What you need to do after moving to Washington

When you move to Washington State, you have 30 days to get a Washington driver license if you plan to drive here. You cannot legally drive on an out-of-state license once you become a resident, even if that license has not expired. The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) handles all driver licenses in the state.

The process is straightforward: you visit a DOL office in person, bring the required documents, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card arrives by mail within two weeks. If you already have a valid driver license from another state, you do not need to take a written or driving test — Washington recognizes out-of-state licenses as proof you know the rules of the road.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 30 days from moving to Washington to get a Washington driver license, and driving on an out-of-state license after that is illegal.
  • You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current out-of-state license.
  • If your out-of-state license is valid, you skip the written and driving tests and only take a vision test.
  • The fee is $72 for a standard eight-year license, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card by mail within two weeks.
  • You can find your nearest DOL office and check wait times on the Washington Department of Licensing website before you go.

Documents you need to bring

Bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Washington residency, and your current driver license. For identity, bring your passport, state ID, or tribal ID — one document that shows your name and date of birth. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.

For residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and a Washington address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. If you have just moved and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, bring a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your move-in date and address.

Bring your current driver license from your previous state. If you no longer have it, bring your state ID or passport instead. You will also need to provide your Social Security number — the DOL will verify it with the Social Security Administration.

The vision test and what happens at the office

When you arrive at the DOL office, you will check in and wait for your turn. A staff member will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. Then you will take a vision test at a machine in the office. The test checks whether you can read letters and numbers at a certain distance. You do not need to study for it — it straightforward measures your current eyesight.

If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the vision test. If you fail the vision test, the DOL will not issue you a license until you have your eyes checked by an eye doctor and bring proof that you can see well enough to drive safely. This proof is called a vision correction certificate, and your eye doctor will provide it.

You will not take a written test about traffic laws or a driving test if your out-of-state license is currently valid. Washington trusts that your previous state already tested your knowledge. If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take the written test before the DOL issues your Washington license.

Fees and what your new license looks like

A standard Washington driver license costs $72 and is valid for eight years. If you are over 65, the license costs $40 and is valid for five years. These are the current fees, but you should confirm the amount when you visit because fees can change.

At the office, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your plastic card. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two weeks, usually sooner. The card shows your photograph, name, date of birth, address, license number, and the expiration date.

Finding a DOL office and checking wait times

Washington has DOL offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Washington Department of Licensing website by entering your city or zip code. The website also shows the current wait time at each office, updated throughout the day. Some offices are busier than others — an office in a smaller town may have a 15-minute wait while a city office has a 90-minute wait.

You do not need an appointment at most DOL offices. You can walk in during business hours and wait your turn. A few offices do take appointments, and the website will tell you which ones. If an office is very busy, you can try visiting early in the morning or on a weekday rather than Saturday, when wait times are typically longer.

What to do if you cannot visit in person

You must visit a DOL office in person to get your first Washington driver license. The DOL does not issue licenses by mail or online. However, if you have a medical condition that prevents you from traveling to an office, you can request a home visit. Call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to ask about this option and explain your situation.

If you are moving to Washington temporarily and do not plan to stay, you may not need a Washington license. If you are stationed at a military base in Washington, you have additional time before you must switch your license — ask the DOL about military extensions when you call.

After your license arrives

Once your plastic license arrives in the mail, keep it in a safe place. You will need it to drive, to board a domestic flight, and to enter federal buildings. If your license is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement at any DOL office or online through the DOL website — there is a fee for a replacement card.

Your Washington license is valid for eight years (or five years if you are over 65). Before it expires, you will receive a renewal notice in the mail. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DOL office, depending on your situation. Most people renew online, which is faster and cheaper than renewing in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on my out-of-state license while I wait for my Washington license?

Yes, for 30 days after you move. After 30 days, you must have a Washington license to drive legally in the state. Once you visit the DOL office and receive your temporary paper license, you can drive on that temporary license while you wait for your plastic card to arrive by mail.

What if my out-of-state license is expired?

You can still use it to get a Washington license, but you will need to take the written test about traffic laws. Bring your expired license to the DOL office along with your other documents. The written test covers Washington traffic rules and takes about 30 minutes.

Do I need to take a driving test to get a Washington license?

No, not if your out-of-state license is currently valid. Washington recognizes valid out-of-state licenses as proof you can drive. You only take a vision test. If your out-of-state license is expired, you take a written test but still no driving test.

What if I do not have proof of residency yet?

Bring a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead stating your move-in date and your new address. The letter must be dated and signed. If you own your home and do not yet have a mortgage statement or utility bill in your name, bring a copy of your deed or purchase agreement along with a signed statement from you.

How long does it take to get my plastic license card?

Most people receive their plastic card within two weeks of visiting the DOL office. Mail delivery times vary depending on where you live in Washington. If you do not receive your card within three weeks, contact the DOL to check the status.