Moving to Washington, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state the deadlines for a new resident's license and vehicle registration.
• You can explain when DOL can waive tests for a license transfer.
• You can describe how a teen moving to Washington gets licensed.
• You can explain the difference between a standard and an enhanced license.
• You can say how long a Washington license lasts and what renewal costs.

What you need to know and understand

• New residents must get a Washington license within 30 days of becoming residents.
• New residents must register their vehicles within 30 days.
• You must surrender every valid license issued by another jurisdiction. DOL invalidates it and may return it to you.
• DOL can waive the drive test if you surrender a valid license from your previous home state, or hold one from a foreign jurisdiction Washington has an agreement with.
• The new license application fee is $50 on or after January 1, 2026, plus the license fee of $10 for each year.
• A Washington license usually expires on your birthday eight years after it is issued. A six-year option is also offered.
• An enhanced driver license (EDL) needs proof of US citizenship and can be used to cross the land border with Canada.

Transferring an out-of-state license

You count as a resident once you show an intent to live in Washington on more than a temporary basis, for example by registering to vote or taking resident tuition. From then you have 30 days to get a Washington license.

Visit a licensing office in person with your current license, proof of identity and proof of your Washington address. DOL says adults with a valid license from another US state normally take no tests. If your old license has expired, expect to take the knowledge and drive tests. Moving from another country? Tests can only be waived for a few foreign jurisdictions with an agreement, so most people should expect to test.

Teens moving to Washington

If you are under 18, you apply for a Washington intermediate license. DOL checks that you completed driver education and held a permit for at least six months. Bring your driver education certificate and permit records. The Washington passenger, night and phone limits then apply until you turn 18. Our guide to moving to Washington and transferring an out-of-state license has a full checklist.

REAL ID, enhanced licenses and renewals

Check DOL for current fees and whether you can renew online, as options change.

• A standard Washington license is not REAL ID compliant, so it cannot be used alone to board domestic flights. Use a passport or another accepted document.
• An enhanced driver license costs an extra $56 for eight years, requires proof of US citizenship and works for land and sea crossings with Canada. It is also accepted as REAL ID.
• Licenses usually run eight years, with a six-year option, at $10 for each year.
• Renewing more than 60 days after expiry adds a $10 late penalty, unless you were out of state or incapacitated.

Common mistakes

• Waiting months to switch licenses after moving. The deadline is 30 days.
• Forgetting to register your car. Vehicles also have a 30-day deadline.
• Expecting a standard license to work at airport security. Get an enhanced license or use a passport.
• Assuming a teen can simply swap an out-of-state license. Teens go through the intermediate license process.

Test yourself: Moving to Washington, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Moving to Washington
• Learning to Drive in Washington State
• Washington Knowledge Test