Moving to Washington: Get Your WA Driver's License Within 30 Days

When do the 30 days start?

The law gives you 30 days from the date you become a resident. A resident is a person who intends to live in Washington on more than a temporary basis. DOL counts you as a resident if you have a Washington address, are registered to vote in Washington, receive state benefits or pay in-state tuition. Try our free, English-only question on the new resident license deadline, which uses a driver with a valid Oregon license.

What if you need the tests?

The knowledge test is written and multiple choice. You must get 32 out of 40 answers correct to pass, and a pass is good for 2 years. The fee varies by location. For the drive test you must score at least 80 out of 100. Bring proof of auto liability insurance for the vehicle you use, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration, tabs and plates. A rental car is allowed. Our free question on the vehicle for the skills exam asks which problem stops the test before it starts.

Work zone course for new residents under 25

• If you never had a Washington license, the law counts you as a first-time applicant, even with a valid license from another state.
• The course is free and online, takes about an hour and ends with a test. You can take it before or after your other tests.
• To sign in, you need a Washington driver license (WDL) number. If you have none, request one in DOL License Express.
• If the online course is not available when you apply, the law lets DOL waive it.

What to bring to the driver licensing office

• Proof of identity, including your out-of-state license. DOL does not accept copied, scanned or photographed documents.
• Payment for the driver licensing fee. At the office you can pay by cash, check or card.
• Your Social Security number. You tell DOL the number at the office.
• Extra documents if you want an enhanced driver license (EDL) or you changed your name.

Which documents prove your identity?

For a standard license, DOL accepts four ways to prove identity: 1 stand-alone document, 2 A-list documents, 1 A-list document and 2 B-list documents, or 4 B-list documents. A valid U.S. passport or passport card is a stand-alone document. The EDL has a different list. See Washington DOL proof of identity documents for the full lists.

1. 1
   Find your residency date

   Count 30 days from the day you became a Washington resident.

2. 2
   Choose a standard license or an EDL

   An EDL meets REAL ID standards and has extra requirements.

3. 3
   Make an appointment

   You must make an appointment to visit a driver licensing office.

4. 4
   Go to the office with your documents

   Give your Social Security number, pay the fee and pass any tests you need. You must also give DOL all valid licenses that other places issued to you.

5. 5
   Leave with a temporary license

   Before you leave the office, DOL gives you a temporary license that lets you drive for 45 days.

6. 6
   Wait for the permanent license

   DOL mails it within 7 to 10 days. If it does not arrive within 30 days, call DOL at 360-902-3900.

Moving to Washington at 16 or 17

If you are under 18 with a valid license from another state, you must get a Washington intermediate license. DOL must approve your out-of-state driver education and check that you held an instruction permit for at least 6 months, which can include your out-of-state permit. A course counts if it has 30 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hours behind the wheel. Email proof of the course to tse@dol.wa.gov.
Bring proof of identity, proof of your out-of-state license and proof of 6 months with a learner permit. A parent or legal guardian signs the parental authorization form, or fills out a notarized Parental Authorization Affidavit.

Intermediate license limits after you move

• For the first 6 months, you may not carry passengers under 20 except immediate family members. For the next 6 months, you may carry no more than 3 passengers under 20 who are not immediate family.
• You cannot drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless you are with a licensed driver who is 25 or older, or you drive for school, religious or work activities (yours or your immediate family's) or for farm work.
• If you drive safely for 1 year, the passenger and night limits end.
• You cannot use any wireless device while driving, even hands-free. You may use one only to report an emergency.
• At 18, your intermediate license converts to a regular license. You do not need to apply for a new one.

License from another country

A visitor may use an out-of-country license for up to 1 year. If you become a resident, the 30-day rule applies. Licenses from British Columbia (Class 5 only), Germany and South Korea transfer with no tests at 18 or older. For Taiwan and Japan, contact their offices in Seattle. A license from any other country or Canadian province needs all the steps for a first license. See moving to Washington with a foreign license.

Moving to Washington: common questions