Applying for a New License

Instruction Permits and Intermediate Driver Licenses

If you’re younger than 18 years old or are applying for your first driver’s license or Enhanced Driver License (EDL), you need to apply for an instruction permit, an intermediate driver’s license, or an Enhanced Intermediate Driver License.

DMV.ORG’s Teen Drivers and Drivers Permits sections fully cover these types of licenses.

Basic Driver License

A basic driver license in Washington is just that―basic. It allows you to operate a regular passenger motor vehicle.

To apply, you must:

• Appear in person at a Licensing Service Office, or LSO.

• Be at least 16.

• Complete a driver education course and provide an Affidavit of Parental Authorization to prove you have parental permission. (These requirements are for applicants younger than 18.)

• Provide proof of identification and age.

• Complete an application (available at an LSO office).

• Provide proof of your Social Security number.

• Pass the written and driving tests. The driving test requires an appointment, and you need to bring your own vehicle.

• Take a vision test.

• Provide proof of citizenship.

• Pay a $45 fee ($20 for the tests plus $25 for the five-year license itself).

Don’t forget to visit DMV.ORG’s Renewing Your License and Replacing a Lost License.

Enhanced Driver License

Unlike a regular driver’s license, Washington’s Enhanced Driver License (EDL) is anything but basic. Sure, it allows you to operate a regular passenger motor vehicle, but an EDL also acts as a passport alternative when you need to re-enter the United States at land and sea borders.

Who Needs an EDL?

Whether it’s a first driver’s license or an upgrade, anyone who wants the benefits of an EDL can get one―well, a version of one, that is.

If you are:

• 18 years old or older, you can get an EDL.

• 16 or 17 years old, you can get an Enhanced Intermediate Driver License. (Learn how to get an Enhanced Intermediate Driver License in our Teen Drivers and Drivers Permits sections.)

• A Washington resident who doesn’t drive, you can get an EDL ID Card. (Learn how to get an EDL ID Card in our Applying for an ID Card section.)

Applying for an EDL

The Washington State Department of Licensing goes to great lengths to explain EDLs; however, here at DMV.ORG we’ve slimmed down the application process instructions for you.

• Make an appointment at your nearest EDL/ID office location. Call (866) 520-4365.

• Take proof of citizenship, residency, and identity, your Social Security number, and the appropriate fee in the form of a check, money order, or cash.

• Complete the application available at the EDL/ID office location.

• Pass all applicable vision, knowledge, and driving exams (only if this is your first license).

• Undergo an interview with a licensing services representative.

• Sign the biometric identification and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) declarations.

• Relinquish any current license.

• Get your picture taken.

EDLs: Additional Information

Check out the following resources for additional information about EDLs in Washington:

• Renewing Your License: Learn how and when you must renew your EDL.

• Replacing a Lost License: Follow these steps if your EDL is lost, stolen, or destroyed.

• Changing Your Name: Because of its extra benefits, make sure your EDL reflects your legal name.

• Changing Your Address: Washington requires current addresses on EDLs just as they do on regular driver’s licenses.

• Frequently Asked Questions: Washington answers some of your most frequently asked questions about EDLs.

Written and Road Tests

You can take a practice written test online to gauge what you know before you head to the LSO and take the real thing. The Department of Licensing's Washington Driver Guide can also help you prepare for the written and road tests (also known as the knowledge and skills tests).

You will have to call your local LSO to schedule a
drive test. The test will encompass things like:

• Controlling the vehicle.

• Parking.

• Turning.

• Backing up.

• Driving in traffic.

• Obeying traffic signs and signals.

• Right of way.

• Crossing busy intersections.

If you fail the test, you'll need to pay another $20 each time you try again.

Drivers from Out of State

Because you already have a license, this process is simpler than applying for a new one. You have 30 days to apply for a Washington driver’s license, and you must do so in person at an LSO.

If you want to convert your out-of-state license into a basic Washington driver’s license, you’ll basically follow the same steps listed above under “Basic Driver License,” except you won't have to take the driving test. Drivers from Canada will have to take the driving test, however.

Similarly, if you want to convert your out-of-state license into a Washington EDL, you’ll basically follow the same steps listed above under “Applying for an EDL,” except you will have to take a vision screening that includes color recognition.

(Note that if your out-of-state license is expired, you’ll also have to take any applicable knowledge and driving tests.)

Your out-of-state license will be invalidated and returned to you along with your temporary Washington license. Your new license will be mailed in about five days.

Driving Privileges for Non-Citizens

If you're visiting Washington, are at least 16 years old, and have a valid driver's license from your home country, you may drive up to one year in the state.

Be sure to have your license with you whenever you're driving.

It's a good idea to also obtain an International Driver Permit. The permit, issued by your home country, basically translates your license to make it understandable to U.S. officials. Additionally, you'll need one to rent a car at many agencies.

If you become a resident of the state, you must obtain a Washington license within 30 days of your residency in order to retain your driving privileges. The state provides a list of the documents you must take to the to driver licensing office to prove your identity and residency.