What you need to bring to the Department of Licensing
Washington's Department of Licensing (DOL) requires you to show proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number before you can get a driver's license. You do not need all of these as separate documents — one document can sometimes count for more than one requirement.
For proof of identity, bring a passport, enhanced tribal ID, or certified birth certificate. If you do not have any of those, you can bring a combination of two documents from a longer list: a school ID, employee ID, insurance card, or Social Security card. The document needs to show your name and, ideally, your date of birth.
For proof of residency, bring something dated within the last 30 days that shows your name and Washington address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill, will work instead.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can still get a license, but you will need to fill out a form at the DOL office explaining why.
Key Takeaways
- Bring one proof of identity document (passport, birth certificate, or two secondary IDs), one proof of residency from the last 30 days, and your Social Security number to your local DOL office.
- You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving test before the license is issued.
- The written test covers Washington traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free manual on the DOL website.
- You can schedule your driving test appointment online or by phone, and most appointments are available within two to four weeks.
- The total cost is $97 for a standard five-year license, though the fee varies slightly if you choose a different license type or renewal period.
The written knowledge test and what it covers
Before you take the driving test, you must pass a written test at the DOL office. The test has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass. All questions come from the Washington Driver Guide, which is free to read from the DOL website or to pick up in print at any DOL office.
The test covers traffic laws specific to Washington, road signs and what they mean, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. Questions ask things like "What does a yellow diamond sign mean?" or "When must you use your headlights?" You take the test on a computer at the DOL office, and you get your score when ready.
If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day at no extra cost. Most people pass on their first try if they have spent time with the Driver Guide. The DOL also offers practice tests on its website that use the same format and question types as the real test.
Vision screening and the driving test appointment
After you pass the written test, you will have your vision checked at the DOL office. You need to be able to read a standard eye chart from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision correction form before you can continue.
Once you pass the written test and vision screening, you schedule your driving test. You can book online through the DOL website, by phone at 1-888-889-6365, or in person at the office. Most areas have appointments available within two to four weeks, though busy urban areas like Seattle may have longer waits.
For the driving test itself, bring the same proof of identity and residency documents you brought to the written test, plus your Social Security number. You will drive a route chosen by the examiner, usually lasting 10 to 15 minutes. The examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, and how you respond to other traffic. You need to demonstrate safe driving — not perfect driving.
What happens after you pass the driving test
If you pass the driving test, the examiner will tell you on the spot. You will then go back inside the DOL office to pay the license fee and have your photo taken. Your temporary license is printed when ready, and you can drive with it right away while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.
The permanent license arrives within two to three weeks. It is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you need to drive before the permanent card arrives, the temporary license is legal — you do not need to carry anything else.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it. There is no additional fee to retake the test, but you do need to schedule another appointment. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Fees and license types
A standard five-year Washington driver's license costs $97. This is the most common type and is what most people get on their first license.
Washington also offers an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) for $157, which can be used for travel to Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries without a passport. If you want an EDL instead of a standard license, tell the DOL staff when you pay your fee.
If you want a license valid for eight years instead of five, the cost is $130 for a standard license or $200 for an EDL. Longer licenses are useful if you do not want to renew as often, though the per-year cost is slightly lower.
All fees are paid at the DOL office after you pass your driving test. The office accepts cash, debit, and credit cards.
Where to find your local DOL office and what to expect
Washington has DOL offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you, check its hours, and see current wait times on the DOL website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in Seattle or Tacoma.
Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost. The written test usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Vision screening takes about 5 minutes. If you pass both, you will schedule your driving test before you leave.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some Saturday hours in larger cities. It is a good idea to arrive early or check wait times online before you go, especially on Fridays or near the end of the month when offices are busier.
If you learned to drive in another state or country
If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Washington license without taking the written test or driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Washington, and your Social Security number to any DOL office. The fee is $97 for a five-year license, the same as a new license.
If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take both the written test and the driving test, just as if you were getting your first license. If it expired more than five years ago, Washington treats it as if you have never had a license.
If you have a license from another country, you will need to take the written test and driving test. You can use your foreign license as proof of identity if it has your photo and date of birth, though it is safer to bring a passport as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test before I schedule my driving test?
Yes. You can go to a DOL office, take the written test and vision screening, and then schedule your driving test for a later date. Many people do this so they have time to practice driving before the test appointment. There is no time limit between passing the written test and taking the driving test.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it at no extra cost. You will need to schedule another appointment, which usually takes one to three weeks. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people pass within two or three attempts.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
Yes, you must bring your own vehicle. It needs to be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, and wipers before the test begins. If the car is not safe, the test will be rescheduled.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can still get a Washington driver's license. At the DOL office, fill out a form explaining that you do not have a Social Security number. You will need to bring extra proof of identity instead. Bring your passport or a combination of three secondary ID documents.
How long is a Washington driver's license valid?
A standard license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. You can choose an eight-year license for a higher fee if you prefer to renew less often. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license.