What Class 9 Means on Your Washington Driver's License

Class 9 is a restricted license for drivers who cannot meet standard vision or medical requirements

A Class 9 license in Washington is a special restricted driver's license issued to people who do not meet the normal eyesight or medical standards for a regular license. It allows you to drive, but only under specific conditions written on your license — typically limited to daytime driving, a certain speed range, or a specific geographic area. The restrictions exist because the Department of Licensing (DOL) has determined you can drive safely only under those particular circumstances.

You do not request a Class 9 license directly. Instead, the DOL issues one after you fail the vision or medical screening during a regular license test or renewal. The restrictions are tailored to your individual situation, so no two Class 9 licenses are identical.

Key Takeaways

Class 9 is issued only when you fail the standard vision or medical exam but can still drive safely under restrictions.
Your specific restrictions appear on the front of your license card and must be followed every time you drive.
Common restrictions include daytime-only driving, a speed limit, or driving only within a certain distance from home.
You can request a standard license later if your vision or medical condition improves and you pass the full exam.

Who receives a Class 9 license

The DOL issues a Class 9 license when you take the vision test during your written exam or license renewal and your eyesight does not meet the standard requirement — usually 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction. You might also receive one if you have a medical condition that the DOL determines affects your ability to drive safely under all conditions, but allows driving under certain limits.

You will be told during your exam if you do not pass the vision screening. The examiner will explain what restrictions the DOL is placing on your license before you leave the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them every time you drive under a Class 9 license — the restriction is often noted as "corrective lenses required."

What restrictions look like on a Class 9 license

The restrictions on your Class 9 license appear as codes and text on the front of your card. Common restrictions include:

Daytime driving only (no driving between sunset and sunrise)
Speed limit of 45 mph or lower
Driving only within a certain radius of your home or workplace
Corrective lenses required (glasses or contacts must be worn)
Right mirror required (an additional mirror for wider visibility)
Automatic transmission only (no manual transmission vehicles)

You must follow every restriction on your license. Driving outside those limits — for example, driving at night when your license says daytime only — is a violation and can result in a ticket or license suspension. If you are unsure what your restrictions mean, ask the DOL examiner to explain them before you leave.

How to upgrade from Class 9 to a standard license

If your vision improves or your medical condition changes, you can request a new exam to see whether you now meet the standard requirements for a regular license. You do not have to wait for your license to expire; you can go to a DOL office and ask to retake the vision and medical screening at any time.

Bring your current Class 9 license and any corrective lenses you use. The examiner will run the same tests as a new applicant. If you pass, the DOL will issue a standard license without restrictions. If you do not pass, you will receive a new Class 9 license, possibly with different restrictions based on your current condition.

Renewing a Class 9 license

When your Class 9 license expires, you renew it the same way you would a standard license — by mail, online, or in person at a DOL office. However, you will take the vision test again during renewal. If your eyesight or medical status has changed, your restrictions may change as well.

If you renew by mail or online and your vision has not been tested recently, the DOL may require you to visit an office in person for the vision screening before your new license is issued. Check your renewal notice to see which method applies to you.

Driving with a Class 9 license in other states

A Washington Class 9 license is valid only in Washington. If you move to another state or travel out of state, that state's DOL will not recognize your Washington restrictions. If you are stopped by law enforcement in another state, you may be asked to show your license, but the officer will see only that it is a Washington license — not the specific Class 9 restrictions.

If you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state. You should tell the new state's DOL about your vision or medical condition so they can determine what restrictions, if any, explore under their rules. Different states have different vision standards and restriction codes.

What happens if you violate your Class 9 restrictions

Driving outside your restrictions — for example, driving at night when your license says daytime only, or driving faster than your speed limit restriction — is a traffic violation. You can receive a ticket, pay a fine, and have the violation added to your driving record. Repeated violations can lead to license suspension or revocation.

If you are in an accident while violating a restriction on your Class 9 license, your insurance company may deny your claim, and you could face additional legal liability. Always follow the restrictions on your license, even if you think you can drive safely without them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive at night with a Class 9 license if my restriction says daytime only?

No. If your license says daytime only, you must not drive between sunset and sunrise. Driving outside your restrictions is a traffic violation and can result in a ticket, fine, and points on your record.

Do I have to wear glasses every time I drive if my Class 9 license says corrective lenses required?

Yes. If your license includes a corrective lenses restriction, you must wear your glasses or contacts every time you drive. Driving without them is a violation, even if you think you can see well enough.

Will a Class 9 license from Washington work if I travel to another state?

Your Washington license is valid in other states, but the restrictions are specific to Washington law. Another state's police officer may not understand what your Class 9 restrictions mean. If you move to another state permanently, you will need to get a license from that state.

How long does it take to get a standard license after I pass the vision test again?

If you pass the vision and medical exam at a DOL office, you will receive your new standard license on the spot or within a few days, depending on whether it is printed at the office or mailed to you. Ask the examiner which applies in your case.

What if I disagree with the restrictions on my Class 9 license?

You can request a hearing with the DOL to challenge the restrictions. Contact your local DOL office to ask about the appeal process. You may also ask the examiner to explain the medical or vision reason for each restriction before you leave the office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.