Documents You Must Bring to the Department of Licensing

Washington requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to get a driver's license. You do not need all three from the same document — you can mix and match from the lists below. The Department of Licensing (DOL) will not issue a license without at least one document from each category.

Bring originals, not copies. The DOL staff will examine them in person and return them to you. If a document is in a language other than English, bring an official translation along with the original.

Proof of Identity Documents

You need one document that shows your name, date of birth, and a photo or physical description. A valid passport (U.S. or foreign) works. So does a state ID card from Washington or another state, a tribal ID, a military ID, or an Enhanced Driver's License from another state.

If you do not have any of those, you can use a combination of two documents from this list: a birth certificate, a marriage certificate, a divorce decree, a school or college ID, an employment ID, or a utility bill with your name on it. The second document must also show your name and date of birth, or your name and current address.

Proof of Residency in Washington

You need one document showing your current Washington address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill all work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and address.

If you have recently moved to Washington and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, you can use a signed letter from your landlord or property manager on their letterhead, stating your name, the address, and the move-in date. A bank or credit card statement with your Washington address also counts.

Proof of Social Security Number

Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a pay stub, or a tax return. The document must show your full Social Security number or the last four digits plus your name.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one. Bring that letter along with your other documents.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving your identity (such as a passport or state ID), one proving you live in Washington (such as a utility bill from the last 60 days), and one proving your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or pay stub).
  • All documents must be originals, not copies, and the DOL will return them to you after checking them.
  • If you do not have a single document that covers one category, you can combine two documents from the identity list, as long as both show your name and one shows your date of birth or address.
  • Residency documents must be dated within the last 60 days and show both your name and your current Washington address.
  • If your documents are in a language other than English, bring an official translation along with the original.

What Happens at the DOL Office

When you arrive, tell the staff member you are getting your first Washington driver's license. Hand over your documents. The staff will check them against the DOL database and may ask you questions about your address or identity. They will take your photo and your fingerprints. You will then take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and a driving test in your own vehicle or a DOL test vehicle.

Bring your Social Security card or another document with your number on it, because you will need to confirm it during the written test. If you pass both tests, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your plastic card will arrive by mail within two weeks.

If You Have a Suspended or Revoked License from Another State

Washington will not issue you a license if you have an active suspension or revocation in any state. You must clear the suspension or revocation in that state first. Contact the Department of Licensing in the state where the suspension was issued and ask what you need to do to lift it. This might mean paying a fine, completing a safety course, or waiting out a suspension period.

Once that state confirms the suspension is cleared, you can bring that confirmation letter to the Washington DOL. If you cannot get the other state to clear it, you can ask Washington to issue you a license anyway, but this is rare and requires a hearing.

Cost and Timeline

A Washington driver's license costs $72 for an eight-year license (or $48 for a four-year license if you prefer). You pay at the DOL office when you pass your tests. The plastic license arrives by mail in about two weeks. Your temporary paper license is valid to drive when ready after you pass your tests.

Wait times at DOL offices vary by location and time of day. Some offices are busier on weekends and after work hours. You can check current wait times on the Washington DOL website before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photo from my phone or a printed photo instead of having the DOL take one?

No. The DOL must take your photo in person at the office. This is a federal requirement for all driver's licenses. You cannot bring a photo from home.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get a Washington driver's license. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number, along with your other identity and residency documents. The DOL will issue you a license with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

Do I need to take the written test and driving test on the same day?

No. You can take the written test first, and if you pass, you can schedule your driving test for another day. Many people do this so they have time to practice driving before the test.

What if I fail the written test or driving test?

You can retake either test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay a retest fee each time. The fee is $20 for the written test and $30 for the driving test. You can retake the test the same day if you want.

Can I get a Real ID driver's license instead of a standard one?

Yes. A Real ID license costs the same and requires the same documents, but it also requires proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Bring your passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or green card. A Real ID license can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.