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USA DMV

Moving to Washington: transferring your license

The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.

  1. Get your Washington license within 30 days of moving.

    Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  2. Decide between a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant enhanced license.

    Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  3. Check whether you need tests: none if you are 18+ with a valid U.S. state license; both if it has expired.

    Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  4. Book an office appointment and bring proof of identity, including your out-of-state license, plus the fee.

    Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  5. Leave with a 45-day temporary license; the card is mailed within 7–10 days.

    Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.

Related facts

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

More in the Washington guide

Instruction permitSteps and official links →First licenseSteps and official links →RenewalSteps and official links →REAL IDSteps and official links →Lost or replacement licenseSteps and official links →

Official Washington links

Agency home pagedol.wa.gov ↗Appointmentsdol.wa.gov ↗Driver handbookdol.wa.gov ↗Driver handbook (PDF)dol.wa.gov ↗Driver handbook (Spanish)dol.wa.gov ↗Online renewaldol.wa.gov ↗REAL IDdol.wa.gov ↗Permit and first licensedol.wa.gov ↗New residentsdol.wa.gov ↗Replace a licensedol.wa.gov ↗Feesdol.wa.gov ↗

These links open official government websites. USA DMV is an independent study site and is not affiliated with any of them.

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Not a government website. USA DMV (usadmv.app) is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by any state DMV, the Texas Department of Public Safety or any other government agency. Practice questions are written to reflect official driver handbooks but are not the official test questions. Always confirm current requirements with your state’s licensing agency.