Washington driver license and ID card: first license, renewal, replacement and REAL ID

How to get a Washington learner permit and first or intermediate license, transfer an out-of-state license, renew or replace your card, and why the enhanced license is Washington's REAL ID option, based on the Department of Licensing's own pages.

Guide · Washington · REAL ID · Driver licenses · Renewals · ID cards · updated October 29, 2026

Washington driver licenses, learner permits and ID cards are issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), at its driver licensing offices. This guide covers the common cases in order: a first license (including the teen rules), moving to Washington, renewing, replacing a lost card, and REAL ID, which works differently in Washington than in most states. For booking and the identity document rules, see the Washington DOL visit guide.

New rule from November 1, 2026

From November 1, 2026, first-time Washington license applicants under 25 must pass a free online work zone and first responder safety course.

Learner permit

If you are under 18, you must get a learner permit before a license. First, create a License Express account and pre-apply online to get a Washington Driver License (WDL) number. A parent or guardian must be with you to give permission online. There are two routes:

  • With a driver training course: you can apply as soon as you turn 15. Enroll with an approved school and give it your WDL number. Complete the permit application no earlier than 10 days before your course starts.
  • Without driver training: you must wait until you are 15 and a half, pass a knowledge test at an approved testing location, and you cannot get a license until you turn 18.

For a photo on your permit, book an appointment at a driver licensing office and bring identity documents. The DOL lists the permit fee as $35. You get a temporary paper permit, and the plastic card arrives by mail in 2 to 4 weeks. A permit is valid for one year and can be renewed twice.

To practice on public roads, you must carry the permit and drive with a licensed driver who has at least 5 years of experience. You may not use a phone while driving, except to call 911.

First license at 16 or 17

To get a license before 18, you must:

  • Be at least 16 and a Washington resident.
  • Complete an approved driver training course. Online self-paced and parent-taught courses do not count.
  • Hold your learner permit for at least 6 months.
  • Complete 40 hours of daytime and 10 hours of night driving.
  • Have no traffic violations in the 6 months before you apply.
  • Pass the knowledge and drive tests.

You can apply online if you have a Washington photo permit. Otherwise, apply at an office with a parent, or bring a notarized Parental Authorization Affidavit. At the office, you show your identity documents, provide your Social Security number, pass a vision screening and have your photo taken.

Drivers under 18 get an intermediate license with restrictions:

  • First 6 months: no passengers under 20 except immediate family.
  • Next 6 months: no more than 3 passengers under 20 from outside your immediate family.
  • Night driving: no driving from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. unless a licensed driver aged 25 or older is with you.
  • Phones: no wireless devices while driving, even hands-free, except to report an emergency.

The passenger and night restrictions end after one year of safe driving. The license converts to a regular license automatically at 18.

First license at 18 or older

If you are 18 or older, you can get a license by passing the knowledge and drive tests. You do not need a driver training course or a learner permit. You do need a permit if you want to practice on public roads first. The knowledge test has 40 questions, and you need 32 correct to pass. A passing score is good for 2 years. The drive test needs at least 80 out of 100.

Moving to Washington

The DOL says you have 30 days after moving to get a Washington driver license. You also need it before you can register your vehicles. See also how long new Washington residents have.

You must make an appointment at a driver licensing office. Bring:

  • Your proof of identity, including your out-of-state license
  • The license fee

If you are 18 or older and hold a valid license from another U.S. state, with a driving record dated within the last 30 days, you take no knowledge or drive test. If your license from another state has expired, you take both tests. The office hole-punches your old license and gives you a temporary license, valid for driving for 45 days. Your permanent license is mailed within 7–10 days.

Renewing

A Washington license usually expires on your birthday. You can renew up to 1 year early and up to 8 years after it expires. Your options:

  • Online through License Express, or without logging in.
  • By mail, if you received a letter from the DOL.
  • By phone at 360-902-3900, if you are under 70 and last renewed in person.
  • In person, which you must do if you are 70 or older, need a vision screening or new photo, or renewed online last time.

The DOL lists a standard renewal at $10 per year, or $61 for 6 years and $81 for 8 years. There is an extra $10 if your license expired more than 60 days ago. If it expired 8 or more years ago, you must start over as a new applicant.

Replacing a lost or stolen license

You can replace a lost or stolen license or permit online, in person at a driver licensing office, or by phone at 360-902-3900. Online and phone replacements are limited to 3 times a year. You cannot replace online in some cases:

  • Your license expires within 3 months. Renew instead.
  • You moved out of state.
  • You changed your name.
  • Your record shows a suspension, a revocation, a cancellation or a dishonored check.

The replacement is mailed to the address on file.

REAL ID in Washington

A standard Washington license or ID card is not REAL ID-compliant and is marked "Federal Limits Apply". Since May 7, 2025, it cannot be used to board domestic flights, but it remains valid for driving and as ID within the state. Washington's REAL ID-compliant options are the enhanced driver license (EDL) and enhanced ID card (EID). They carry a U.S. flag marking instead of a star. They are also accepted for re-entering the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

You do not have to get one: a U.S. passport, passport card or other federally accepted document also works for air travel. To get an EDL or EID:

  • You must be a U.S. citizen, and you provide your Social Security number and proof of citizenship, identity and Washington residency.
  • Book an appointment, which includes a document review and an in-person interview.
  • Allow 2 weeks for the card. Your temporary EDL cannot be used at border crossings.

The DOL lists a first license with EDL at $153 for 6 years or $187 for 8 years. Upgrading a current license costs $7 for each year remaining. See how to tell if your license is a REAL ID.

ID cards

There is no minimum age for a Washington ID card. You choose a standard ID or an EID, and only the EID can be used for border crossings. Book an appointment, bring proof of identity, pay the fee and have your photo taken. Your temporary ID is not valid as identification. The permanent card is mailed within 7–10 days.

For vehicle paperwork, see the Washington vehicle registration and title guide.

Sources · checked October 29, 2026

We wrote this summary ourselves from the official pages above on the date shown. Agencies change rules without notice: the official page always wins. DMVorganization.org is independent and not a government agency.

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