You can apply for a new driver's license at any drivers licensing office in Washington State. Obtain a Washington Driver's Handbook to familiarize with the driving rules and regulations.
[edit] NEW DRIVERS AND FIRST TIME APPLICANTS
Following are the basic requirements for applying for a Washington State driver's license:
- Applicants must be 16 years or older.
- Any individual under 18 should provide parental consent and complete the intermediate license program. For additional details, see Beginner Drivers and/or Learner's Permits for Beginner Drivers.
- Everyone must pass the vision, color recognition, knowledge, and driving tests. See Practice Tests and Driver's Handbook for more information on the written examination. Driver education programs can help individuals prepare for their road test.
- Applicants must provide acceptable proof of identification.
- Applicants must provide proof of Washington residency.
- Complete a driver license application form that is available at the licensing office.
[edit] NEW RESIDENTS
Washington State residents holding a driver's license from another state or from Germany only need to pass the vision and demonstration of color recognition test. You need to apply for a Washington driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency in the state. However, like other applicants, new residents must provide proof of identification, residency and present a social security number. Note that you must turn in your non-Washington State driver's license so it can be invalidated. If your license is expired, you will be asked to take a written as well as a road test. Non-US citizens residing in Washington State are allowed to drive up to one year as long as they hold a valid driver's license from their home country. They may apply for a Washington driver's license, as long as they can provide proof that they are legally authorized to be in the United States, and meet all the other requirements. Note that a Washington driver's license issued to a foreign national will expire no later than the last date on which they are authorized to be in the United States by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service. German citizens can apply for a Washington State license following the same procedure as out-of-state license holders, as Germany has a reciprocity agreement with the State.[edit] ENHANCED DRIVER'S LICENSE
If you are a US citizen, you can choose to apply for an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) which is an acceptable alternative to a passport for re-entry into the US. To apply for an EDL, apart from following the steps outlined for a regular license, you have to:- Make an appointment and visit an EDL office.
- Be interviewed by a licensing representative.
- Sign a declaration that you are aware of the Biometric identification technology and Radio Frequency Identification in the EDL.
[edit] FEES
The cost for a non-commercial (Class D) Washington EDL as well as regular driver's license is $45, which includes a one-time testing fee.[edit] VALIDITY
The validity of a Washington driver's license is five years. After passing the required tests at the licensing office, you will receive a temporary license valid for 45 days. The actual license will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days.[edit] INSTRUCTION PERMIT
With certain restrictions, an individual can legally drive in Washington with an instruction permit. See more information on instruction permits here.[edit] ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- See also Renewing Your License.
- For information on other types of licenses, see Commercial Driver's Licenses, Motorcycle Licenses.
- It is necessary to have active Auto Insurance in order to drive legally in Washington.
- New drivers see our Driver Education , Driving Schools, Beginner Drivers and Learner's Permits for Beginner Drivers sections.