What you need to do to transfer your license to Washington

To transfer your driver's license to Washington, you visit a Department of Licensing office in person, bring your current out-of-state license and proof of residency, and pay a fee. Washington will not mail you a new license — you must appear in person for a photo and signature. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You do not need to take a written test or a driving test unless your out-of-state license is expired, suspended, or revoked. If your license is valid, Washington honors it and straightforward issues you a Washington license with the same expiration date (or sooner if your current license expires within 8 years).

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person with your current license and proof you live in Washington.
  • Washington does not require a written or driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and not expired.
  • The fee for a standard driver's license transfer is $72, though the amount may vary if you are under 21 or renewing early.
  • Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you receive a temporary paper license at the office to drive when ready.
  • If your out-of-state license is expired or suspended, you will need to pass the written test and may need to pass the driving test.

Documents you must bring to the Department of Licensing

Bring your current, valid driver's license from another state. Washington also requires proof that you live in Washington. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Washington address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring it on a document (like a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form) or be prepared to state it at the office. If you have changed your name since your out-of-state license was issued, bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present with you at the office. Bring their photo ID as well.

Finding a Department of Licensing office and scheduling

Washington has Department of Licensing offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Washington State Department of Licensing website (dol.wa.gov). Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Call ahead or check the office's page to see whether you need to schedule.

Appointment availability varies by location and season. In busy months, some offices book appointments weeks in advance. If you cannot get an appointment soon, try a less-busy office in a nearby county — you can transfer your license at any Department of Licensing office in the state.

What happens at the office

When you arrive, you will fill out an process form (the DL 44 form). The staff will review your documents, take a new photo and signature, and process your transfer. The entire visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

You will pay the fee at this time. For a standard five-year driver's license, the fee is $72. If you are 21 or older and renewing early (within 8 years of your current license's expiration), the fee is lower. If you are under 21, the fee is different. Ask the staff for the exact amount when you call or arrive.

Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Use this to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Do not laminate it or write on it.

When your license expires and renewal after transfer

Your Washington license will expire on the same date as your out-of-state license, unless your out-of-state license expires more than 8 years from the date you transfer. If it does, Washington will issue you a license that expires 8 years from the transfer date.

When your Washington license is about to expire, you can renew it by mail, online, or in person. You do not need to visit an office again unless you want a new photo or your address has changed and you do not want to update it online.

If your out-of-state license is expired or suspended

If your license expired more than two years ago, you must take the written knowledge test and the driving test. If it expired within the last two years, you must take the written test but may not need the driving test — call your local Department of Licensing office to confirm.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot transfer it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the state that issued it. Contact that state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency to find out what you need to do. Once the suspension is lifted, you can then transfer your license to Washington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take the written test if my license is still valid?

No. If your out-of-state license is valid and not expired, Washington will transfer it without a test. You only take the written test if your license expired more than two years ago, or if it is suspended or revoked.

Can I transfer my license by mail or online?

No. Washington requires you to appear in person at a Department of Licensing office for a photo and signature. You cannot complete a transfer remotely.

How long does it take to get my new license after I transfer?

Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 30 days, so you can drive when ready.

What if I moved to Washington but have not yet established residency?

You need a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and Washington address. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, a bank statement, credit card statement, or letter from your employer with your address may work. Call your local Department of Licensing office to ask what they will accept.

Can I transfer my license if I have an out-of-state traffic ticket or fine I have not paid?

Washington does not block transfers based on unpaid tickets from other states. However, if you have an unpaid ticket in Washington or if your license is suspended due to unpaid fines, you must resolve that before transferring. Contact the court or agency that issued the ticket to find out what you owe.