What you need to do to get a Washington driver license
To transfer your driver license to Washington, you must visit a Department of Licensing office in person, bring your current out-of-state license, and pass a vision test. Washington does not accept mail-in transfers or online renewals for people moving from another state. You will receive a temporary paper license on the day you complete the process, and your plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
The process is straightforward if you have the right documents, but Washington has specific requirements that differ from other states. You cannot straightforward renew your old license by mail — you must appear in person and go through the full transfer process, which includes a vision screening and a new photo.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person with your current out-of-state license and proof of Washington residency.
- Washington requires a vision test for all license transfers, even if your old license is still valid.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card within two to three weeks.
- The fee for a standard five-year license transfer is $72, though the amount varies if you choose a different expiration date.
- You do not need to take a written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
Documents you must bring to the Department of Licensing
Bring your current driver license from another state, even if it is expired. You also need proof that you live in Washington — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must show your name and address and 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, tax return, or W-2) or be prepared to state it verbally — the office will verify it through their system. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still transfer your license, but the process takes longer because the office must verify your identity through other means.
If your name has changed since your old license was issued, bring a document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, your new Washington license will be issued under your old name, and you will have to return to correct it later.
How to find a Department of Licensing office and make an appointment
Washington's Department of Licensing operates offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Department of Licensing website at dol.wa.gov. The site shows which offices are open, their hours, and whether they are currently accepting walk-ins or appointments only.
Many offices now require appointments, especially in larger cities. You can book an appointment online through the same website, and the system will show you available time slots. If you walk in without an appointment, you may wait several hours or be turned away if the office has reached capacity for the day. Booking ahead saves time and guarantees you a spot.
Some smaller county offices still accept walk-ins, but hours vary widely. Call ahead or check the website before you go. If you live in a rural area with limited office hours, plan to visit during a time when the office is open — some locations are only open two or three days per week.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive, you will check in and provide your documents. A staff member will review your proof of residency and current license, then take a new photo for your Washington license. You will also take a vision test — you must be able to read the chart at a certain distance, and if you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test.
The staff member will ask you to sign your new license and confirm your address. They will also ask whether you want to register as an organ donor — this is optional. Once everything is complete, they will give you a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. This temporary license works for driving, employment, and identification purposes while you wait for your permanent card.
The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents and there is no line. If documents are missing or unclear, the staff will tell you what you need to bring back. You cannot complete the transfer without all required documents, so it is worth double-checking before you go.
When you do not need to take a written or driving test
If your out-of-state license is still valid (not expired), you do not need to take a written test or a driving test. Washington honors valid licenses from other states and only requires the vision screening. This is true even if you are moving to Washington for the first time or if your old license is from a state with different traffic laws.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need to take both a written test and a driving test. The written test covers Washington traffic laws and road signs — you can study using the free online manual at dol.wa.gov. The driving test is conducted by a Department of Licensing examiner and takes about 30 minutes. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you only need the vision test and do not need to take either written or driving test.
The cost and what your new license covers
A standard five-year Washington driver license costs $72. If you want an eight-year license instead, the cost is $96. You pay at the time of your visit — the Department of Licensing accepts cash, debit, and credit cards. Some offices may also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm payment methods is safer.
Your new Washington license is valid for driving, employment, and identification. It can be used to board domestic flights within the United States if it is a standard license (not an enhanced or real ID license). If you want a Real ID-compliant license for federal purposes, you can request that during your visit, though it requires additional documents and costs more.
Your temporary paper license is valid for the same purposes as your permanent card and can be used when ready for driving and identification. Keep it in a safe place until your plastic card arrives, because you will need to show it if you are pulled over or asked for identification.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked, you cannot transfer it to Washington. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation in the state that issued it. Contact the Department of Licensing in your previous state to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to restore it.
Once your license is restored in your previous state, you can then transfer it to Washington. If you cannot restore your old license, you will need to take a written test and a driving test in Washington to obtain a new license. This is treated as a new process rather than a transfer, and the process takes longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my license by mail or online?
No. Washington requires you to appear in person at a Department of Licensing office. You cannot transfer your license by mail, online, or through any other method. You must visit an office with your documents and pass a vision test.
How long does it take to get my permanent card after my visit?
Your permanent plastic license card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Your temporary paper license is valid when ready and works for all purposes while you wait. If you do not receive your card within four weeks, contact the Department of Licensing to check the status.
Do I need to take a driving test if my license is still valid?
No. If your out-of-state license is not expired, you only need to pass a vision test. You do not need to take a written or driving test. If your license expired more than five years ago, you will need both tests.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can still transfer your license, but the process takes longer because the Department of Licensing must verify your identity through other means. Bring documents that prove your identity and residency, and the staff will work with you to complete the transfer.
Can I use my temporary paper license for employment or identification?
Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid for driving, employment, and identification purposes. It works the same way as your permanent card until your plastic license arrives by mail.