What documents you need to bring
Washington State requires you to show proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number before you can get a driver license. You do not need all three documents to be the same piece of paper — the state accepts different combinations depending on what you have.
For proof of identity, bring a passport, enhanced tribal ID, military ID, or state ID card. If you do not have any of those, you can bring a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a high school diploma, or a marriage certificate plus a utility bill in your name. The Department of Licensing publishes a full list of acceptable documents on their website.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Washington address. The document must be dated within the last 12 months. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license — you will need to fill out an additional form and bring a document explaining why you do not have one.
Key Takeaways
- You need to show proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, but these can come from different documents.
- Proof of residency must be dated within the last 12 months and show your current Washington address.
- You can get a license without a Social Security number if you explain why you do not have one.
- You must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the Department of Licensing office.
- The fee for a standard driver license is $72, and the license is valid for eight years.
The vision and knowledge tests
Before you receive your license, you must pass a vision screening and a written test on Washington traffic laws and road signs. The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you must pass the test with the correction you will use while driving.
The written test covers traffic laws, right-of-way rules, parking, and road signs. You can study using the Washington Driver Guide, which is free on the Department of Licensing website. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You get one free retake if you fail; after that, you pay a retest fee.
If you are under 18, you also must complete a driver education course before you take the written test. The course can be classroom-based or online, and it takes about 30 hours to complete. You can find approved providers through the Department of Licensing website.
Age requirements and restrictions for young drivers
Washington allows you to get a learner permit at age 15 and a full driver license at age 16. If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner permit for at least six months before you can test for a full license.
With a learner permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult 21 or older is in the front passenger seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.
Once you get your full license at 16 or 17, you still have restrictions. You cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot carry passengers under 20 unless a licensed adult 25 or older is in the car. These restrictions lift when you turn 18.
Where to go and how long it takes
You must go to a Department of Licensing office in person to get your driver license. Washington has offices in most counties, and you can find the one nearest you on their website. Some offices take walk-ins, but many require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Booking ahead usually means a shorter wait.
Processing time at the office is usually 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the location is. After you pass your tests and pay the fee, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while the state prints your plastic card. The plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
If you need your license sooner, you can pay an extra fee to get a temporary plastic license printed at the office before you leave. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and looks like a regular license.
Cost and how long your license lasts
A standard eight-year driver license costs $72. If you are 65 or older, you can get a five-year license for $54. The fee covers the license itself, the vision test, and the written test.
If you fail the written test and need to retake it, you pay a retest fee of $20. If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, that costs $20. If you want to renew your license early or change your address, those are also $20.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date you receive it (or five years if you are 65 or older). You can renew it online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office, starting 60 days before it expires.
Special licenses and endorsements
If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a motorcycle endorsement on your license. You must pass a separate written test and a riding skills test. You can study for the written test using the Washington Motorcycle Operator Manual, which is free online.
If you want to drive a commercial vehicle, you need a commercial driver license (CDL). This requires additional testing and medical certification, and the rules are more complex. You can find information about CDL requirements on the Department of Licensing website.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can get a license with a restriction that you must wear a hearing aid while driving. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, you may need to pass additional tests or restrictions on your license.
Renewing your license and changing your address
You can renew your Washington driver license online through the Department of Licensing website if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes to your information. Online renewal costs $72 for an eight-year license and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.
If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or in person at a Department of Licensing office. By mail, you fill out the renewal form, send it with your fee, and your new license arrives in about three weeks. In person, you can walk in or book an appointment, and you will get a temporary license on the spot.
If you move to a new address in Washington, you must update your address with the Department of Licensing within 60 days. You can do this online for free, by mail, or in person. Updating your address online takes about two weeks; by mail or in person, it is faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Washington driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. You will need to bring a document explaining why you do not have a Social Security number, such as a letter from the Social Security Administration or a visa showing your immigration status. The Department of Licensing will issue you an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) driver license instead.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test for free one time. After that, you pay a $20 retest fee each time you take it. You can retake the test as many times as you need, but you must wait at least one day between attempts.
Do I need to take the written test again if I renew my license?
No. When you renew your license, you do not take the written test again unless your license was suspended or revoked, or unless the Department of Licensing asks you to. You will still need to pass a vision screening.
Can I get a Washington license if I have an out-of-state license?
Yes, but you must surrender your out-of-state license when you explore. You still need to bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, and you still must pass the vision and written tests.
How do I get a Real ID-compliant Washington driver license?
All Washington driver licenses issued after January 2018 are Real ID-compliant by default. If your license was issued before that, you can get a new one by renewing or replacing it. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight.