Where to obtain, renew and change a Washington driver's license

Washington residents may obtain and renew their driver's licenses at Licensing Services Offices. Licensing Services Offices differ from the locations where residents can renew their vehicle registration.

Renewing a license

A driver's license must be renewed every five years after it is issued. To help Washington residents remember the date, expiration occurs on the license-holder's birthday. To renew a license, residents should bring $25 to the Licensing Services Office and be prepared to take a vision test, along with other tests if the government representative at the office thinks it's necessary. Residents will receive an updated license, with a new picture, at the time of renewal. A fee of at least $10 will be charged if a driver's license is renewed anytime after 60 days past the expiration date. It is also illegal to drive with an expired license.

Change of address

When Washington residents change addresses within the state, they are required to update their new location on their driver's license. This change can be made at any Licensing Services Office. The update may also be made by writing to the state Department of Licensing, Driver Responsibility, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507.

The following information should be included in a written request to change a place of residence on a license:

• full name
• driver's license number
• date of birth
• new address
• all Washington vehicle plate numbers

There is no charge for updating an address on a driver's license.

New Washington residents and first-time Washington drivers

New state residents wishing to drive in Washington must apply for a new driver's license at a Licensing Services Office within 30 days of moving to the state.

Before the issuance of a Washington state license will be made, the applicant must do the following:

• Present photo identification, as well as proof of age.
• Pay a $7 fee to take a written test showing knowledge of Washington state driving rules and road signs. (Handbooks for Washington state rules of the road are available at Licensing Services Offices.)
• Take a vision and color-recognition test.
• Complete an application, including history of past driving infractions.
• Show any valid domestic and international driver's licenses.
• Bring a roadworthy vehicle for taking a driving test and during that test show safe, knowledgeable driving skills. Proof of vehicle insurance must be provided. (This test may be waived at the discretion of the licensing office representative if the applicant has met the other requirements for obtaining a license and has a valid driver's license from a different state.)
• Pay a $25 fee, in addition to the $7 driver's written test fee, for issuance of the driver's license.

Applicants for a Washington driver's license must be at least 16 years old. If they are under the age of 18, they must have a parent or guardian sign for the license application. They must also show proof of successful completion of a state-approved driver's safety course.

Additional Licensing Services Office details may be found on the Department of Licensing Web site.