Get your first driver's license in Washington

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A first-time Washington driver gets a learner permit (from 15 with driver training), passes the knowledge and drive tests at a training and testing location, then applies for the license online or at a driver licensing office; under 18 the first license is an intermediate license.

Your situation

How old are you?
Online or in person
Start online · At least two visitsYou can pre-apply in License Express and complete the permit application online. You can apply for the license online only if you have a Washington photo learner permit and no suspensions or revocations; otherwise apply at a driver licensing office. The knowledge and drive tests are taken in person. The knowledge and drive tests are scheduled at a driver training and testing location; the vision screening is at a driver licensing office. Office visits are by appointment.
Cost
$35 permit + $111 license (6 years)Learner permit $35 for 1 year. First license $111 for 6 years or $131 for 8 years ($50 application fee + $10 per year + $1 technology fee). Knowledge and drive test fees vary by testing location. The work zone course is free.
You leave with
Driver licenseAt 18 or older you can get a first license by passing the knowledge and drive tests; you need a learner permit to practice on public roads. You get a temporary license; the permanent one is mailed within 7 to 10 days.

Your plan

  1. Gather your documents

    • Show accepted documents (bring 1)
      • Valid U.S. passport or passport card (Stand-alone)
      • Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) (Stand-alone)
      • Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization (Stand-alone; must show your photo and signature)
      • Certified birth certificate (B-list)
      • Social Security card (B-list)

  2. Get a WDL number

    Log in or create a License Express account, pre-apply and get your 12-digit Washington Driver License (WDL) number. Driver training schools need it to enroll you.

    Get your learner permit (DOL) ↗

  3. Take a free practice test

    Before the knowledge test, try our Washington Permit Practice Test: 40 questions like the real exam, based on the official handbook, with every answer explained.

    Start the Washington practice test

  4. Study and pass the knowledge test

    Study the Washington Driver Guide. Knowledge tests are scheduled at a driver training and testing location; you need 32 of 40 correct, and a pass is valid for 2 years.

    Driver guides (DOL) ↗

  5. Get your learner permit photo

    Make an appointment at a driver licensing office for the permit photo, bring your identity documents (under 18, also a parent or guardian), and pay the $35 permit fee. You get a temporary paper permit; the card arrives in 2 to 4 weeks. At 18 or older you need a permit to practice on public roads.

  6. Practice with a licensed driver

    With the permit, carry it and drive with a licensed driver who has at least 5 years of experience; no phone use except to call 911. The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed twice.

  7. Pass the drive test

    Schedule the drive test at a driver training and testing location. Bring proof of current liability insurance and a vehicle in working order (brake lights, turn signals, seat belts, parking brake) with a valid license plate. You need 80 of 100 to pass; a passing score is good for one year.

    What to expect for your drive test (DOL) ↗

  8. Apply for your license

    Apply online if you hold a photo learner permit, or at a driver licensing office by appointment: vision screening, voter and organ donor choices, and license fees. You leave with a temporary license.

    Driver license application: ages 18+ (DOL) ↗

Common reasons people get turned away

  • Under 18, your driver training school must first submit your course completion and exam scores; the school has 24 hours to enter each passing score.
  • No drive test without proof of current liability insurance (a delay can mean rescheduling); the license plate must be valid, and if any vehicle equipment doesn't work, the examiner won't give the test.
  • Under 18 in person, a parent must come with you or you need a notarized Parental Authorization Affidavit.
  • Online self-paced and parent-taught driver training courses are not approved in Washington.
  • Applying online is not possible if you need an updated vision screening; you must apply in person.
  • Starting January 1, 2027, first-time applicants who are 18 must complete driver education, DOL says.

Offices for permits, tests and first licenses

Permit photos and in-person first license applications are handled at a Department of Licensing driver licensing office, and DOL lists knowledge and drive tests among driver licensing office services. Tests are scheduled at a driver training and testing location. DOL says vehicle licensing (subagent) offices do not offer driver license and ID card services. Agency source.

325 offices where you can apply for a permit or first licenseSee them on a map, search by county or show the ones open now

Largest cities with them: Seattle (28) · Spokane (11) · Tacoma (9) · Vancouver (9) · Bellevue (9) · Kent (15) · Everett (5) · Kennewick (7)

Results show offices where you can apply for a permit or first license or may be able to, nearest first, each labelled.

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Sources · checked November 4, 2026

We wrote this plan ourselves from the official pages above on the date shown. Agencies change rules without notice: the official page always wins. DMV Decoded is independent and not a government agency; we don't book appointments or take payments.