Washington Driver's License

Standard Driver's License

The standard driver's license is the most common license type in the state. It allows individuals to drive regular passenger vehicles independently, without supervision.

With this license, drivers can operate standard vehicles such as cars, SUVs, and small trucks, enabling them to travel freely for personal and non-commercial purposes.

Intermediate Driver's License

In Washington state, an intermediate driver's license is issued to young drivers, granting them the ability to operate standard passenger vehicles. This license is accompanied by restrictions designed to introduce these drivers gradually to the responsibilities of independent vehicle operation.

Enhanced Driver's License

Washington's enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs) are REAL ID compliant. These special licenses can be used for driving purposes and as a travel document between the United States, Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries.

Motorcycle License

A motorcycle license permits individuals to operate motorcycles or three-wheeled motorcycles on public highways legally.

Class A CDL

A Class A CDL in Washington state permits individuals to operate combination vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the towed vehicle(s) exceeds 10,000 pounds.

Class B CDL

This commercial license permits individuals to operate single vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more and vehicles towing trailers with a GVWR of 10,000 pounds or less. It also covers vehicles listed under Class C when endorsed.

Class C CDL

Washington state's Class C CLD permits the operation of vehicles designed to transport 16 or more individuals (including the driver) and vehicles transporting hazardous materials.

Gather the Documentary Requirements

Individuals must prepare numerous documents when obtaining a standard driver's license in Washington. These requirements are structured into several options to accommodate varying document availability.

Applicants have multiple choices for proof of identity. They can provide one stand-alone document, two documents from the A-list, one document from the A-list, and two from the B-list, or four B-list documents.

Some of the stand-alone documents include:

• Valid U.S. passport
• Valid U.S. passport card,
• Valid or expired for less than a year U.S. state or U.S. territory driver's license
• U.S. Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate
• Valid U.S. Citizenship and Immigration ID
• Valid Armed Services ID Card (with photo)

For A-list documents, the following are accepted:

• Expired for less than a year U.S. passport
• Expired for less than a year U.S. passport card
• Expired for one to six years U.S. state or U.S. territory driver's license
• Valid U.S. Visa
• U.S. Naturalization or Citizenship Certificate

Meanwhile, for B-List documents, the following are accepted:

• Certified U.S. or foreign birth certificate
• Certified Puerto Rico birth certificate
• Certified birth registration card
• Adoption papers
• Birth abroad consular report

Besides the proof of identity, license applicants must also submit proof of Social Security Number and, if applicable, proof of Washington state residency.

To learn more about the acceptable documents, refer to this Identification Requirements Brochure provided by the DOL.

Apply for a Learner's Permit

A learner's permit is essential to securing a standard driver's license in Washington. This permit allows applicants to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed individual.

To obtain a learner's permit, individuals must obtain a Washington Driver License (WDL) number. This number is essential for making an appointment at a local DOL office.

There are two pathways to obtaining a learner's permit, depending on the applicant's age and desired timeline for getting their driver's license.

For individuals who wish to obtain their driver's license before turning 18, enrollment in an approved driver training school is mandatory. They must provide their WDL number to the driving school and can apply for a permit online or at a DOL office ten days before the course begins.

On the other hand, those not enrolling in driver training must be at least 18 years old to obtain a driver's license. Applicants must be at least 15 and a half years old to take the driving knowledge test and get a permit without enrolling in a course. The WDL number is necessary to schedule the test.

After choosing the desired option, applicants can complete their application online through License eXpress or in person at a DOL office. A temporary permit will be issued, and the official permit will arrive within 7-10 business days.

Apply for a Washington Driver's License

Once individuals have acquired a learner's permit, they must gain practical driving experience. Remember that when practicing driving on public roads, individuals must always bring their learner's permit. Additionally, they must have a licensed driver with a minimum of five years of experience and a valid license in the front passenger seat.

After gaining sufficient practice and confidence, individuals can apply for a standard driver's license. To do so, they must make an appointment with a driver's licensing office:

During the appointment, applicants will need to:

• Submit the required documents
• Take the driver's license tests
• Pay the driver's license fees

Upon completing these steps, the DOL will issue a temporary license to the applicant before they leave the office. It is crucial to hold onto this temporary license until the official license arrives.

Generally, the DOL will mail the permanent license within 7-10 days. If the applicant has not received their license after 30 days, it is advisable to contact the DOL at (360) 902-3900 to inquire about the status of their application.

Requirements for Teen Drivers

Teen drivers who wish to obtain a driver's license in Washington must comply with specific requirements and regulations.

Firstly, teen applicants must acquire a learner's permit, which allows them to practice driving under certain conditions. During this practice period, teens must complete at least 40 hours of daylight driving and 10 hours of night driving. These driving sessions must be supervised by an adult who has held their license for at least five years.

Furthermore, teen drivers must complete a training course to obtain their license before turning 18.

Once these prerequisites are met, teen applicants can apply for their driver's license. This can be done either online or in person.

For online applications, teen drivers must possess a Washington photo learner permit and have their parent or guardian present to grant permission for the applicant to obtain their license. Upon completing the online application process, teen drivers can print a receipt that serves as a temporary license.

For in-person applications, applicants must visit a DOL office accompanied by a parent or have them fill out the Parental Authorization Affidavit form and have it notarized.

During the office visit, it is vital to ensure that the driver training school has submitted the course completion status and exam scores. Applicants must also provide the necessary documents, pass the required tests, and have their photo taken.

Teen drivers will be issued an intermediate license upon completing the application process.

Washington Intermediate License Restrictions

Young drivers with intermediate licenses face several restrictions which are lifted when they turn 18.

During the first six months of having the intermediate license, teens cannot have any passengers under 20 years old except immediate family members. For the next six months, they are limited to having no more than three passengers under 20 who aren't immediate family members.

Additionally, they are prohibited from driving between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. unless accompanied by a licensed driver at least 25 years old. These restrictions on nighttime driving and passenger limitations expire after one year of safe driving, and there are exceptions for driving related to agricultural work.

Moreover, teen drivers are prohibited from using wireless devices while driving unless for emergencies.

Teen drivers who are found violating these restrictions can face license suspensions.

Washington Driver's License Test

Applicants seeking a driver's license in Washington must successfully pass several exams throughout the process. These exams include vision and medical screening, knowledge, and drive tests.

Vision and Medical Screening

The DOL evaluates the applicant's eyesight to determine if they meet the required standard for safe driving. If the applicant falls short of the standard without using glasses or corrective lenses, they may be subject to driving restrictions. In some cases, an examination by an eye care specialist is necessary, and a Visual Examination Report must be submitted.

Additionally, the DOL inquires about mental or physical conditions that may hinder the applicant's ability to drive safely. Applicants are asked if they take any medications that could impair their driving skills. If necessary, a medical specialist may be consulted, and a Physical Examination Report must be provided.

Knowledge Test

The knowledge test is a crucial requirement for obtaining a driver's license. It assesses applicants' comprehension of road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. The test can be taken at any approved driver training school or designated licensing offices.

The knowledge test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and applicants must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. If an applicant does not pass the test, there is a mandatory waiting period before retesting.

Drive Test

Before taking a driving test, applicants must bring a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration, tabs, plates, and proof of auto liability insurance.

During the driving test, a certified instructor evaluates the applicant's ability to safely operate a vehicle while applying knowledge of traffic laws in real-world scenarios. Key criteria that will be evaluated include vehicle control, interaction with traffic, adherence to traffic signs and signals, and overall driving proficiency.

To pass the test, applicants must achieve an 80 out of 100 minimum score. If an applicant does not pass, there may be a waiting period before they are eligible for a retest.

Washington Driver's License Fees

There are associated fees when obtaining a driver's license in Washington. The fee for a learner's permit is $25, valid for one year. Meanwhile, a standard driver's license costs $81 for five years.

The fees for CDLs or EDLs can vary, and individuals can refer to this Driver Licensing Fees page for comprehensive fee information.

The DOL accepts cash, checks, and debit/credit cards as payment methods. However, card payments incur a 3% transaction charge and convenience fees.

To learn more about obtaining a standard driver's license in Washington, check the Washington State Driver Guide. Meanwhile, those interested in acquiring a CDL can study the Washington State Commercial Driver Guide.

Renewal of Washington Driver's License

The DOL will send license holders a renewal notice before their license expires. This notice outlines the renewal fee and the various renewal methods for which individuals are eligible.

Washington drivers can typically renew their licenses online, by mail, in person, or over the phone, depending on eligibility,

Online renewal is facilitated through License eXpress. If eligible, individuals will need their WA driver's license number, the last four digits of their Social Security number, and a valid payment method for renewal fees. A printer or email is also necessary for confirmation.

For mail-in renewals, individuals must follow the instructions on the renewal notice. They must also include a check or money order for the renewal fee.

Meanwhile, those renewing in person must visit a DOL office and bring their current driver's license and renewal fee. At the office, they will also need to pass a vision test and have a photo taken.

If individuals are under 70 and last renewed in person, they can conduct renewal by phone. They can do this by calling (360) 902-3900 and paying with a credit or debit card.

Replacement of Washington Driver's License

Replacing a Washington driver's license can be done online or in person.

Online replacement is facilitated through the License eXpress system. This process requires individuals to follow the system's steps diligently and pay the replacement fee of $20.

Note that online license replacement will not be facilitated if:

• The license is expiring within three months
• Replacing a CDL
• The current name does not match the name on the license
• The driving record shows issues such as traffic tickets, dishonored checks, etc
• The individual replacing a license is younger than 18 years old

For in-person replacement, individuals must visit a DOL office, where they must present proof of identity documents, undergo a vision exam, and pay the replacement fee.

After completing either process, the replacement license will be mailed to the individual.