Your license class is printed on the front of your card, in the upper right corner

Washington driver's licenses show your class as a single letter: A, B, C, D, E, or M. The letter appears in the top right area of the card, near your photo. If you have your license in front of you right now, look there first — that is your answer.

If you do not have your license with you or cannot read it clearly, you can check the same information online through the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) website. You will need your driver's license number and date of birth to look it up.

Your class determines what vehicles you are legally allowed to drive. A class C license, the most common one, covers regular passenger cars and light trucks. Class A and B cover larger vehicles like semi-trucks and buses. Class M is for motorcycles only. Classes D and E are less common and cover specific vehicle types.

Key Takeaways

  • Your license class is a single letter printed in the upper right corner of your Washington driver's license card.
  • Class C is the standard license for driving passenger cars and most light trucks.
  • Class A and B licenses are required to drive commercial vehicles like semi-trucks and buses, and require additional testing and medical clearance.
  • You can verify your license class online through the Washington DOL website using your license number and date of birth.
  • If you need a different class, you must pass the written and driving tests for that class at a DOL office.

What each Washington license class allows you to drive

Class C is the standard passenger vehicle license. It covers cars, pickup trucks, vans, and most vehicles under 26,001 pounds. This is what most people have.

Class A covers any single vehicle over 26,001 pounds, or any combination of vehicles (like a tractor-trailer) where the trailer weighs more than 10,000 pounds. You must pass a written test, a skills test, and a medical exam. Class A also lets you drive anything a Class B or C license covers.

Class B covers single vehicles over 26,001 pounds (but not combinations where the trailer is over 10,000 pounds). School buses fall under Class B. Like Class A, you need the written test, skills test, and medical exam. Class B also covers Class C vehicles.

Class D is for vehicles that carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) but are not school buses. This includes some vans and shuttle buses. You need a written test and skills test.

Class E covers vehicles that carry 7 to 15 passengers. You need a written test and skills test.

Class M is for motorcycles and mopeds only. You must pass a motorcycle-specific written test and skills test, or complete an approved motorcycle safety course.

How to change your license class in Washington

If you want to upgrade to a different class, you must visit a Washington DOL office in person. You cannot change your class online or by mail.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease agreement), and your Social Security card or passport. You will also need to pass the written test for the new class. For Class A, B, D, or E, you must also pass a driving skills test at the DOL office.

For Class A and B, you will need to pass a medical exam (called a Commercial Driver Medical Exam or DOT physical) before or at the time you take your test. The exam checks your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and other health factors. You can get this exam from any doctor, not just the DOL.

The written test costs money, and the skills test costs additional money. Fees vary, so call your local DOL office to ask the current cost for the class you want.

Restrictions and endorsements on your license

Your license class may also have restrictions or endorsements printed on it. These are separate from your class letter and appear elsewhere on the card.

A restriction is something you cannot do. For example, restriction "B" means you cannot drive without corrective lenses (glasses or contacts). Restriction "E" means you cannot drive a manual transmission vehicle.

An endorsement is something extra you are allowed to do. For example, endorsement "H" means you can drive a vehicle with air brakes (common on large trucks). Endorsement "T" means you can tow a trailer. You must pass a separate test to earn most endorsements.

Check your license card to see if you have any restrictions or endorsements listed. If you do not understand what they mean, the Washington DOL website has a full list with explanations.

What to do if your license class is wrong

If you believe your license shows the wrong class, contact the Washington DOL directly. You can call their customer service line or visit a local DOL office with your license.

Mistakes can happen during the initial issuance or renewal. The DOL can correct the error, usually at no cost, if you can show that the class was recorded incorrectly. Bring your license and any documents that show what class you tested for (like your test receipt or confirmation email).

If the class is correct but you were not aware of what it allows, you may need to take the test for a different class. This is not an error — it is a change to your license, which requires testing and fees.

Checking your license class online

The Washington DOL offers an online lookup tool on its website. Go to the DOL homepage and look for the "Check Your Driving Record" or "License Status" option.

You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will show your current license class, any restrictions or endorsements, and the expiration date of your license.

This tool is useful if your physical card is damaged, lost, or hard to read. It is also a quick way to confirm your class before you rent a vehicle or explore for a job that requires a specific license class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive a pickup truck with a Class C license?

Yes. Class C covers pickup trucks up to 26,001 pounds. Most standard pickup trucks fall well under this weight, so a Class C license is sufficient. If you are unsure about a specific truck, check the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) in the owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's door.

Do I need a Class A license to tow a trailer?

Not always. If the trailer weighs 10,000 pounds or less, you can tow it with a Class C license. If the trailer weighs more than 10,000 pounds, you need a Class A license. Some people add a trailer endorsement to their Class C license, which allows them to tow lighter trailers legally.

What happens if I drive a vehicle that requires a higher class than I have?

You can be cited for driving without the proper license class. This is a traffic violation and can result in a fine, points on your record, and possible license suspension. It also affects your insurance if you are in an accident.

How long does it take to get a different license class?

If you pass the written and skills tests on your first try, you can receive your new license the same day at the DOL office. If you fail a test, you can retake it, but you will need to schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you may have to wait for the next available test slot at your local office.

Is a Class M license the same as a motorcycle endorsement?

No. A Class M license is a separate license class for motorcycles only. An endorsement (like "M" on a Class C license) allows you to ride a motorcycle in addition to driving regular vehicles. A Class M license means you can only ride motorcycles and mopeds — you cannot drive a car with a Class M license alone.