Rev is a restriction code that means you must wear corrective lenses while driving

Rev on your Washington driver's license means you are required to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses every time you drive. It is a restriction — not a violation or a mark against you — that the Department of Licensing adds based on your vision test results during the license exam or renewal.

If you see "Rev" printed on your license, you must have your corrective lenses with you and in use whenever you operate a vehicle. Driving without them when this restriction is on your license is a traffic violation, even if you can see well enough to pass without them on that particular day. Washington takes this restriction seriously because it reflects what your vision was measured to be during testing.

The restriction stays on your license until you renew it and pass a new vision test showing you no longer need correction, or until you choose to have it removed by taking another vision exam at a licensing office.

Key Takeaways

  • Rev means you must wear corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) every time you drive, as determined by your vision test.
  • Driving without your corrective lenses when Rev is on your license is a traffic violation, regardless of how well you can see that day.
  • The restriction appears on your physical license card and in the Department of Licensing's records.
  • You can have Rev removed by passing a new vision test at a Washington licensing office during renewal or at any time.
  • Other common Washington license restrictions include "Aut" (automatic transmission only) and "Instr" (instruction permit holder).

How the Rev restriction gets added to your license

When you take your vision test at the Department of Licensing — whether for a new license, renewal, or upgrade — the examiner measures your visual acuity. If your vision meets the minimum standard only with corrective lenses, the examiner adds Rev to your license. You do not have to request it; it is added automatically based on test results.

Washington's minimum vision requirement is 20/40 in each eye, or 20/30 in one eye and 20/40 in the other. If you cannot meet these standards without glasses or contacts, you will receive the Rev restriction. The restriction applies whether you wear glasses, contact lenses, or both.

You will see Rev printed on the front or back of your physical license card, and it will also appear in the Department of Licensing's computer system when law enforcement or licensing staff pull up your record.

What happens if you drive without your corrective lenses

Driving without your corrective lenses when Rev is on your license is a traffic infraction in Washington. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for violating your license restriction. This is separate from any other traffic violation you might have committed — it is a violation of the terms of your license itself.

The consequences include a fine (the amount varies depending on the court and circumstances), a mark on your driving record, and potential points added to your driving record. Repeated violations can lead to license suspension or other penalties. Insurance companies may also view this violation as a sign of risky driving.

Even if you feel you can see well enough to drive safely without your lenses on a particular day, the law does not allow it. The restriction exists because your vision was tested and found to require correction for safe driving.

How to remove the Rev restriction from your license

To have Rev removed, you must pass a new vision test showing that your vision meets Washington's standards without corrective lenses, or that you can meet the standards with a different type of correction. You can take this test at any Department of Licensing office.

You do not have to wait for your license to expire. You can request a vision retest at any time if you believe your vision has improved or if you have had vision correction surgery (such as LASIK). Bring your current license and be prepared to pay a small fee for the retest.

If you pass the new vision test without needing correction, the examiner will remove Rev from your record. If you still need correction, the restriction will remain. When your license is renewed or replaced, the updated restriction status will appear on your new card.

Other common restrictions on Washington licenses

Rev is one of several restrictions the Department of Licensing can place on your license based on your test results or driving history. Understanding what other codes mean can help you know what your license allows.

Aut means you can only drive vehicles with automatic transmission. This restriction is typically added if you took your driving test in an automatic vehicle or if you have a physical condition that makes manual transmission unsafe for you.

Instr means you hold an instruction permit, not a full license. You must have a licensed driver age 21 or older in the front seat with you.

Corrective or Corr is sometimes used instead of Rev and means the same thing: you must wear corrective lenses.

Other restrictions may relate to medical conditions, vehicle type, or the terms of a suspended or restricted license. Your license paperwork or the Department of Licensing website will explain any restriction specific to your situation.

Rev and your driving record

The Rev restriction itself does not count as a violation or appear as a negative mark on your driving record. It is straightforward a condition of your license. However, if you are cited for driving without your corrective lenses when Rev is on your license, that citation will appear on your record.

When you renew your license or explore for a new one, the Department of Licensing will see your current restrictions. If you have been cited for violating the Rev restriction, that may be considered during renewal, though it does not automatically disqualify you from renewing.

Insurance companies can see your driving record, including any citations for violating license restrictions. A citation for driving without corrective lenses may affect your insurance rates or may be able to access with some insurers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with contact lenses if my license says Rev?

Yes. Rev means you must wear corrective lenses — either glasses or contact lenses. As long as you are wearing your contacts, you are meeting the restriction. Make sure your contacts are in before you start driving and that you have a backup pair or glasses in your vehicle in case of problems.

What if I had LASIK surgery and no longer need glasses?

You can have the Rev restriction removed by taking a vision test at a Department of Licensing office. Bring documentation of your surgery if you have it. If you pass the test without needing correction, the restriction will be removed from your license.

Does Rev mean I failed my driving test?

No. Rev is based only on your vision test results, not on your driving skills or road test performance. Many people with Rev pass their road test and receive a full license — the restriction straightforward means you must wear corrective lenses while driving.

Will Rev affect my insurance rates?

The restriction itself will not affect your rates. However, if you receive a citation for driving without your corrective lenses when Rev is on your license, that violation will appear on your driving record and may increase your rates.

Can I get a license without the Rev restriction if I wear glasses sometimes?

No. If your vision test shows you need correction to meet Washington's minimum standard, Rev will be added. You must wear your corrective lenses every time you drive, even if you feel you can see without them on a particular day.