What you need before you start
Washington State requires you to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number before you can get a driver's license. You will need to bring documents to a Department of Licensing office in person — you cannot complete this entirely online or by mail.
Bring one document that proves who you are, such as a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID. Bring one document that proves you live in Washington, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but the process is different and requires additional paperwork — contact your local Department of Licensing office for details.
If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person at the office. If you are renewing a license that expired more than five years ago, you must retake the written test and driving test, not just renew by mail.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person with proof of identity, proof of Washington residency, and your Social Security number.
- The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official Washington State Driver Guide available free online.
- The driving test takes about 30 minutes and tests basic vehicle control, turning, parking, and following traffic laws on public roads.
- The entire process from first visit to receiving your license in the mail takes two to four weeks after you pass both tests.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present when you explore, and you must hold a permit for at least six months before taking the driving test.
Finding your nearest Department of Licensing office and making an appointment
Washington State has Department of Licensing offices in most counties. Go to dol.wa.gov and use the office locator tool to find the office closest to you. Many offices now require appointments, and some have long wait times. You can book an appointment online through the same website, or call the office directly.
Bring all your documents with you on the day of your appointment. If you arrive without an appointment and the office accepts walk-ins, expect to wait. Some offices are busier than others — offices in smaller towns often have shorter waits than those in Seattle, Tacoma, or Spokane.
Taking and passing the written test
At your first visit, you will take a written test on traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the Department of Licensing office.
Study using the free Washington State Driver Guide, available as a PDF on dol.wa.gov. The guide covers everything on the test: speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, stopping distances, and what different road signs mean. Most people spend two to four hours studying before taking the test. You can retake the test the same day if you fail, though you may have to pay the test fee again.
If English is not your first language, you can request the test in Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, or several other languages at the time you book your appointment.
Getting your learner's permit and practicing to drive
After you pass the written test, you will receive a learner's permit. If you are 18 or older, you can take the driving test as soon as you have the permit. If you are under 18, you must hold the permit for at least six months and complete a driver training course before you can take the driving test.
With a learner's permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver 21 or older is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone. Use this time to practice on different road types — highways, residential streets, parking lots — so you are comfortable with the vehicle and traffic before your test.
If you are under 18, enroll in a driver training course approved by Washington State. These courses are offered by private driving schools and some high schools. The course usually takes one to two weeks and includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training with an instructor. After you finish the course, you will receive a certificate to bring to your driving test appointment.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
Book your driving test appointment through dol.wa.gov or by calling your local Department of Licensing office. You can usually schedule a test within two to four weeks of passing the written test. Bring your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be driving for the test.
The test lasts about 30 minutes. A Department of Licensing examiner will sit in the passenger seat while you drive on public roads. The examiner will ask you to perform specific tasks: starting the vehicle, turning, changing lanes, parking, and stopping at traffic lights and stop signs. You must follow all traffic laws and demonstrate safe driving. If you fail, you can retake the test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on office availability.
Bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in working condition. The vehicle must have functioning brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. If the vehicle fails inspection before the test begins, you will not be able to test that day.
Receiving your license and understanding restrictions for new drivers
After you pass the driving test, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within two to four weeks. The address on your license will be your Washington State address.
If you are under 18, your license will have restrictions for the first year: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot have more than one passenger under 20 years old in the car unless a licensed driver 25 or older is present. These restrictions lift on your 18th birthday or one year after you receive your license, whichever comes first.
Your Washington driver's license is valid for eight years if you are 18 or older, and five years if you are under 18. You can renew by mail if your license has not expired more than five years ago. If it has expired longer than that, you must repeat the written and driving tests.
Cost and payment
The written test costs $20. The driving test costs $30. Your first driver's license costs $72 if you are 18 or older, or $48 if you are under 18. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the Department of Licensing office. Some offices may have different payment options — ask when you arrive.
If you fail either test, you pay the test fee again to retake it. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the replacement fee is $20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. You will need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a document from your country of origin instead. Contact your local Department of Licensing office before your appointment to confirm what documents they will accept, because requirements vary by office.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test as soon as the next available appointment, which is usually within a few days to a few weeks depending on how busy your local office is. You pay the test fee each time you retake it. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.
Do I need to take the written test again if I already have a license from another state?
If you are moving to Washington from another state and already have a valid driver's license, you can transfer it without taking the written or driving test. Bring your out-of-state license and proof of Washington residency to a Department of Licensing office. You will pay the license fee and receive a Washington license.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
If you are 18 or older and pass both tests on your first try, the process takes four to six weeks from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail. If you are under 18, add six months for the permit-holding requirement and time to complete driver training. If you need to retake either test, add two to four weeks for each retake.
Can I use my passport as proof of identity?
Yes. A valid passport is one of the documents the Department of Licensing accepts as proof of identity. You can also use a birth certificate, consulate ID, or tribal ID. Bring the original document — copies are not accepted.