Drivers Permits in Washington

To Qualify

You can obtain an instruction permit when you're 15, if you're enrolled in a driver's education class. Or, if you're not enrolled in a driver's education class, you must wait until you are 15 and-a-half, and pass a written test.

Applying for a Learner's Permit

To apply, visit any driver licensing office and bring:

• Valid proof of residency and identification.

• Payment for $20 fee.

• A Parental Authorization Affidavit, if you're under age 18. Those with neither can get their employer to sign.

• A signed application from your instructor, if you're currently enrolled in a driver's education class.

You must also pass a vision test.

NOTE: The following office locations DO NOT accept credit or debit cards: Coulee Dam, Davenport, Friday Harbor, Forks, Goldendale, Newport, Republic, or South Bend.

Take the WA Permit Test

After submitting your application with the DOL, take the written test at a designated testing center in your county.

Expired Permits

A permit is valid for one year. If it expires, you're allowed one renewal. Your passing grade on the written test is valid for two years. This means you will have to submit to another written exam if you wait longer than two years to renew.

Lost Permit

If you lose your permit, you can get a duplicate by visiting any driver licensing office and bringing:

• Valid identification.

• Payment for $15 fee.

• Your parent or guardian if you are under 18.

NOTE: The following office locations DO NOT accept credit or debit cards: Coulee Dam, Davenport, Friday Harbor, Forks, Goldendale, Newport, Republic, or South Bend.

Preparing for the Written Test

To best prepare for the written exam, grab yourself a copy of a Washington Driver Guide and study it from front to back. All the questions on the exam are directly culled from information contained in the guide.

Or, to get a feel for what to expect on the exam, try your road acumen on a sample test.

Ready for an Enhanced Intermediate Driver License?

Enhanced Intermediate Driver Licenses are available to drivers who are at least 16 years old but younger than 18.

These intermediate licenses carry the same restrictions as regular intermediate licenses; however, they also act as acceptable passport alternatives for re-entering the United States at land and sea borders―just like Enhanced Driver Licenses (EDLs)!

You're eligible for an Enhanced Intermediate Driver License if you meet the regular intermediate license requirements and can follow the same EDL application steps:

1. Make an appointment at your nearest EDL/ID office location. Call (866) 520-4365.
2. Take proof of proof of citizenship, identity, and residence, your Social Security number, and the appropriate fee
3. Complete the application (available at the EDL/ID office location).
4. Pass any applicable exams, which may include a vision screening and knowledge and driving tests.
5. Undergo an interview with a licensing services representative.
6. Sign the biometric identification and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) declarations.
7. Get photographed!

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