Washington Foreign Driver's License: Visitors and Students
Can I drive in Washington on a foreign license, and for how long?
Yes, if you are a visitor. A nonresident aged 16 or older may drive in Washington for up to 1 year on a valid license from the home country, and must carry that license. A new resident needs a Washington license within 30 days. Licenses from British Columbia (Class 5), Germany and South Korea need no tests at age 18 or older.
Where these rules come from
The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) lists the visitor limit and the license exchange table on its Do I need to take a test? page. The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) sets the nonresident driver rule and the 30-day rule for new residents, and RCW 46.20.1191 sets the work zone course and the 2027 driver training rule. The DOL proof of identity page and the Washington Driver Guide (2025) add the documents and the residency signs. The facts are as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Washington State Department of Licensing (dol.wa.gov) before you drive.
Visitor or resident: which Washington rule applies to you
The 1-year limit is for visitors. You become a resident when you show that you plan to live in Washington on more than a temporary basis. Signs include a home in Washington that you keep for your own use, or a Washington address that you use for federal or state taxes. From the day you become a resident, you have 30 days to get a Washington license, and the visitor limit no longer covers you. The question on how soon a new resident needs a Washington license tests this rule.
What to do with your foreign license
Which foreign licenses skip the Washington tests
| Your license | What DOL says |
|---|---|
| British Columbia, Class 5 | No tests at age 18 or older |
| British Columbia, Class 7 | Does not transfer |
| Germany | No tests at age 18 or older |
| South Korea | No tests at age 18 or older |
| Taiwan | Contact the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Seattle at 206-441-4586 ext. 311 |
| Japan | Contact the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle at 206-682-9107 |
| Any other country or Canadian province | Complete all the steps to get your first license |
Can international students get a Washington license?
Yes. Your status decides the rule. If you study in Washington for a short, limited time, you are a visitor and may drive on your home license for up to 1 year. If you attend school in Washington and pay tuition at the resident rate, you count as a Washington resident, and the 30-day rule applies. The guide to moving to Washington and getting a license covers the move step by step.
Steps to a first Washington license if your license is not on the list
- 1Collect your identity documents
DOL needs proof of identity. It does not accept copies, scans or photos of documents. You must give a Social Security number or sign a declaration that you have none.
- 2Pass the knowledge test
The test has 40 questions, and 32 correct answers pass. It is offered in 12 languages. In 2026, at age 18 or older you need no course and no learner permit first (see the 2027 rule below). Practice with the free Washington personal driver practice test (in English only).
- 3Pass the drive test
You must score at least 80 out of 100. Bring proof of auto liability insurance for the vehicle you use to test, and a vehicle in good working condition with valid registration, tabs and plates.
- 4Take the work zone course if you are under 25
From November 1, 2026, first-time Washington license applicants under 25 must pass a free online work zone and first responder course. First-time means that you never held a Washington license, so a license from another country does not exempt you.
Identity documents that international applicants use
- A foreign passport with an I-94, an I-551 ADIT stamp or a temporary I-551 is on the A list of documents.
- A foreign ID or driver license is on the B list. So is a certified foreign birth certificate or birth registration card.
- Form I-20 or DS-2019 for foreign exchange students is on the B list.
- DOL may ask for more documents. The list of accepted proof of identity documents shows the four allowed combinations.
- An enhanced driver license is only for U.S. citizens. A green card or work visa does not qualify.
Ages 18 to 21: the 2027 driver training rule
From January 1, 2027, a first-time Washington license applicant who is 18 (under 19) must complete a driver training course. The age range grows by one year each January 1 and reaches under 22 on January 1, 2030. The law exempts applicants who held a license from a "reciprocal jurisdiction" outside Washington, and DOL may pause or delay the rule. If the rule covers your age and you hold a license from another country, call DOL at 360-902-3900 before you book your tests.
Foreign license questions in Washington
How long is a passing Washington test score good for?
A passing knowledge test score is good for 2 years. A passing drive test score is good for 1 year. So you can pass the knowledge test first and take the drive test later. For the drive test, you may use a rental car with proof of auto liability insurance for it.
What happens if I fail the Washington knowledge test?
You can take the test again, but there may be a waiting period before you retest. Each test has a fee that varies by location, so ask your testing location for the exact amount. You need 32 of 40 correct answers to pass. Study the Washington Driver Guide before you try again.
Does my British Columbia Class 7 license transfer to Washington?
No. Only the British Columbia Class 5 license transfers with no tests at age 18 or older. With a Class 7, you follow the steps for a first Washington license: proof of identity, the knowledge test and the drive test.
Does a Japanese or Taiwanese license skip the Washington tests?
Contact the office in Seattle first, and ask which steps apply and what to bring. For a Japanese license, DOL lists the Consulate-General of Japan. For a Taiwanese license, it lists the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office. A Japanese driver license also counts as an A-list proof of identity document.
Key Takeaways
- A visitor aged 16 or older may drive in Washington for up to 1 year on a valid home-country license.
- A new resident must get a Washington license within 30 days.
- Licenses from British Columbia (Class 5), Germany and South Korea need no tests at age 18 or older. Taiwan and Japan: contact the offices in Seattle.
- All other licenses need the knowledge test and the drive test. From November 1, 2026, applicants under 25 who never held a Washington license also need the work zone course.
- Next step: practice on the free Washington personal driver practice test before you book your knowledge test.
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