for a new license is $37, and you pay it at your first DMV visit.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You also need proof of your current DC address — a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you rent, a lease is the easiest option.

For proof of identity and citizenship, bring your valid passport, or your birth certificate plus a state ID or military ID. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport and your green card or visa. The DMV website lists the full acceptable documents for each category, so check there if you are unsure whether what you have will work.

If you are changing your name, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the name change. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and sign consent forms.

Taking the written test

At your first DMV visit, staff will check your documents, take your photo, and give you a vision test. If you pass the vision test, you can take the written test the same day or schedule it for another time. Most people take it the same day to save a trip.

The written test has 25 questions about DC traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass. The test is available in English and several other languages. You can study using the DC DMV Driver's Manual, which is free and available as a PDF on the DMV website. Many people also study using the practice tests on the DMV website, which show you the types of questions you will see.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another time. There is no extra fee to retake it.

Scheduling and passing the driving test

After you pass the written test, you schedule your driving test with a DMV examiner. The DMV website lets you book a test online, or you can call the DMV to schedule. Tests are usually available within one to three weeks, depending on how busy the DMV is.

For your driving test, you need a vehicle that is registered and insured in DC or a neighboring state. A licensed adult (at least 21 years old) must sit in the passenger seat during the test. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks — parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic laws. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day. There is no extra fee to retake it, but you do have to schedule another appointment, which may take another week or two.

Getting your license after you pass

Once you pass the driving test, the examiner will tell you that you have passed. You do not get your physical license that day. Instead, the DMV mails it to the address you provided. Most licenses arrive within two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.

While you wait for your license to arrive, you can request a temporary paper license at the DMV, which you can use to drive legally. Ask for it when you pass your driving test, or call the DMV to request one.

Renewing your license before it expires

Your DC driver license is valid for eight years. The DMV sends you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew online through the DMV website if you have not had any changes to your name, address, or medical conditions. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs $37.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail by sending your renewal notice, a new photo, and a check to the DMV. If you need a new photo or have had changes to your information, you must visit the DMV in person to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit before taking the full driving test?

Yes. A learner's permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You get a learner's permit by passing the written test and vision test at the DMV. With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. You must hold the permit for at least 30 days before you can take the driving test.

What if I fail the driving test multiple times?

You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. Each time you fail, you must wait at least one day before retaking it and schedule a new appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, and there is no extra fee. Some people take it three or four times before passing.

Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?

If you are moving to DC from another state and already have a valid driver license, you do not need to take the written test. You still need to visit the DMV to get a DC license, pass the vision test, and pay the fee. The DMV will convert your out-of-state license to a DC license.

What if I wear glasses or contacts?

Tell the DMV staff when you arrive. If you wear glasses or contacts to pass the vision test, your license will have a restriction code that means you must wear them whenever you drive. If you fail the vision test even with glasses or contacts, you cannot get a license until you see an eye doctor and get a corrective lens prescription.

How much does a DC driver license cost?

A new driver license costs $37. You pay this fee at your first DMV visit. Renewal also costs $37. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.