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Steps for a WA Driver License

 

1) Go to DOL website to pre-apply  and get your confirmation number. 

It's Free and saves a trip to DOL office.

 

2) You will need to study the Washington Driver Guide to pass your Knowledge Test.

 

3) When you're ready, schedule for the Knowledge Test (KT) fee $30.

 

4) After you've passed the KT, go to your local DOL office and obtain a WA Instruction Permit ($25 permit fee) If you have a current/valid out-of-country driver license and you have been in US for less than a year, you may skip this step.

 

5) Choose a learning package and schedule for driving lessons. 

 

6) When you're ready, schedule for the final Drive Test. $75 with personal /IDA's vehicle.

 

7) After successfully passing the Drive Test, go to your local DOL office and they will issue a WA Driver License ($89 licensing fee)

 

8) Drive responsibly.

 

DOL Registering

If you don’t have a WA license, permit, or ID card, you must pre-apply and:

1) Have a Washington (WA) residence street address and
2) Are getting your first WA:
  • Driver license,
  • ID card,
  • Instruction permit, or
  • Enhanced driver license/ID card (EDL/EID).

Pre-applying saves you time! Pre-apply for your first WA driver permit, license, or ID card.

 

>Click here to register with DOL.

 

 

Documents to show proof of identification:

 

  • Refugee Verification Packet (contact your resettlement agency for more information)
  • U.S. armed services ID card, with photo — Valid
  • U.S. B1/B2 Visa Border Crossing Card (Form DSP-150) — Valid
  • U.S. Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization with your photo, signature, and readily identifiable photo
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service ID — Valid
    • Acceptable forms are:
      • I-327 U.S. Permit to Re-Enter Travel Document
      • I-551 Permanent Resident Card
      • I-571 U.S. Refugee Travel Document
      • I-766 Employment Authorization
  • U.S. passport — Valid (an emergency passport isn't acceptable)
  • U.S. passport card — Valid
  • U.S. state or territory issued Driver License, ID card, or photo Instruction Permit — Valid or expired not more than 1 year
  • Verification ID letter from the Department of Social and Health Services Children's Administration for foster youth

>Click here for a complete list of DOL approved IDs

 

 

Documents to show proof of Washington residence:

 

If you're 18 and over and applying for a standard Washington driver license, identification card, or instruction permit, you have to show a document with your principal residence address.

Follow these steps to prove you live in Washington:

  1. Gather one of the acceptable documents below. If your documents are fraudulent, you won't be able to reapply for 364 days.

Acceptable documents must:

  • Show your current Washington residence address (unless noted below),
  • Be unexpired (unless noted below), and
  • Be in your or your spouse's name. If the documents are in your spouse's name you will be asked to present your marriage certificate.

Note: If you're between the age of 18 and 25, you can use documents in your parent or guardian's name. You'll be asked to show proof of relationship, such as a birth certificate or adoption papers.

Acceptable documents:

  • Previously issued WA license, ID card or permit that is expired not more than 6 years or your spouse's current WA license, ID card or Permit, that is expired not more than 6 years and your marriage certificate. If you have been issued a license in another state since your last issuance in WA, this option isn't acceptable.
  • Washington vehicle registration or title (a quick title isn't acceptable)
  • USPS change of address letter dated within 2 months (electronic letters not accepted)
  • Home utility bill for Washington address (gas, electric, water, garbage, sewer, landline phone, TV, internet, ISTA) dated within past 2 months.
  • Washington voter card
  • Washington school transcript - current or previous school year
  • DSHS benefits letter indicating unexpired benefits (medical, food, etc.)
  • Tribal ID
  • Proof of home ownership (mortgage documents, property tax documents, deed, title, etc.)
  • Selective Service card
  • Business mail from state or federal agency dated within 2 months
  • Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) letter from Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
  • Concealed weapons permit from a WA county (license to carry concealed pistol)
  • Home owners (not renters) insurance policy
  • Auto insurance policy or bill dated within 2 months
  • Consulate ID card
  • Pay check or pay stub with the employer's name and phone number or address - dated within 2 months
  • Washington professional license (nursing, physician, pilot, engineer, etc.)
  • W-2 form from an employer, or form 1099 for the previous year
  • Moorage document (bill, contract, etc.)
  • Letter attesting residence in alternative housing (e.g. assisted living, college campus, mission, senior housing, shelter, or retirement home) on company letter head with a phone number that could be used in verification of the facility
  • U.S. military document issued within 1 year
  • Certified marriage certificate, for a marriage within 1 year
  • Form DS-2019

If you're using a verification ID letter to prove your identity from the Stand-Alone or A-List above, that can also be used as your proof of residence.