Washington learner's permits expire and must be renewed, but the timing depends on your age
Your Washington learner's permit is not permanent. It expires on a date printed on the card itself, and you cannot legally drive on an expired permit. If you are under 18, your permit lasts until your 18th birthday or five years from issue, whichever comes first. If you are 18 or older when you get your permit, it lasts five years from the date of issue. You must renew before that date if you still need to practice driving or have not yet passed your driving test.
Renewal is straightforward: you go to a Department of Licensing (DOL) office, pay the renewal fee, pass the written knowledge test again, and receive a new permit card. You cannot renew online or by mail. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, and you walk out with your new permit the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Washington learner's permits expire on the date printed on your card — check it now so you know your important date.
- Permits for drivers under 18 expire on your 18th birthday or five years from issue, whichever is sooner; permits for drivers 18 and older expire five years from issue.
- You must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office and pass the written knowledge test again to receive a new permit.
- Driving on an expired permit is illegal and can result in a traffic citation, so renew before your expiration date.
How to find your permit's expiration date
Your expiration date is printed on the front of your learner's permit card in the lower right corner. It appears as a date in the format MM/DD/YYYY. Pull out your permit now and check it — this is the single most important step, because you cannot renew until you know when it expires.
If you have lost your permit or cannot read the date clearly, you can call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to confirm your expiration date. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
What happens if your permit expires
Once your permit expires, you lose the legal right to drive, even with a licensed adult in the car. Driving on an expired permit is a traffic violation. If a police officer stops you, you can receive a citation, which carries a fine. The fine amount varies but typically ranges from $50 to $250 depending on the officer's discretion and local court practices.
An expired permit also means you cannot take your driving test (the practical road test) to earn your license. The Department of Licensing will not schedule a test appointment if your permit has expired. If you have a test scheduled and your permit expires before the test date, you must renew your permit first.
Steps to renew your learner's permit in Washington
Renewal requires an in-person visit to a Department of Licensing office. You cannot renew by phone, mail, or online. Here is what to do:
- Gather your documents: bring your expired learner's permit, a valid photo ID (passport, state ID, or military ID), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, tax return, or W-2).
- Find your nearest DOL office using the office locator at dol.wa.gov, or call 360-902-3900 for the address and hours.
- Go to the office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have limited Saturday hours — check ahead.
- Tell the staff member you want to renew your learner's permit. They will give you a number and direct you to wait.
- When called, hand over your documents. The staff member will verify your information and take a new photo for your permit card.
- Pay the renewal fee. As of 2024, the fee is $20 for a five-year permit, but confirm the current fee when you arrive because it may change.
- Take the written knowledge test. You will sit at a computer and answer 35 multiple-choice questions about Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving. You must answer at least 28 correctly (80 percent) to pass.
- If you pass, you receive your new permit card when ready. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, or come back another day.
What to study before your renewal test
The renewal knowledge test covers the same material as the original permit test: Washington traffic laws, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, and road signs. You can study using the official Washington Driver Guide, available free at dol.wa.gov/driver-guide-manual, or the practice tests on the same website.
Many people pass the renewal test without studying because they have been driving for months or years. However, traffic laws do change, and the test includes questions about less common situations. Spending 30 minutes with the practice test before you go to the office reduces the risk of failing and having to return another day.
Renewing before your permit expires versus after
You can renew your permit up to 30 days before it expires. This is the safest approach because it ensures you never drive on an expired permit. If your permit expires on June 15, you can renew starting May 16.
If your permit has already expired, you can still renew, but you are driving illegally until you complete the renewal process. The Department of Licensing will not penalize you for renewing a lapsed permit, but a police officer can cite you for driving with an expired permit. Renew as soon as possible if this has happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my permit online or by mail?
No. Washington requires all learner's permit renewals to happen in person at a Department of Licensing office. You must take the written knowledge test in person, and the office must take a new photo for your permit card.
What if I fail the knowledge test during renewal?
You can retake the test when ready at the same office at no extra charge. If you prefer to study more, you can leave and come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but each attempt requires a visit to the office.
Do I have to renew if I have already passed my driving test and have a license?
No. Once you pass your driving test and receive your driver's license, your learner's permit is no longer valid and does not need to be renewed. Your license is what you carry and use to drive legally.
How much does it cost to renew my learner's permit?
As of 2024, the renewal fee is $20 for a five-year permit. Fees may change, so confirm the current amount when you call or visit the office. The fee is paid at the time of renewal.
What if I turn 18 before my permit expires?
Your permit expires on your 18th birthday, not five years from issue. You do not need to renew it on that date unless you want to continue practicing before taking your driving test. If you want to keep practicing, you can renew your permit at any DOL office after your 18th birthday, and the new permit will last five years.