What You Need to Do When You Move to Washington

When you move to Washington, you do not have to get a Washington license when ready — but you will need one before you can legally drive there. If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can drive on it for a limited time while you arrange to transfer. Washington law requires you to get a Washington license within a reasonable period after establishing residency, which the state interprets as 30 days for most people.

The process depends on whether your out-of-state license is still valid and whether you want to transfer it or take a new test. Most people moving to Washington can transfer their existing license without retaking the written or road test — but you will need to visit a Department of Licensing office in person, bring specific documents, and pay a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You have roughly 30 days after moving to Washington to obtain a Washington driver's license, though you can drive on a valid out-of-state license during that time.
  • If your out-of-state license is valid and you meet Washington's requirements, you can transfer without retaking the written or road test.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of Washington residency, and your current out-of-state license to a Department of Licensing office.
  • The transfer fee is less than the cost of a new license, and your new Washington license will be valid for eight years.
  • If your out-of-state license has expired or been suspended, you will need to take Washington's written and road tests before you can get a license.

Documents You Need to Bring to the Department of Licensing

Washington requires you to prove three things: who you are, that you live in Washington, and that you have a valid license from another state. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, which serves as your primary form of identification.

For proof of Washington residency, bring one document from this list: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax record, or bank statement showing your Washington address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have one yet because you just moved, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord stating your move-in date will work.

You will also need your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card or another document that displays it, such as a tax return or W-2 form.

The Transfer Process at the Department of Licensing

Visit any Department of Licensing office in Washington. You do not need an appointment, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Bring all your documents and be prepared to wait 30 minutes to an hour during busy periods.

At the office, you will complete an process form (the state provides this), have your photo taken, and pay the transfer fee. As of 2024, the fee for a standard eight-year license is $82. You will not take a written or road test unless your out-of-state license is expired, suspended, or revoked.

Your new Washington license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your out-of-state license until your Washington license arrives.

When You Must Take Washington's Written and Road Tests

If your out-of-state license has expired, been suspended, or been revoked, Washington will not transfer it. Instead, you will need to take both the written knowledge test and the road test, just as a first-time driver would.

You can schedule these tests at any Department of Licensing office. The written test covers Washington traffic laws and road signs. The road test is a 20-minute drive with an examiner who watches how you handle the vehicle, obey traffic laws, and respond to other drivers. You must pass both tests before you receive your license.

If you are under 18, Washington has additional requirements: you must hold a learner's permit for at least six months, complete a driver's education course, and log 50 hours of supervised driving (10 of them at night) before you can take the road test.

Licenses from Other Countries and Territories

If you hold a valid driver's license from another country, Washington will not transfer it. You will need to take Washington's written and road tests. However, you can use an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your foreign license to drive legally in Washington while you prepare for the tests.

If you hold a license from a U.S. territory such as Puerto Rico, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, the rules are the same as for out-of-state licenses: if it is valid, you can transfer it without retesting. Bring the same documents you would for an out-of-state transfer.

What Happens to Your Old License

When you receive your Washington license, your out-of-state license is no longer valid for driving in Washington. You do not need to return it to your old state — Washington will not ask for it. You can keep it as identification if it still has your current address, or you can destroy it.

If you plan to move back to your home state later, having your old license will not help you transfer back. Each state treats a transfer as a new process, so you would go through the same process in reverse.

Finding a Department of Licensing Office Near You

Washington has Department of Licensing offices in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Washington State Department of Licensing website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in smaller towns often have shorter wait times than those in Seattle, Tacoma, or Spokane.

A few offices offer evening or Saturday hours, which can be helpful if you work during the day. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours before you go, as some offices have reduced schedules on certain days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on my out-of-state license while I wait for my Washington license to arrive?

Yes. Your out-of-state license remains valid for driving in Washington until your new Washington license arrives in the mail. Once you receive your Washington license, your out-of-state license is no longer valid for driving in the state.

What if I moved to Washington but have not established residency yet?

You need proof of residency to transfer your license. If you just arrived and do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring a signed lease agreement, a letter from your landlord, or a property tax record. These count as proof of residency even if they are dated very recently.

Do I need to take a new road test if I transfer my license?

No, not if your out-of-state license is valid and in good standing. Washington transfers valid licenses without requiring a new test. You only take the road test if your old license has expired, been suspended, or been revoked.

How long is a Washington driver's license valid?

A standard Washington driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You will need to renew it after eight years. If you are over 65, your license is valid for five years.

What if my out-of-state license expires before I can get to the Department of Licensing?

You should visit the Department of Licensing before your license expires. If it expires before you transfer, you will have to take Washington's written and road tests instead of transferring. It is easier to transfer while your old license is still valid.