UPDATE

The new dol.wa.gov is coming soon — here's what to know!

If the information on this translated website is unclear, please contact us at 360.902.3900 for help in your language of choice.

Steps to getting your first license: Teens 16-17 years old

Things to know

To get your driver license, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old at the time we issue your license.
  • Be a Washington (WA) resident (your license must show your residence address).
  • Successfully complete an approved driver training course.
    • If you have completed a course in another state, it must meet WA minimum requirements. That's 30 hours of classroom and 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction.
    • Online and parent taught traffic safety education are not approved courses in WA.
    • After completing a pre-application online, submit proof of out-of-state training to tse@dol.wa.gov for approval with your new WA ID number.
  • Have your WA instruction permit for at least 6 months.
    • This time can include your out-of-state instruction permit.
  • Not have been convicted of any:
    • Traffic violations within 6 months before applying for the license.
    • Alcohol or drug offense while holding an instruction permit.

How to get your license

  1. Get an instruction permit and have it for at least 6 months.
  2. Successfully complete an approved driver training course.
  3. Complete at least 40 hours of daylight and 10 hours of night driving with someone who's been licensed for 5 years or more.
  4. Pass the driving test at any Driver training and testing location.
  5. Decide if you'd like to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Visit LifeCenter Northwest for more information.
  6. Get your license:
    • Online:
      • Have a WA photo instruction permit.
      • Your parent or guardian must be with you so they can give permission online for you to get your license.
      • Pay the licensing fee.
      • Print the receipt. It's your temporary license. Since it doesn't include your photo, it's not valid for identification.
      • Your permanent license will have the same photo as your instruction permit or WA ID card. We'll mail it to the address we have on file.
    • or
    • By making an appointment to visit a driver licensing office location.
      • Ensure your driver training school has entered your course completion and exam scores.
        • The driver training school has 24 hours to enter your exam scores in the system once you’ve passed each exam
        • If the driver training school has closed and you need assistance, email us at tse@dol.wa.gov.
      • Bring a parent with you to the licensing office to sign the parental authorization form.
        • If you can't bring a parent, have them fill out the Parental Authorization Affidavit form and have it notarized. You must bring the notarized form with you to the office.
      • Show proof of identity.
      • Provide your Social Security number, or sign a declaration if you don't have one.
      • Pass a vision screening.
      • Have your photo taken.
      • Pay the fees.

Teens 16–17 years old with a valid out of state driver license

Make an appointment to apply for your WA license at an office. You'll need to:

  • Ensure that the DOL Driver Training School program has approved your out of state traffic safety education (TSE). You can email your TSE certificate to tse@dol.wa.gov.
  • Bring proof of your out-of-state license.
  • Bring proof that you have had an instructional permit for at least 6 months.
  • Bring a parent with you to the licensing office to sign the parental authorization form.
    • If you can't bring a parent, have them fill out the Parental Authorization Affidavit form and have it notarized. You must bring the notarized form with you to the office.
  • Show proof of identity.
  • Provide your Social Security number, or sign a declaration if you don't have one.
  • Pass a vision screening.
  • Have your photo taken.
  • Pay the fees.

When you'll get your license

  • You'll get your temporary license:
    • Before you leave our office.
    • or
    • When you print your receipt after getting your license online.
  • We'll mail your permanent license within 7-10 days. If you haven't received it after 30 days, call us at 360.902.3900 (TTY: call 711).

Intermediate license laws for teen drivers

If you're under 18, you'll be issued an intermediate driver license and must follow these laws:

  • Driving with Passengers
    • First 6 months: No passengers under 20 years old, except for immediate family members (spouse, child, stepchild, or siblings, both by birth and marriage).
    • Next 6 months: No more than 3 passengers under 20 years old who aren't members of your immediate family.
  • Nighttime driving
    You can't drive between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. unless you're with a licensed driver who's 25 years or older. The only exceptions are driving for agricultural purposes and transporting farm products or supplies under the direction of a farmer as described in RCW 46.20.070.
  • No cell phones
    You can't use wireless devices while driving, even with a hands-free device. This includes talking on cell phones and sending or receiving text messages. You may only use a wireless device to report an emergency.

Penalties for violations and accidents

  • First violation: Passenger and nighttime restrictions will apply until you're 18. We'll send a warning letter to you and your parent/guardian for the following:
    • Get a ticket for violating the restrictions.
    • Get a ticket for violating a rule of the road.
    • Are involved in an accident where:
      • You get a ticket or are determined to have caused the accident.
      • No one involved in the accident receives a ticket.
      • The cause of the accident can't be determined.
      • Only your car was involved in the accident.
  • 2nd violation: License suspended for 6 months (or until you're 18, whichever comes first). We'll notify you and your parent/guardian before we take any suspension action.
  • 3rd violation: License suspended until you're 18. We'll notify you and your parent/guardian before we take any suspension action.

Note: We don't determine who caused an accident. If you'd like a copy of your collision report, contact the Washington State Patrol records division at 360.570.2355.

Warning letters and penalties until age 18

Once you've driven safely for 1 year the passenger and nighttime driving restrictions expire, but the penalties for other violations will apply until you're 18.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to get a new license when I turn 18?
No, the intermediate driver license automatically becomes a regular driver license.

How do police enforce the intermediate license laws?
They enforce them as a "secondary action." This means that if a teen driver is stopped for a traffic offense, the officer can cite the driver for any violations of intermediate license restrictions.

If I have a drug or alcohol-related offense or Minor in Possession (MIP), can I get my intermediate license?
No, you'll have to wait until you're 18 if you're convicted of any of the following while you have an instruction permit:

If I have a license from another state, do the intermediate license laws apply to me?
Yes. When a driver under 18 with a valid out-of-state license becomes a Washington resident, they must get an intermediate WA license. They must meet all the same requirements.

Related information

Questions? Need help?

Email us: exams@dol.wa.gov

Chatbot icon