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How to get a driver's license in Washington as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Washington needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Visitors may use their out-of-country driver license in Washington for up to 1 year.
Deadline after moving
30 days after moving to Washington
License exchange without tests
5 countries
License without immigration status
Yes
No SSN?
Provide your SSN, or sign a declaration that you don't have one.

Driving on a foreign license

Visitors may use their out-of-country driver license in Washington for up to 1 year. Deadline after moving: 30 days after moving to Washington.

Exchanging a foreign license

  • Canada (British Columbia, Class 5 only)
  • Germany
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Japan

The license must be valid; applicants 18 or older take no tests. Taiwan and Japan licenses require a translated certification (from TECO Seattle or the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle). British Columbia Class 7 does not transfer.

If your country is not on the list

A license from any other country or Canadian province is not accepted: complete all the steps to get a first license (knowledge test and drive test).

No tests required if you're 18 years old or older. dol.wa.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
  • Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766)
  • Foreign passport with I-94 or I-551 ADIT stamp
  • Consulate ID, electoral ID, or ID from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, or Peru (identity only)

License regardless of immigration status

The standard driver license does not indicate residency or legal status; identity can be proven with a foreign passport or a consulate ID, and applicants without an SSN sign a declaration. Only the Enhanced Driver License requires U.S. citizenship; the standard license is not REAL ID compliant.

A standard driver license and ID card do not indicate a person's residency or legal status. dol.wa.gov

Social Security number

Provide your SSN, or sign a declaration that you don't have one.

If you apply for a driver license, you must provide it or sign a declaration saying you don't have one. dol.wa.gov

Proof of residency

No fixed number of proof documents is stated; you are a Washington resident if you have a Washington address, are registered to vote, receive state benefits or in-state tuition, or hold a license at resident rates.

You're considered a Washington resident if you: dol.wa.gov

Step by step

  1. Check whether your foreign license is on the DOL exchange list (British Columbia, Germany, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan); if so, apply in person without tests.
  2. Otherwise gather proof of identity (e.g. foreign passport, consulate ID, Green Card or EAD) and your SSN or an SSN declaration.
  3. Pre-apply online and get a WDL number before applying for a learner permit.
  4. Pass the knowledge test (32 of 40 correct); optionally get a learner permit ($35, 1 year) to practice.
  5. If under 25, starting November 1, 2026, pass the free online work zone and first responder safety course.
  6. Pass the drive test (score at least 80 of 100); test fees vary by testing location.
  7. Make an appointment at a driver licensing office, take the vision screening, and pay the license fee ($111 for 6 years or $131 for 8 years).

Fees

Original driver license: $111 for 6 years or $131 for 8 years; learner permit $35; knowledge and drive test fees vary by testing location.

$111 for 6 years or $131 for 8 years dol.wa.gov

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Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.