How to Get a New Driver’s License in Washington

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

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Eligibility Check New Driver’s License

Before you can apply for a driver’s license with

the Washington Department of Licensing

(DOL), you must meet these eligibility

requirements:

Be at least 16 years of age.

You must obtain a learner’s permit and

meet certain additional requirements if

you are younger than 18 years of age.

You may get a full license right away if

you are 18 years of age or older.

Be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident.

Be a resident of Washington.

Not have a mental or physical condition that

would prevent you from driving safely.

Not have a revoked, suspended or

cancelled license issued by any DMV in the

U.S.

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How to Apply for a License

What You Need

Acceptable proof of identity:

One document verifying your age and

legal name

One document verifying your residential

address in the state

Your Social Security Number (SSN) or a

document proving your ineligibility for one

If applicable, proof of name change, such as

a marriage certificate or a divorce decree

A previously-issued driver’s license from a

different state’s DMV, if transferring a

license

Cash, check or credit/debit card to pay for

licensing fees (acceptable payment

methods may vary according to each DOL

office)

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Steps to Take

1. Check if you can pre-apply online prior to

your DOL visit.

2. Visit a driver training and testing location to

take a written knowledge test.

3. After passing the written test, visit a DOL

office to apply for your license.

4. Submit identity and residency documents.

5. Undergo a vision screening.

6. Register to vote and/or become an organ

donor (optional).

7. Pay the required licensing fees:

$89 for a standard six-year license

$113 for a REAL ID six-year license

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$25 for a one-year learner’s permit

8. Schedule a road skills test with a testing

location.

9. Pass the driving test.

10. Have your photo taken.

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Note: If you went through driver training or

obtained an instruction permit at first,

you may be able to skip the knowledge

test and other steps. Similarly, you do

not have to complete tests when

transferring an out-of-state license,

unless your credential has been

expired.

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Interim or Temporary Licenses

You will receive a temporary license once you

have met all of the testing requirements. If you

have a photo instruction permit already, you

can print your temporary license online. If you

are ineligible to get your temporary card online,

this card may be issued in person at a DOL

office.

In any case, you must hold your temporary

license until your permanent card arrives in the

mail. You should receive it within seven to 10

days. If it still has not arrived within 30 days,

visit a DOL office for further assistance.

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Driving Permits

If you are 18 years of age or older when you

apply for your first license, you may opt to

obtain a learner’s permit beforehand. This

permit will allow you to legally practice driving

either as part of a driver training course or with

a licensed driver before getting your full license.

If you are 18 years of age or older and do not

wish to get a permit, you may skip this step

altogether and get your full license by passing

the required tests.

On the other hand, learner’s permits are

required if you apply for your first driving

credential while younger than 18 years of age.

You can start the licensing process once you

turn 15 years of age.

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Steps to Take

1. Apply for an instruction permit.

If eligible, you may pre-apply online. Otherwise, you may file your application in person at a DOL office.

2. Sign up for a state-approved driver training course and pass the knowledge test.

As an alternative, you may take a knowledge test through the DOL if you are at least 15-and-a-half years of age and have not enrolled in driver’s ed yet.

If you do not complete driver training at some point, you cannot get a license until you turn 18 years of age.

3. After passing the written knowledge test, you must finish your permit application at a DOL office.

4. Present proof of identity and state residency. If you are younger than 18 years of age, your parent or legal guardian will need to sign an authorization form.

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5. Undergo a vision screening.

6. Have your photo taken.

7. Pay the $25 fee for a learner’s permit.

8. With your permit, gather 50 hours of driving practice, 10 of which must be done at night.

Use a Student Driving Log to keep track of your driving practice hours.

9. After you have held your learner’s permit for at least six months, you may take the road skills exam.

10. Upon passing the driving test, you can print a temporary license online (if eligible) or receive one from the DOL.

11. Receive your license in the mail.

12. Follow the teen license laws while driving.

13. Once you turn 18 years of age, your intermediate license automatically becomes a license with full privileges.

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Note: If you wish to apply for a REAL ID-

compliant license, you must submit

documentation proving your Social

Security Number and identity, as well

as an additional proof of state

residency. You can review the full

requirements for a REAL ID here.

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14. test, if necessary.

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