18 and over

How to get a new Washington State driver license

If you’re a Washington resident who is 18 or older, and have never had a driver license before:

  1. Visit a driver licensing office. Bring with you:
    • Proof of identity.
    • Your $45 license fee ($20 for your application and $25 for your license). You may pay with:
      • Cash
      • Check
      • MasterCard and American Express credit or debit cards, and some Visa debit cards.
        • Credit and debit cards not accepted at Coulee Dam, Davenport, Friday Harbor, Forks, Goldendale, Newport, Republic, or South Bend.
        • A vendor-charged convenience fee is added to all transactions paid with a debit or credit card at driver licensing offices.
    • Your Social Security number, which is mandatory to help enforce child support laws.
      • You don’t need to show us your Social Security card.
      • We’ll verify your Social Security number, but it won’t appear on your license.
      • If you don’t have a Social Security number, you must verify your Washington residence address before you can finish applying for your license, photo instruction permit, or ID card.
  2. Complete a driver license application.
  3. Pass a knowledge test. (The knowledge test must be completed before you can schedule a driving test.)
  4. Pass a vision screening and demonstration of color recognition.
  5. Pass a driving test. (If you plan to practice for your driving test, you will need to get an instruction permit.)
  6. Have your photograph taken.

When you’ll get your license

Before you leave the licensing office, you’ll get a temporary license that will allow you to drive for 45 days. Your permanent Washington driver license will be processed and mailed to you within 7–10 days. If for some reason you haven’t received your new license within 30 days, please return to any driver licensing office.

How to get a Washington State driver license if you have a valid license from another state

To learn how to get a driver license after moving to Washington from another state, see Moving? Get WA license.

How to get an enhanced driver license (EDL)

See Steps to getting your EDL/EID to learn how to get a Washington State enhanced driver license, which is an acceptable alternative to a passport for re-entry into the U.S. at land and sea border crossings.

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