Washington driver license guide

Minimum age for an instruction permit

15 if you are enrolled in an approved driver training course; otherwise 15½.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit age without driver training

15½, and without a driver training course you cannot get a license until 18.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Instruction permit fee

$35 for 1 year.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit validity

1 year; it can be renewed twice ($25 per renewal at an office or online).Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Permit renewal fee

$25 for 1 year.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Parental permission

Applicants under 18 need a parent or guardian present to give permission online (or another qualifying responsible adult over 21 if you do not live with a parent).Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Who must ride with a permit holder

A licensed driver with at least 5 years of driving experience; other passengers of any age are allowed. No phone use except to call 911.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge test score

A passing knowledge test score is valid for 2 years; you have 2 years to pass the drive test.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Knowledge and drive test fees

Set by each testing location (driving schools and offices); check with the location.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver guide languages

The Washington Driver Guide PDF is offered in 17 languages, including Spanish.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Vision screening

DOL screens your vision before issuing a license; corrective lenses are noted on the license.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

What to bring for a license

Proof of identity documents and your Social Security number (or a signed declaration that you do not have one). Under 18: a parent and proof of the relationship.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Office appointments

Appointments are preferred for in-person renewals; walk-ins are served when possible.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Supervised driving hours (under 18)

40 hours of daytime and 10 hours of night driving with a driver licensed at least 3 years.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

How long to hold the permit (under 18)

At least 6 months (out-of-state permit time counts).Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License requirements at 16–17

At least 16, Washington resident, approved driver training, permit held 6 months, and no traffic violations in the 6 months before applying.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver training

Required to get a license before 18; online self-paced and parent-taught courses are not approved.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Driver education at 18 (from 2027)

Starting January 1, 2027, first-time applicants who are 18 must also complete driver education.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Work zone and first responder course

Since November 1, 2026, first-time license applicants under 25 must pass a free online course (about an hour, 14 languages).Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Intermediate license passenger limits

First 6 months: no passengers under 20 except immediate family. Next 6 months: no more than 3 non-family passengers under 20.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Intermediate license night limit

No driving 1–5 a.m. unless with a licensed driver 25 or older; ends after 1 year of safe driving.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

First driver license fee

$111 for 6 years or $131 for 8 years ($50 application + $10/year + $1 technology fee), plus driving school fees if you take training.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

License term

6 or 8 years; licenses usually expire on your birthday.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Renewal fee

$10 per year: $61 for 6 years or $81 for 8 years; $10 extra if more than 60 days expired.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

When you can renew

From 1 year before expiration to 8 years after; after 8 years expired you start over with both tests.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Late renewal

No late fee within 60 days of expiration; more than 60 days late adds $10.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online renewal

Yes, through License Express, unless you are 70+, need a vision screening or new photo, or renewed online last time.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Phone renewal

Possible if you are under 70 and last renewed in person.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

REAL ID in Washington

A standard Washington license is not REAL ID compliant (marked 'Federal limits Apply'). The enhanced driver license (EDL) or enhanced ID is Washington's REAL ID option; a passport also works.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Enhanced license fee

New EDL: $153 for 6 years or $187 for 8 years ($17/year issuance). Upgrading: $7 per year left on your license.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Who can get an EDL

U.S. citizens only, with a Social Security number and proof of citizenship, identity and Washington residency.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Deadline to get a Washington license

Within 30 days of moving to Washington; you also need it before registering vehicles.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Tests for license transfers

No tests if you are 18+ with a valid license from another U.S. state (driving record dated within 30 days); an expired license means both tests.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

After the transfer

Your out-of-state card is hole-punched and returned; a 45-day temporary license is issued and the card is mailed in 7–10 days.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Replacement license fee

$20 (same for an enhanced license or a learner's permit).Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Online/phone replacement limit

Up to 3 replacements a year online or by phone.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

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