How To Get a Driver's License in Washington State

U.S. citizens in Washington who want to get a driver’s license are exposed to several possibilities. To begin with, you can complete the same processes as teenagers, earning an instruction permit, enrolling in a driving school, and passing knowledge and driving exams.

Nevertheless, since an instruction permit is necessary for all young drivers aged fifteen to seventeen, it is not required for adults seeking to obtain their Washington driver’s license. The permit is only required to practice driving before taking the driving test.

Furthermore, if you are 18 or older, you do not need to take a driver training course unless you have never been behind the wheel before.

Washington Driver’s License Application Process

The instruction license and driving training program can be skipped if you want to get your adult driver’s license in the shortest time possible. In such situations, passing the knowledge and behind-the-wheel exams is all that is necessary to get a Washington driver’s license.

Application requirements include filling out an application form, paying costs, passing a written Washington state driving test, a driving road test, and a vision screening. Several languages are available on the Department of Licensing (DOL) website’s “driver manual” page, but English and Spanish are the only languages available for the written test.

Apply for a driver’s license online in advance. Doing this saves time when you get to the licensing station and establishes your record with

the Washington DOL.

 Take the knowledge test and aim to get 20 out of 25 questions correct.

 If you pass the knowledge test, visit a licensing office and apply for the license. You will be required to

1. Provide your Social Security number and evidence of ID.
2. Complete an eye exam.
3. Settle any associated costs here.
4. Pass a driving test at a testing facility.

After successful completion, the driver’s license will start being processed. This procedure can be completed physically or online at a licensing office. However, applicants for online licensing must have an instruction permit that has never been subject to infractions, suspensions, or revoked.

You can use the receipt from your online application as your momentary license. You will be awarded a temporary permit when you go through the transaction in person. You should expect your permanent license to be sent to you within seven to ten days.

What are the legal implications of getting a Washington driver’s license?

When you obtain a Washington driver’s license, an ID card must be carried to verify your identity. Getting it means that you are permitted to operate a vehicle in Washington.

You do not have legal status in the United States just because you have a driver’s license in Washington. Instead, it would be best if you had a federal law to obtain legal immigration status in the United States. The state of Washington has no such authority.

As a result, you cannot use your license to register to vote or obtain federal identification. It will also be impossible for you to get the “enhanced” Washington driver’s license accepted at the “Ready Lane” for crossing Washington to Canada.

The likelihood of obtaining a Washington driver’s license

Undocumented persons who desire to obtain a Washington driver’s license are advised to check Chapter 46.20 and ensure they can meet the requirements outlined there. The act does not explicitly mention providing permits to illegal immigrants; instead, you do not need to prove that you are lawfully present in the country.

The essential criterion is to confirm your identification and domicile in Washington State. Identification documents such as foreign passports, consular ID cards, birth certificates, and other documents can be used.

You will need to show documents about home utility bills, school transcripts, or the Selective Service card at the licensing office. Additionally, documents such as the vehicle title, credit card, and mortgage documents that include your name and transaction details will be required.

When needed to prove your time of residence, you will need to show your ITIN letter from the IRS and the DHS eligibility document. A marriage certificate obtained in Washington may also come in handy when proving your residence.

To apply for a driver’s license, you will need to sign a declaration that proves you live in Washington State. If your documents are in a language other than English, you will need to have them translated.

Who is ineligible to get a Washington driver’s license?

Suppose you have a record of using fraudulent documents in the past to acquire a license or driving while drunk. You should consult an expert immigration lawyer about the dangers of this scenario. The Washington DMV does not refer cases to the federal organs in most cases. However, if you get in trouble with the law, it is unlikely that the DMV will resist such a government request.

Is there a deadline for applying for a Washington driver’s license?

Once you become a resident of Washington, you have 30 days to obtain a Washington driving license if you have a license from another state.

This state has established permanent residency there, registered to vote, obtained state benefits, obtained licenses, and registered for in-state tuition.

Where can I acquire a new driver’s license?

Washington has more than 50 DOL offices. A comprehensive list of the offices may be found on their website, www.dol.wa.gov.

Is there any identification I need to bring?

You must submit documentation that proves your identification by tying your name, address, portrait, and signature together. Visit their website or DOL office for a list of approved identity and residency documents.

Are there any tests I need to take?

As long as you already hold a valid out-of-state license, you will only have to pass a vision and medical examination. You will not be required to take any written or driving tests. If you are applying for a new license, you will have to pass a knowledge and driving test. If you apply for the driving test, it will take about 45 minutes to complete. On the other hand, you have to choose a suitable day and prepare well enough for the Washington State Driving Test.