What you need to do to get a Washington driver's license
Getting a Washington driver's license involves three main steps: pass a written knowledge test, pass a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity and residency. You can start the process at any Department of Licensing (DOL) office in the state. Most people complete both tests on the same day, though you can take them separately if you need more time to prepare.
Washington issues licenses to people 16 and older. If you are under 18, you will follow the Intermediate License pathway first, which has restrictions on when and how you can drive. If you are 18 or older, you can go straight to a full license once you pass both tests.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a practical driving test with an examiner in your own vehicle or a DOL test vehicle.
- Bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and two documents showing your current Washington address — a utility bill or lease works.
- The written test costs $20 and the driving test costs $30; you pay these fees at the DOL office when you take each test.
- If you are under 18, you get an Intermediate License first, which restricts driving between midnight and 5 a.m. and limits passengers under 20 for the first six months.
- You can schedule a driving test appointment online through the DOL website or by calling your local office; written tests are typically walk-in.
Documents you must bring to the DOL office
Washington requires specific documents to prove who you are and where you live. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate (not a photocopy from a hospital or funeral home). You also need proof of your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return all work.
For proof of residency, bring two documents that show your current Washington address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all count. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can use a letter from a shelter or social service agency instead. Do not bring a driver's license from another state as your only proof of identity — you need the birth certificate.
If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document that shows the change. If you are explore for a license under a different name than your birth certificate, the DOL will ask for this paperwork before they issue your license.
How the written knowledge test works
The written test covers Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 35 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the DOL office. You need to score at least 80 percent to pass, which means you can miss no more than 7 questions. The test takes about 30 minutes.
The DOL provides a free study guide called the Washington Driver Guide on their website. You can read it online or request a printed copy at any DOL office. The guide covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different signs mean, how to handle weather and road hazards, and what to do at traffic stops. Most people study the guide for a few days before taking the test.
You can take the written test as many times as you need. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another time. Each attempt costs $20. Many people pass on their first try if they study the guide beforehand.
Scheduling and taking the driving skills test
After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test appointment. You can book online through the DOL website or call your local DOL office. Appointments fill up quickly, especially in busy areas — you may wait two to four weeks depending on where you live. Some offices have more availability than others, so you can check multiple locations if one is booked solid.
For the driving test, you bring your own vehicle or use a DOL test vehicle. If you use your own car, it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, wipers, and steering all work before you start driving. If something is broken, you cannot take the test that day.
The test lasts about 30 minutes. You drive on local streets and demonstrate basic skills: starting and stopping smoothly, turning, parking, merging, and following traffic laws. The examiner watches for safe habits and correct use of signals and mirrors. You need to pass this test to get your license. If you fail, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day before scheduling another appointment. Each driving test costs $30.
Getting your license after you pass both tests
Once you pass the driving test, the DOL issues your license the same day. You will get a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The plastic license arrives by mail within two weeks in most cases.
Your Washington driver's license is valid for eight years if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, it is valid for four years. You can renew by mail, online, or in person before your expiration date. The DOL sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires.
Intermediate licenses for drivers under 18
If you are under 18, you cannot get a full license right away. Instead, you get an Intermediate License after passing both tests. This license has restrictions designed to reduce crash risk for new teen drivers.
With an Intermediate License, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. For the first six months, you can only have one passenger under 20 years old in the car (family members are exempt). After six months, you can have up to three passengers under 20. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or have held the license for one year, whichever comes first.
Once you turn 18 or meet the time requirement, you can exchange your Intermediate License for a full license at any DOL office. You do not need to take the tests again — just bring your Intermediate License and pay a small fee.
What happens if you move or your information changes
If you move to a different address in Washington, you must update your license within 60 days. You can do this online through the DOL website, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. Updating your address online or by mail is free. You do not need to take any tests — just provide your new address and the DOL will mail you an updated license.
If you change your name, you need to visit a DOL office in person. Bring your current license and the legal document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DOL will issue a new license with your updated name. There is a small fee for this service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test without scheduling an appointment?
Yes. The written test is typically walk-in at DOL offices, so you do not need an appointment. Just bring your documents and the $20 test fee. However, the driving test requires an appointment scheduled in advance.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one day. You pay the $30 fee again for each attempt. There is no limit on how many times you can take it. Many people pass on their second or third try after more practice.
Do I need to take a vision test?
Yes. The DOL checks your vision at the office before you take the written test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If your vision does not meet the standard, you may need a doctor's note or corrective lenses to proceed.
Can I use my passport as proof of identity?
A U.S. passport counts as proof of identity, but you still need to bring proof of your Social Security number and two documents showing your Washington address. The passport alone is not enough.
How much does a Washington driver's license cost?
The written test costs $20 and the driving test costs $30. The license itself is free once you pass both tests. If you renew by mail or online later, renewal costs vary but are typically under $50.