Your first Washington license: teen and adult document checklist

Choose your route before collecting paperwork

This checklist is for a first standard Washington passenger-vehicle license. If you already hold a license elsewhere, start with DOL’s testing table, because transfer requirements may differ. Enhanced licenses have a separate document checklist.

For ages 16–17, the teen application route requires approved driver education, a learner permit held for at least six months and the required tests. Eligible out-of-state permit time can count. You also need the required supervised practice and a qualifying driving record; a conviction or pending citation can affect eligibility.

For ages 18 and older in 2026, the adult route allows a first license by passing the knowledge and drive tests without driver education or a learner permit. You still need a permit to practice on public roads. Beginning January 1, 2027, driver education expands to 18-year-old first-license applicants; later years phase in more ages. Check the DOL age-and-year chart if your application will cross into another year.

Plan lawful supervised practice

A permit can be available at 15 when enrolled in approved driver training, or 15½ without that enrollment after passing the knowledge test. Follow the permit application instructions, including the course-start timing and parental permission for minors.

For ordinary public-road permit practice, carry the valid permit and have a licensed driver with at least five years of driving experience seated beside you; a qualified driving instructor is the statutory alternative. For the teen license’s 50-hour certification, including 10 hours at night, RCW 46.20.075 specifies a supervisor at least 21 who has held a valid license for at least three years. Those certification conditions do not remove the separate public-road permit supervision rule. For family practice, choose someone at least 21 with at least five years of experience and keep day and night totals separately.

Build your document folder

Use the standard-license identity list to choose one accepted combination: one stand-alone document, two A-list documents, one A-list plus two B-list documents, or four B-list documents with at least one showing your name and birth date. A valid U.S. passport is one stand-alone example; a birth certificate alone is not a universal solution.

Bring the actual accepted documents: DOL does not accept copied, scanned or photographed identity documents. Supply your Social Security number if you have one, or sign the declaration that you do not have one. Alternative identity routes exist, including a parent/guardian route for applicants 25 and younger; read its complete list rather than bringing only a parent’s ID.

Before the licensing appointment, check:

• Your WDL number, chosen identity combination and current Washington address are ready.
• Your school or testing provider has submitted the required completion records and scores.
• For a teen in-person application, a parent attends or the required notarized parental authorization accompanies you; the practice certification is also ready.
• You are prepared for the vision screening and applicable fees.

Online issuance has conditions, including a Washington photo learner permit; teens also need parental permission. Use your age-specific application page to check eligibility.

Check the date when you will get the license

As of October 30, 2026, the work-zone course is available but its requirement is still upcoming. First-time WA license applicants under 25 on the date they receive the license must pass the free online Work Zone and First Responder Course for licenses obtained on or after November 1, 2026. Passing a test in October does not change a November licensing date. Keep this task on your checklist even if the tests are already complete.