Washington Driver’s License Requirements

To get a driver’s license in Washington, you must pass a written exam, vision test, and road test and provide valid ID document(s) and your SSN.
Written by Sara Brody
Edited by Pat Roache
Washington state residents must be at least 18 years of age, pass a written knowledge exam, road test, and vision test, and pay an $80 fee to get their unrestricted Washington driver’s license.
  • Drivers under the age of 18 must take a state-approved driver’s education course to apply for a restricted Intermediate Driver License, which they can get at 16.
  • New residents can transfer a valid out-of-state license by bringing proof of residency to their local Department of Licensing office.
  • You must pass the road and knowledge exams with at least an 80% score to apply for your Washington license.

Required fees and documents for a Washington state driver’s license

How much it costs: Washington driver’s licenses cost $80 and are valid for five years.
You’ll need to bring provide your Social Security number and one or more identifying documents to apply for a license at your local driver licensing office. To prove your identity, you will need to fulfill one of the following categories:
  • One stand-alone document: valid U.S. passport; U.S. military ID; U.S. driver's license, ID, or instruction permit; certificate of naturalization; certificate of citizenship
  • Two A-list documents: foreign passport, valid U.S. visa, tribal enrollment ID card, U.S. passport expired less than one year, certain foreign identification cards
  • One A-list document and two B-list documents: certified birth certificate, adoption papers, foreign driver license or ID card, Veteran Administration Identification, Social Security card, professional license, marriage license/certificate
  • Four B-list documents: including one document that establishes your name and date of birth
You can find a more detailed list of documents you can use in your license application on the
Washington State Department of Licensing
website.

Washington license requirements for young drivers

Young drivers under the age of 18 are required to progress through the state’s graduated driver licensing program with the following
Washington age restrictions
:
  • 15 years old: Eligible to earn an Instruction Permit if enrolled in a
    state-approved driver education course
    .
  • 15 ½ years old: Eligible to earn an Instruction Permit if learning to drive outside of a driver’s ed course.
  • 16 years old: Eligible to earn an Intermediate Driver License (IDL) after passing a knowledge and road test.
  • 18 years old: IDL graduates into a Standard Driver License.
Drivers under 18 must have parental consent at every stage of the Washington GDL program. The steps to get a WA license for
teen drivers
typically include the following:
  1. Complete a state-approved driver training course. (Young drivers who choose to skip driver’s ed must wait until they’re 18 to graduate their learner’s permit to a license.)
  2. Complete at least 40 hours of daytime driving with a licensed driver in the car (driver must have been licensed for at least five years).
  3. Complete at least 10 hours of nighttime driving with a licensed driver in the car.
  4. Take a driving test after at least six months with the Instruction Permit.
If you pass the road test, your permit will be graduated to an Intermediate Driver License. Drivers under 18 must abide by the following IDL restrictions:
  • No driving with passengers under 20 years old except for family members (first 6 months)
  • No driving with more than 3 passengers under 20 years old except for family members (next 6 months)
  • No driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.
  • No cell phone use
    (even hands-free) except for emergencies
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Washington license requirements for out-of-state drivers

New Washington residents must get a Washington driver’s license within 30 days of
moving to the state
. This can be relatively simple, depending on your license status:
  • Valid driver’s license: Provide proof of Washington residency at your local DOL office to transfer your license.
  • Expired driver’s license or licenses with medical conditions: You may be required to take Washington’s knowledge and driving tests to get your new license.

How to get a driver’s license in Washington

Head to your local Washington Department of Licensing office (DOL) with your required documents to process your driver’s license applications. Here’s a checklist of all the training and testing you may be required to complete:
  • Driver’s education driver’s under 18: New drivers need to start with an online or in-person Traffic Safety Education course. You may then enroll in a
    driver training course
    or opt to learn from an experienced driver who has held their license for more than five years. 
  • Knowledge exam: You can study for your written exam using the
    Washington Driver’s Guide
    and gauge your knowledge through a
    practice test
    . You must get 32 out of 40 questions correct, or 80% to pass the knowledge test.
  • Vision screening: If you have any conditions that might affect your visual abilities on the road, the Washington DOL may ask you to have a medical professional confirm that it is safe for you to drive.
  • Road test: The driving test can be scheduled at
    training and testing locations
    throughout the state. You’ll need to bring your own vehicle in good working condition, plus
    proof of auto insurance
The final step: Once you pass your road test, bring your proof of completion, identity documents, and $80 fee to your local DOL office to complete your license application.

How to pass the Washington road test. 

You’ll need to bring a vehicle in “good working condition” to perform your road test. The Washington Department of Licensing doesn’t provide any strict criteria, but you should ensure that your vehicle has the following:
  • A working horn, brakes, tires, steering wheels, turn signals, rear-view mirrors, and brake lights
  • Functional windshield wipers, headlights, and seatbelts
  • Adequate fuel
  • Good visibility through all windows
During the exam, you’ll be tested on driving fundamentals such as controlling your vehicle, driving in traffic, stopping, backing up, and judging distance. Some specific maneuvers tested in Washington include: 
  • Arm signals for right/left turns and slow or stop
  • A brake reaction test or emergency stop
  • Parking in standard conditions and on a hill
  • Parallel parking  
  • Simulating backing out of a driveway or an alley into traffic using a corner
To pass the test: You must score 80 out of 100. If you pass, your scores will be good for one year, during which time you’ll be eligible to make an appointment with the driver licensing office to get your license. 
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FAQs

To get your driver’s license in Washington, you’ll need:
  • Your Social Security number or equivalent documentation
  • Proof of identity
  • Passed knowledge test
  • Passed vision test
  • Passed road test
  • Payment for $80 in licensing fees.
The fee to get a Washington driver’s license is $80 for a five-year license. There are additional fees required to take the written and driving exams, but these vary by testing facility.

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