RCW 46.20.001
License required
—
Rights and restriction.
(1) No person may drive a motor vehicle upon a highway in this state without first obtaining a valid driver's license issued to Washington residents under this chapter. The only exceptions to this requirement are those expressly allowed by RCW 46.20.025
.
(2) A person licensed as a driver under this chapter:
(a) May exercise the privilege upon all highways in this state;
(b) May not be required by a political subdivision to obtain any other license to exercise the privilege; and
(c) May not have more than one valid driver's license at any time.
[
1999 c 6 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
RCW 46.20.005
Driving without a license
—
Misdemeanor, when.
Except as expressly exempted by this chapter, it is a misdemeanor for a person to drive any motor vehicle upon a highway in this state without a valid driver's license issued to Washington residents under this chapter. This section does not apply if at the time of the stop the person is not in violation of RCW 46.20.342
(1) or *
46.20.420
and has in his or her possession an expired driver's license or other valid identifying documentation under RCW 46.20.035
. A violation of this section is a lesser included offense within the offenses described in RCW 46.20.342
(1) or *
46.20.420
.
[
1997 c 66 s 1
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
RCW 46.20.420
was recodified as RCW 46.20.345, June 1999.
RCW 46.20.015
Driving without a license
—
Traffic infraction, when.
(1) Except as expressly exempted by this chapter, it is a traffic infraction and not a misdemeanor under RCW 46.20.005
if a person:
(a) Drives any motor vehicle upon a highway in this state without a valid driver's license issued to Washington residents under this chapter in his or her possession;
(b) Provides the citing officer with an expired driver's license or other valid identifying documentation under RCW 46.20.035
at the time of the stop; and
(c) Is not driving while suspended or revoked in violation of RCW 46.20.342
(1) or *
46.20.420
.
(2) A person who violates this section is subject to a penalty of two hundred fifty dollars. If the person appears in person before the court or submits by mail written proof that he or she obtained a valid license after being cited, the court shall reduce the penalty to fifty dollars.
[
1999 c 6 s 4
;
1997 c 66 s 2
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
RCW 46.20.420
was recodified as RCW 46.20.345, June 1999.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
RCW 46.20.017
Immediate possession and displayed on demand.
Every licensee shall have his or her driver's license in his or her immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle and shall display the same upon demand to any police officer or to any other person when and if required by law to do so. The offense described in this section is a nonmoving offense.
[
2010 c 8 s 9018
;
1979 ex.s. c 136 s 56
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 15
;
1961 c 12 s 46.20.190
. Prior:
1937 c 188 s 59
; RRS s 6312-59; 1921 c 108 s 7, part; RRS s 6369, part. Formerly RCW 46.20.190
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Severability
—
1979 ex.s. c 136:
See notes following RCW 46.63.010
.
Driver's license, duty to display under other circumstances: RCW 46.52.020, 46.61.020, 46.61.021
.
RCW 46.20.021
New residents.
(1) New Washington residents must obtain a valid Washington driver's license within thirty days from the date they become residents.
(2) To qualify for a Washington driver's license, a person must surrender to the department all valid driver's licenses that any other jurisdiction has issued to him or her. The department must invalidate the surrendered photograph license and may return it to the person.
(a) The invalidated license, along with a valid temporary Washington driver's license provided for in RCW 46.20.065, is proper identification.
(b) The department shall notify the previous issuing department that the licensee is now licensed in a new jurisdiction.
(3) For the purposes of obtaining a valid driver's license, a resident is a person who manifests an intent to live or be located in this state on more than a temporary or transient basis. Evidence of residency includes but is not limited to:
(a) Becoming a registered voter in this state; or
(b) Receiving benefits under one of the Washington public assistance programs; or
(c) Declaring residency for the purpose of obtaining a state license or tuition fees at resident rates.
(4)(a) "Washington public assistance programs" means public assistance programs that receive more than fifty percent of the combined costs of benefits and administration from state funds.
(b) "Washington public assistance programs" does not include:
(i) The Food Stamp program under the federal Food Stamp Act of 1964;
(ii) Programs under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. Secs. 1771 through 1788;
(iii) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; and
(iv) Any other program that does not meet the criteria of (a) of this subsection.
[
1999 c 6 s 5
. Prior:
1997 c 66 s 3
;
1997 c 59 s 8
;
1996 c 307 s 5
; prior:
1991 c 293 s 3
;
1991 c 73 s 1
;
1990 c 250 s 33
;
1988 c 88 s 1
;
1985 c 302 s 2
;
1979 ex.s. c 136 s 53
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Rules of court:
Bail in criminal traffic offense cases
—
Mandatory appearance
—
CrRLJ 3.2.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Effective date
—
Severability
—
1979 ex.s. c 136:
See notes following RCW 46.63.010
.
Purpose
—
Construction
—
1965 ex.s. c 121:
"With the advent of greatly increased interstate vehicular travel and the migration of motorists between the states, the legislature recognizes the necessity of enacting driver licensing laws which are reasonably uniform with the laws of other states and are at the same time based upon sound, realistic principles, stated in clear explicit language. To achieve these ends the legislature does hereby adopt this 1965 amendatory act relating to driver licensing modeled after the Uniform Vehicle Code subject to such variances as are deemed better suited to the people of this state. It is intended that this 1965 amendatory act be liberally construed to effectuate the purpose of improving the safety of our highways through driver licensing procedures within the framework of the traditional freedoms to which every motorist is entitled." [
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 1
.]
RCW 46.20.022
Unlicensed drivers
—
Subject to Title
46
RCW.
Any person who operates a motor vehicle on the public highways of this state without a driver's license or nonresident privilege to drive shall be subject to all of the provisions of Title
46
RCW to the same extent as a person who is licensed.
[1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 29 s 1.]
NOTES:
Allowing unauthorized person to drive: RCW 46.16A.520, 46.20.024
.
RCW 46.20.024
Unlawful to allow unauthorized minors to drive.
No person shall cause or knowingly permit his or her child or ward under the age of eighteen years to drive a motor vehicle upon any highway when such minor is not authorized hereunder or in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter.
[
2010 c 8 s 9019
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 44
. Formerly RCW 46.20.343
.]
RCW 46.20.025
Exemptions.
The following persons may operate a motor vehicle on a Washington highway without a valid Washington driver's license:
(1) A member of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard, or in the service of the National Guard of this state or any other state, if licensed by the military to operate an official motor vehicle in such service;
(2) A nonresident driver who is at least:
(a) Sixteen years of age and has immediate possession of a valid driver's license issued to the driver by his or her home state; or
(b) Fifteen years of age with:
(i) A valid instruction permit issued to the driver by his or her home state; and
(ii) A licensed driver who has had at least five years of driving experience occupying a seat beside the driver; or
(c) Sixteen years of age and has immediate possession of a valid driver's license issued to the driver by his or her home country. A nonresident driver may operate a motor vehicle in this state under this subsection (2)(c) for up to one year;
(3) Any person operating special highway construction equipment as defined in RCW 46.04.551
;
(4) Any person while driving or operating any farm tractor or implement of husbandry that is only incidentally operated or moved over a highway; or
(5) An operator of a locomotive upon rails, including a railroad crossing over a public highway. A locomotive operator is not required to display a driver's license to any law enforcement officer in connection with the operation of a locomotive or train within this state.
[
2010 c 161 s 1113
;
1999 c 6 s 6
;
1993 c 148 s 1
;
1979 c 75 s 1
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Intent
—
Legislation to reconcile chapter 161, Laws of 2010 and other amendments made during the 2010 legislative session
—
2010 c 161:
See notes following RCW 46.04.013
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
RCW 46.20.027
Armed forces, dependents.
A Washington state motor vehicle driver's license issued to any service member if valid and in force and effect while such person is serving in the armed forces, shall remain in full force and effect so long as such service continues unless the same is sooner suspended, canceled, or revoked for cause as provided by law and for not to exceed ninety days following the date on which the holder of such driver's license is separated from service in the armed forces of the United States. A Washington state driver's license issued to the spouse or dependent child of such service member likewise remains in full force and effect if the person is residing with the service member.
For purposes of this section, "service member" means every person serving in the armed forces whose branch of service as of the date of application for the driver's license is included in the definition of veteran pursuant to RCW 41.04.007
or the person will meet the definition of veteran at the time of discharge.
[
2024 c 146 s 28
;
2002 c 292 s 3
;
1999 c 199 s 1
;
1967 c 129 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
2024 c 146:
See note following RCW 73.04.005
.
Effective date
—
1999 c 199:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [May 7, 1999]." [
1999 c 199 s 5
.]
RCW 46.20.031
Ineligibility.
The department shall not issue a driver's license to a person:
(1) Who is under the age of sixteen years;
(2) Whose driving privilege has been withheld unless and until the department may authorize the driving privilege under RCW 46.20.311
;
(3) Who has been classified as an alcoholic, drug addict, alcohol abuser, or drug abuser by a program approved by the department of social and health services. The department may, however, issue a license if the person:
(a) Has been granted a deferred prosecution under chapter
10.05
RCW; or
(b) Is satisfactorily participating in or has successfully completed an alcohol or drug abuse treatment program approved by the department of social and health services and has established control of his or her alcohol or drug abuse problem;
(4) Who has previously been adjudged to be mentally ill or insane, or to be incompetent due to a mental disability or disease. The department shall, however, issue a license to the person if he or she otherwise qualifies and:
(a) Has been restored to competency by the methods provided by law; or
(b) The superior court finds the person able to operate a motor vehicle with safety upon the highways during such incompetency;
(5) Who has not passed the driver's licensing examination required by RCW 46.20.120
and
46.20.305, if applicable;
(6) Who is required under the laws of this state to deposit proof of financial responsibility and who has not deposited such proof;
(7) Who is unable to safely operate a motor vehicle upon the highways due to a physical or mental disability. The department's conclusion that a person is barred from licensing under this subsection must be reasonable and be based upon good and substantial evidence. This determination is subject to review by a court of competent jurisdiction.
[
2002 c 279 s 3
;
1999 c 6 s 7
;
1995 c 219 s 1
;
1993 c 501 s 2
;
1985 c 101 s 1
;
1977 ex.s. c 162 s 1
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 4
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Allowing unauthorized person to drive: RCW 46.16A.520, 46.20.024
.
Juvenile driving privileges, alcohol or drug violations: RCW 66.44.365, 69.50.420
.
RCW 46.20.035
Proof of identity.
The department may not issue an identicard or a Washington state driver's license that is valid for identification purposes unless the applicant meets the identification requirements of subsection (1), (2), or (3) of this section.
(1) A driver's license or identicard applicant must provide the department with at least one of the following pieces of valid identifying documentation that contains the signature and a photograph of the applicant:
(a) A valid or recently expired driver's license or instruction permit that includes the date of birth of the applicant;
(b) A Washington state identicard or an identification card issued by another state;
(c) An identification card issued by the United States, a state, or an agency of either the United States or a state, of a kind commonly used to identify the members or employees of the government agency;
(d) A military identification card;
(e) A United States passport;
(f) A citizenship and immigration services service form;
(g) An identification card issued by the department of corrections under RCW 72.09.535
; or
(h) A patient identification verification document issued by a facility under RCW 72.23.175
.
(2) An applicant who is a minor may establish identity by providing an affidavit of the applicant's parent or guardian. The parent or guardian must accompany the minor and display or provide:
(a) At least one piece of documentation in subsection (1) of this section establishing the identity of the parent or guardian; and
(b) Additional documentation establishing the relationship between the parent or guardian and the applicant.
(3) A person unable to provide identifying documentation as specified in subsection (1) or (2) of this section may request that the department review other available documentation in order to ascertain identity. The department may waive the requirement if it finds that other documentation clearly establishes the identity of the applicant. Notwithstanding the requirements in subsection (2) of this section, the department shall issue an identicard to an applicant for whom it receives documentation pursuant to RCW 74.13.283
.
(4) An identicard or a driver's license that includes a photograph that has been renewed by mail or by electronic commerce is valid for identification purposes if the applicant met the identification requirements of subsection (1), (2), or (3) of this section at the time of previous issuance.
(5) The form of an applicant's name, as established under this section, is the person's name of record for the purposes of this chapter.
(6) If the applicant is unable to prove his or her identity under this section, the department shall plainly label the license "not valid for identification purposes."
[
2024 c 315 s 3
;
2008 c 267 s 8
;
2004 c 249 s 2
;
1999 c 6 s 8
;
1998 c 41 s 10
;
1993 c 452 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2024 c 315:
See note following RCW 72.09.270
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Intent
—
Construction
—
Effective date
—
1998 c 41:
See notes following RCW 46.20.265
.
RCW 46.20.036
Other forms of identification, use
—
Department to develop in consultation with the department of children, youth, and families, office of the superintendent of public instruction, and office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs.
(1) The department shall develop in consultation with the department of children, youth, and families, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, and the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs:
(a) Other forms of identification that could be used for individuals qualifying for a Washington state identicard under RCW 46.20.117
(1)(c)(ii) that meet the alternative documentation requirements of the department under RCW 46.20.035
; and
(b) A process for entities listed under subsection (2) of this section to submit Washington state identicard application materials for individuals qualifying for a Washington state identicard under RCW 46.20.117
(1)(c)(ii).
(2) The department shall accept Washington state identicard application materials for individuals qualifying for a Washington state identicard under RCW 46.20.117
(1)(c)(ii) from:
(a) Individuals or entities licensed by the department of children, youth, and families;
(b) Individuals or entities contracted to provide services by the department of children, youth, and families;
(c) Individual schools or school districts; and
(d) Individuals and entities contracted to provide services by the office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs.
[
2020 c 124 s 3
.]
RCW 46.20.037
Facial recognition matching system.
(1) The department may implement a facial recognition matching system for drivers' licenses, permits, and identicards. Any facial recognition matching system selected by the department must be used only to verify the identity of an applicant for or holder of a driver's license, permit, or identicard to determine whether the person has been issued a driver's license, permit, or identicard under a different name or names.
(2) Any facial recognition matching system selected by the department must be capable of highly accurate matching, and must be compliant with appropriate standards established by the American association of motor vehicle administrators that exist on June 7, 2012, or such subsequent date as may be provided by the department by rule, consistent with the purposes of this section.
(3) The department shall post notices in conspicuous locations at all department driver licensing offices, make written information available to all applicants at department driver licensing offices, and provide information on the department's website regarding the facial recognition matching system. The notices, written information, and information on the website must address how the facial recognition matching system works, all ways in which the department may use results from the facial recognition matching system, how an investigation based on results from the facial recognition matching system would be conducted, and a person's right to appeal any determinations made under this chapter.
(4) Results from the facial recognition matching system:
(a) Are not available for public inspection and copying under chapter
42.56
RCW;
(b) May only be disclosed when authorized by a court order;
(c) May only be disclosed to a federal government agency if specifically required under federal law; and
(d) May only be disclosed by the department to a government agency, including a court or law enforcement agency, for use in carrying out its functions if the department has determined that person has committed one of the prohibited practices listed in RCW 46.20.0921
and this determination has been confirmed by a hearings examiner under this chapter or the person declined a hearing or did not attend a scheduled hearing.
(5) All personally identifying information derived from the facial recognition matching system must be stored with appropriate security safeguards. Washington technology solutions shall develop the appropriate security standards for the department's use of the facial recognition matching system, subject to approval and oversight by the technology services board.
(6) The department shall develop procedures to handle instances in which the facial recognition matching system fails to verify the identity of an applicant for a renewal or duplicate driver's license, permit, or identicard. These procedures must allow an applicant to prove identity without using the facial recognition matching system.
[
2024 c 54 s 56
;
2012 c 80 s 1
;
2006 c 292 s 1
;
2004 c 273 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Finding
—
Purpose
—
Effective date
—
2004 c 273:
See notes following RCW 9.35.020
.
RCW 46.20.041
Persons with physical or mental disabilities or diseases.
(1) If the department has reason to believe that a person is suffering from a physical or mental disability or disease that may affect that person's ability to drive a motor vehicle, the department must evaluate whether the person is able to safely drive a motor vehicle. As part of the evaluation:
(a) The department shall permit the person to demonstrate personally that notwithstanding the disability or disease he or she is able to safely drive a motor vehicle.
(b) The department may require the person to obtain a statement signed by a licensed physician or other proper authority designated by the department certifying the person's condition.
(i) The statement is for the confidential use of the director and the chief of the Washington state patrol and for other public officials designated by law. It is exempt from public inspection and copying notwithstanding chapter
42.56
RCW.
(ii) The statement may not be offered as evidence in any court except when appeal is taken from the order of the director canceling or withholding a person's driving privilege. However, the department may make the statement available to the director of the department of retirement systems for use in determining eligibility for or continuance of disability benefits and it may be offered and admitted as evidence in any administrative proceeding or court action concerning the disability benefits.
(2) On the basis of the evaluation the department may:
(a) Issue or renew a driver's license to the person without restrictions;
(b) Cancel or withhold the driving privilege from the person; or
(c) Issue a restricted driver's license to the person. The restrictions must be suitable to the licensee's driving ability. The restrictions may include:
(i) Special mechanical control devices on the motor vehicle operated by the licensee;
(ii) Limitations on the type of motor vehicle that the licensee may operate; or
(iii) Other restrictions determined by the department to be appropriate to assure the licensee's safe operation of a motor vehicle.
(3) The department may either issue a special restricted license or may set forth the restrictions upon the usual license form.
(4) The department may suspend or revoke a restricted license upon receiving satisfactory evidence of any violation of the restrictions. In that event the licensee is entitled to a driver improvement interview and a hearing as provided by RCW 46.20.322
or
46.20.328
.
(5) Operating a motor vehicle in violation of the restrictions imposed in a restricted license is a traffic infraction.
[
2005 c 274 s 306
;
1999 c 274 s 12
;
1999 c 6 s 9
;
1986 c 176 s 1
;
1979 ex.s. c 136 s 54
;
1979 c 61 s 2
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 5
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Effective date
—
Severability
—
1979 ex.s. c 136:
See notes following RCW 46.63.010
.
RCW 46.20.045
School bus, for hire drivers
—
Age.
A person who is under the age of eighteen years shall not drive:
(1) A school bus transporting school children; or
(2) A motor vehicle transporting persons for compensation.
[
1999 c 6 s 10
;
1971 ex.s. c 292 s 43
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 6
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Severability
—
1971 ex.s. c 292:
See note following RCW 26.28.010
.
RCW 46.20.049
Commercial driver's license
—
Additional fee, disposition.
There shall be an additional fee for issuing any class of commercial driver's license in addition to the prescribed fee required for the issuance of the original driver's license. The additional fee for each class shall be one hundred thirty-six dollars for the original commercial driver's license or subsequent renewals. If the commercial driver's license is issued, renewed, or extended for a period other than eight years, the fee for each class shall be seventeen dollars for each year that the commercial driver's license is issued, renewed, or extended. The fee shall be deposited in the highway safety fund.
[
2021 c 158 s 2
;
2012 c 80 s 11
;
2011 c 227 s 6
;
2005 c 314 s 309
;
1999 c 308 s 4
;
1989 c 178 s 21
;
1985 ex.s. c 1 s 7
;
1969 ex.s. c 68 s 3
;
1967 ex.s. c 20 s 4
. Formerly RCW 46.20.470
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2021 c 158 ss 2 and 5-11:
"Sections 2 and 5 through 11 of this act take effect January 1, 2022." [
2021 c 158 s 12
.]
Finding
—
Intent
—
2021 c 158:
"The legislature finds that a driver's license or identicard is a fundamental document that Washingtonians need to live, work, drive, and access essential needs. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reduced the department of licensing's ability to provide in-person driver licensing services, resulting in a growing backlog of customers that cannot access the agency's critical services. This act is intended to address that backlog by expanding online renewals, extending driver's license and identicard issuance up to eight years, and providing more online options for instruction permits. The legislature recognizes the critical role of the department of licensing's frontline staff during the pandemic and does not intend that this act will result in staffing reductions at the department of licensing now or in the future. To ensure that a driver's license and identicard remain affordable for Washington residents, the legislature intends for the department of licensing to continue to offer a six-year issuance option. The legislature further recognizes the potential of remote photo capture to enable expanded online renewals while ensuring that customer information remains updated. In implementing remote photo capture, the legislature intends that the department of licensing will prioritize data security and antifraud features as well as closely monitor its usage. The legislature also intends that within a year of initial implementation of remote photo capture, driver's license and identicard photos should be updated with each renewal whenever possible, recognizing that technology limitations and other challenges will prevent some customers from using remote photo capture." [
2021 c 158 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
2012 c 80 ss 5-13:
See note following RCW 46.20.055
.
Effective date
—
2005 c 314 ss 101-107, 109, 303-309, and 401:
See note following RCW 46.68.290
.
Part headings not law
—
2005 c 314:
See note following RCW 46.68.035
.
Effective date
—
1999 c 308:
See note following RCW 46.20.120
.
Effective dates
—
1989 c 178:
See RCW 46.25.901
.
Effective date
—
1985 ex.s. c 1:
See note following RCW 46.20.070
.
Effective date
—
1967 ex.s. c 20:
"Sections 1, 3, and 4 of this amendatory act shall be effective January 1, 1968." [
1967 ex.s. c 20 s 5
.]
RCW 46.20.055
Instruction permit.
(1)
Driver's instruction permit
. The department may issue a driver's instruction permit online or in person with or without a photograph to an applicant who has successfully passed all parts of the examination other than the driving test, provided the information required by RCW 46.20.091, paid an application fee of $25 prior to January 1, 2026, and $35 on or after January 1, 2026, and meets the following requirements:
(a) Is at least 15.5 years of age; or
(b) Is at least 15 years of age and:
(i) Has submitted a proper application; and
(ii) Is enrolled in a driver training education course offered as part of a traffic safety education program authorized by the office of the superintendent of public instruction and certified under chapter
28A.220
RCW or offered by a driver training school licensed and inspected by the department of licensing under chapter
46.82
RCW, that includes practice driving.
(2)
Waiver of written examination for instruction permit
. The department may waive the written examination, if, at the time of application, an applicant is enrolled in a driver training education course as defined in RCW 46.82.280
or
28A.220.020
.
The department may require proof of registration in such a course as it deems necessary.
(3)
Effect of instruction permit
. A person holding a driver's instruction permit may drive a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, upon the public highways if:
(a) The person has immediate possession of the permit;
(b) The person is not using a wireless communications device, unless the person is using the device to report illegal activity, summon medical or other emergency help, or prevent injury to a person or property; and
(c) A driver training education course instructor who meets the qualifications of chapter
46.82
or
28A.220
RCW, or a licensed driver with at least five years of driving experience, occupies the seat beside the driver.
(4)
Term of instruction permit
. A driver's instruction permit is valid for one year from the date of issue.
(a) The department may issue one additional one-year permit.
(b) The department may issue a third driver's instruction permit if it finds after an investigation that the permittee is diligently seeking to improve driving proficiency.
(c) A person applying for an additional instruction permit must submit the application to the department and pay an application fee of $25 for each issuance.
[
2025 c 299 s 15
;
2021 c 158 s 3
;
2017 c 197 s 6
;
2012 c 80 s 5
;
2010 c 223 s 1
;
2006 c 219 s 14
;
2005 c 314 s 303
;
2004 c 249 s 3
. Prior:
2002 c 352 s 10
;
2002 c 195 s 2
;
1999 c 274 s 13
;
1999 c 6 s 11
;
1990 c 250 s 34
;
1986 c 17 s 1
;
1985 c 234 s 1
;
1981 c 260 s 10
; prior:
1979 c 63 s 1
;
1979 c 61 s 3
;
1969 ex.s. c 218 s 8
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 7
.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
Intent
—
2025 c 299:
See note following RCW 46.20.1191
.
Effective date
—
2021 c 158 ss 1, 3, and 4:
"Sections 1, 3, and 4 of this act are necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and take effect immediately [May 3, 2021]." [
2021 c 158 s 13
.]
Finding
—
Intent
—
2021 c 158:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Findings
—
Intent
—
Effective date
—
2017 c 197:
See notes following RCW 28A.220.020
.
Effective date
—
2012 c 80 ss 5-13:
"Sections 5 through 13 of this act take effect October 1, 2012." [
2012 c 80 s 14
.]
Effective date
—
2006 c 219:
See note following RCW 46.82.285
.
Effective date
—
2005 c 314 ss 101-107, 109, 303-309, and 401:
See note following RCW 46.68.290
.
Part headings not law
—
2005 c 314:
See note following RCW 46.68.035
.
Effective dates
—
2002 c 352:
See note following RCW 46.09.410
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
RCW 46.20.065
Temporary permit.
(1) If the department is completing an investigation and determination of facts concerning an applicant's right to receive a driver's license, it may issue a temporary driver's permit to the applicant.
(2) A temporary driver's permit authorizes the permittee to drive a motor vehicle for up to sixty days. The permittee must have immediate possession of the permit while driving a motor vehicle.
(3) A temporary driver's permit is invalid if the department has issued a license to the permittee or refused to issue a license to the permittee for good cause.
[
1999 c 6 s 12
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
RCW 46.20.070
Juvenile agricultural driving permit.
(1)
Agricultural driving permit authorized
.  The director may issue a juvenile agricultural driving permit to a person under the age of eighteen years if:
(a) The application is signed by the applicant and the applicant's father, mother, or legal guardian;
(b) The applicant has passed the driving examination required by RCW 46.20.120
;
(c) The department has investigated the applicant's need for the permit and determined that the need justifies issuance;
(d) The department has determined the applicant is capable of operating a motor vehicle without endangering himself or herself or other persons and property; and
(e) The applicant has paid a fee of twenty dollars.
The permit must contain a photograph of the person.
(2)
Effect of agricultural driving permit
.  (a) The permit authorizes the holder to:
(i) Drive a motor vehicle on the public highways of this state in connection with farm work. The holder may drive only within a restricted farming locality described on the permit; and
(ii) Participate in the classroom portion of a *traffic safety education course authorized under RCW 28A.220.030
or the classroom portion of a traffic safety education course offered by a driver training school licensed and inspected by the department of licensing under chapter
46.82
RCW offered in the community where the holder resides.
(b) The director may transfer the permit from one farming locality to another. A transfer is not a renewal of the permit.
(3)
Term and renewal of agricultural driving permit
.  An agricultural driving permit expires one year from the date of issue.
(a) A person under the age of eighteen who holds a permit may renew the permit by paying a fee of fifteen dollars.
(b) A person applying to renew an agricultural driving permit must submit the application to the department in person.
(c) An agricultural driving permit is invalidated when a permittee attains age eighteen. In order to drive a motor vehicle on a highway he or she must obtain a motor vehicle driver's license under this chapter.
(4)
Suspension, revocation, or cancellation
.  The director has sole discretion to suspend, revoke, or cancel a juvenile agricultural driving permit if:
(a) The permittee has been found to have committed an offense that requires mandatory suspension or revocation of a driver's license; or
(b) The director is satisfied that the permittee has violated the permit's restrictions.
[
2005 c 314 s 304
;
2004 c 249 s 4
. Prior:
2002 c 352 s 11
;
2002 c 195 s 3
;
1999 c 6 s 13
;
1997 c 82 s 1
;
1985 ex.s. c 1 s 1
;
1979 c 61 s 4
;
1969 ex.s. c 218 s 9
;
1969 ex.s. c 170 s 12
;
1967 c 32 s 27
;
1963 c 39 s 9
;
1961 c 12 s 46.20.070
; prior: 1947 c 158 s 1, part; 1937 c 188 s 45, part; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6312-45, part.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
The term "traffic safety education course" was renamed "driver training education course" by
2017 c 197 s 2
.
Effective date
—
2005 c 314 ss 101-107, 109, 303-309, and 401:
See note following RCW 46.68.290
.
Part headings not law
—
2005 c 314:
See note following RCW 46.68.035
.
Effective dates
—
2002 c 352:
See note following RCW 46.09.410
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Effective date
—
1985 ex.s. c 1:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1985." [
1985 ex.s. c 1 s 14
.]
RCW 46.20.075
Intermediate license.
(Effective until May 1, 2026.)
(1) An intermediate license authorizes the holder to drive a motor vehicle under the conditions specified in this section. An applicant for an intermediate license must be at least 16 years of age and:
(a) Have possessed a valid instruction permit for a period of not less than six months;
(b) Have passed a driver licensing examination administered by the department;
(c) Have passed a course of driver's education in accordance with the standards established in RCW 46.20.100
;
(d) Present certification by his or her parent, guardian, employer, or responsible adult to the department stating (i) that the applicant has had at least 50 hours of driving experience, 10 of which were at night, during which the driver was supervised by a person at least 21 years of age who has had a valid driver's license for at least three years, and (ii) that the applicant has not been issued a notice of traffic infraction or cited for a traffic violation that is pending at the time of the application for the intermediate license;
(e) Not have been convicted of or found to have committed a traffic violation within the last six months before the application for the intermediate license; and
(f) Not have been adjudicated for an offense involving the use of alcohol or drugs during the period the applicant held an instruction permit.
(2) For the first six months after the issuance of an intermediate license or until the holder reaches 18 years of age, whichever occurs first, the holder of the license may not operate a motor vehicle that is carrying any passengers under the age of 20 who are not members of the holder's immediate family. For the remaining period of the intermediate license, the holder may not operate a motor vehicle that is carrying more than three passengers who are under the age of 20 who are not members of the holder's immediate family.
(3) The holder of an intermediate license may not operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. except (a) when the holder is accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years of age, or (b) for school, religious, or employment activities for the holder or a member of the holder's immediate family as defined in this section.
(4) The holder of an intermediate license may not operate a moving motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device unless the holder is using the device to report illegal activity, summon medical or other emergency help, or prevent injury to a person or property.
(5) It is a traffic infraction for the holder of an intermediate license to operate a motor vehicle in violation of the restrictions imposed under this section.
(6) Except for a violation of subsection (4) of this section, enforcement of this section by law enforcement officers may be accomplished only as a secondary action when a driver of a motor vehicle has been detained for a suspected violation of this title or an equivalent local ordinance or some other offense.
(7) An intermediate licensee may drive at any hour without restrictions on the number of passengers in the vehicle if necessary for agricultural purposes.
(8) An intermediate licensee may drive at any hour without restrictions on the number of passengers in the vehicle if, for the 12-month period following the issuance of the intermediate license, he or she:
(a) Has not been involved in an accident involving only one motor vehicle;
(b) Has not been involved in an accident where he or she was cited in connection with the accident or was found to have caused the accident;
(c) Has not been involved in an accident where no one was cited or was found to have caused the accident; and
(d) Has not been convicted of or found to have committed a traffic offense described in chapter
46.61
RCW or violated restrictions placed on an intermediate licensee under this section.
(9) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Immediate family" means an individual's spouse or domestic partner, child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, brother, half-brother, sister, or half-sister of the individual, including foster children living in the household, and the spouse or the domestic partner of any such person, and a child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, brother, half-brother, sister, or half-sister of the individual's spouse or domestic partner, and the spouse or the domestic partner of any such person.
(b) "Responsible adult" means a person specifically authorized by the department who is over the age of 21 and:
(i) Has a familial, kinship, or caretaker relationship to a minor;
(ii) Is an educational, medical, legal, social service, or Washington state licensed mental health professional who provides support directly to a minor in a professional capacity; or
(iii) Is an employee of a government entity and provides support to a minor in a professional capacity.
[
2024 c 162 s 1
;
2023 c 445 s 2
;
2011 c 60 s 44
;
2010 c 223 s 2
;
2009 c 125 s 1
;
2000 c 115 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2024 c 162 ss 1-3:
"Sections 1 through 3 of this act take effect January 1, 2025." [
2024 c 162 s 5
.]
Effective date
—
2011 c 60:
See RCW 42.17A.919
.
Finding
—
2000 c 115:
"The legislature has recognized the need to develop a graduated licensing system in light of the disproportionately high incidence of motor vehicle crashes involving youthful motorists. This system will improve highway safety by progressively developing and improving the skills of younger drivers in the safest possible environment, thereby reducing the number of vehicle crashes." [
2000 c 115 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
2000 c 115 ss 1-10:
"Sections 1 through 10 of this act take effect July 1, 2001." [
2000 c 115 s 14
.]
PDF
RCW 46.20.075
Intermediate license.
(Effective May 1, 2026.)
(1) An intermediate license authorizes the holder to drive a motor vehicle under the conditions specified in this section. An applicant for an intermediate license must be at least 16 years of age and:
(a) Have possessed a valid instruction permit for a period of not less than six months;
(b) Have passed a driver licensing examination administered by the department;
(c) Have passed a course of driver's education in accordance with the standards established in RCW 46.20.100
;
(d) Until January 1, 2031, have met the applicable driver work zone and first responder safety course requirement under RCW 46.20.1191
(3);
(e) Present certification by his or her parent, guardian, employer, or responsible adult to the department stating (i) that the applicant has had at least 50 hours of driving experience, 10 of which were at night, during which the driver was supervised by a person at least 21 years of age who has had a valid driver's license for at least three years, and (ii) that the applicant has not been issued a notice of traffic infraction or cited for a traffic violation that is pending at the time of the application for the intermediate license;
(f) Not have been convicted of or found to have committed a traffic violation within the last six months before the application for the intermediate license; and
(g) Not have been adjudicated for an offense involving the use of alcohol or drugs during the period the applicant held an instruction permit.
(2) For the first six months after the issuance of an intermediate license or until the holder reaches 18 years of age, whichever occurs first, the holder of the license may not operate a motor vehicle that is carrying any passengers under the age of 20 who are not members of the holder's immediate family. For the remaining period of the intermediate license, the holder may not operate a motor vehicle that is carrying more than three passengers who are under the age of 20 who are not members of the holder's immediate family.
(3) The holder of an intermediate license may not operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. except (a) when the holder is accompanied by a licensed driver who is at least 25 years of age, or (b) for school, religious, or employment activities for the holder or a member of the holder's immediate family as defined in this section.
(4) The holder of an intermediate license may not operate a moving motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device unless the holder is using the device to report illegal activity, summon medical or other emergency help, or prevent injury to a person or property.
(5) It is a traffic infraction for the holder of an intermediate license to operate a motor vehicle in violation of the restrictions imposed under this section.
(6) Except for a violation of subsection (4) of this section, enforcement of this section by law enforcement officers may be accomplished only as a secondary action when a driver of a motor vehicle has been detained for a suspected violation of this title or an equivalent local ordinance or some other offense.
(7) An intermediate licensee may drive at any hour without restrictions on the number of passengers in the vehicle if necessary for agricultural purposes.
(8) An intermediate licensee may drive at any hour without restrictions on the number of passengers in the vehicle if, for the 12-month period following the issuance of the intermediate license, he or she:
(a) Has not been involved in an accident involving only one motor vehicle;
(b) Has not been involved in an accident where he or she was cited in connection with the accident or was found to have caused the accident;
(c) Has not been involved in an accident where no one was cited or was found to have caused the accident; and
(d) Has not been convicted of or found to have committed a traffic offense described in chapter
46.61
RCW or violated restrictions placed on an intermediate licensee under this section.
(9) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(a) "Immediate family" means an individual's spouse or domestic partner, child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, brother, half-brother, sister, or half-sister of the individual, including foster children living in the household, and the spouse or the domestic partner of any such person, and a child, stepchild, grandchild, parent, stepparent, grandparent, brother, half-brother, sister, or half-sister of the individual's spouse or domestic partner, and the spouse or the domestic partner of any such person.
(b) "Responsible adult" means a person specifically authorized by the department who is over the age of 21 and:
(i) Has a familial, kinship, or caretaker relationship to a minor;
(ii) Is an educational, medical, legal, social service, or Washington state licensed mental health professional who provides support directly to a minor in a professional capacity; or
(iii) Is an employee of a government entity and provides support to a minor in a professional capacity.
[
2025 c 299 s 4
;
2024 c 162 s 1
;
2023 c 445 s 2
;
2011 c 60 s 44
;
2010 c 223 s 2
;
2009 c 125 s 1
;
2000 c 115 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2025 c 299 s 4:
"Section 4 of this act takes effect May 1, 2026." [
2025 c 299 s 23
.]
Findings
—
Intent
—
2025 c 299:
See note following RCW 46.20.1191
.
Effective date
—
2024 c 162 ss 1-3:
"Sections 1 through 3 of this act take effect January 1, 2025." [
2024 c 162 s 5
.]
Effective date
—
2011 c 60:
See RCW 42.17A.919
.
Finding
—
2000 c 115:
"The legislature has recognized the need to develop a graduated licensing system in light of the disproportionately high incidence of motor vehicle crashes involving youthful motorists. This system will improve highway safety by progressively developing and improving the skills of younger drivers in the safest possible environment, thereby reducing the number of vehicle crashes." [
2000 c 115 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
2000 c 115 ss 1-10:
"Sections 1 through 10 of this act take effect July 1, 2001." [
2000 c 115 s 14
.]
RCW 46.20.091
Application
—
Penalty for false statement
—
Driving records from and to other jurisdictions.
(1)
Application
. In order to apply for a driver's license or instruction permit the applicant must provide the applicant's:
(a) Name of record, as established by documentation required under RCW 46.20.035
;
(b) Date of birth, as established by satisfactory evidence of age;
(c) Sex;
(d) Washington residence address;
(e) Description;
(f) Driving licensing history, including:
(i) Whether the applicant has ever been licensed as a driver or chauffeur and, if so, (A) when and by what state or country; (B) whether the license has ever been suspended or revoked; and (C) the date of and reason for the suspension or revocation; or
(ii) Whether the applicant's application to another state or country for a driver's license has ever been refused and, if so, the date of and reason for the refusal; and
(g) Any additional information required by the department.
(2)
Sworn statement
. An application for an instruction permit or for an original driver's license must be made upon a form provided by the department. The form must include a section for the applicant to indicate whether the applicant has received driver training and, if so, where. The identifying documentation verifying the name of record must be accompanied by the applicant's sworn statement that it is valid. For an original driver's license, the information provided on the form must be sworn to and signed by the applicant before a person authorized to administer oaths. An applicant who makes a false statement on an application for a driver's license or instruction permit is guilty of false swearing, a gross misdemeanor, under RCW 9A.72.040
.
(3)
Driving records from other jurisdictions
. If a person previously licensed in another jurisdiction applies for a Washington driver's license, the department shall request a copy of the applicant's driver's record from the other jurisdiction. The driving record from the other jurisdiction becomes a part of the driver's record in this state.
(4)
Driving records to other jurisdictions
. If another jurisdiction requests a copy of a person's Washington driver's record, the department shall provide a copy of the record. The department shall forward the record without charge if the other jurisdiction extends the same privilege to the state of Washington. Otherwise the department shall charge a reasonable fee for transmittal of the record.
[
2021 c 158 s 4
;
2000 c 115 s 4
;
1999 c 6 s 14
;
1998 c 41 s 11
;
1996 c 287 s 5
;
1990 c 250 s 35
;
1985 ex.s. c 1 s 2
;
1979 c 63 s 2
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 8
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2021 c 158 ss 1, 3, and 4:
See note following RCW 46.20.055
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2021 c 158:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
2000 c 115:
See note following RCW 46.20.075
.
Effective date
—
2000 c 115 ss 1-10:
See note following RCW 46.20.075
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Intent
—
Construction
—
Effective date
—
1998 c 41:
See notes following RCW 46.20.265
.
Effective date
—
1985 ex.s. c 1:
See note following RCW 46.20.070
.
Social security number: RCW 26.23.150
.
RCW 46.20.0921
Violations
—
Penalty.
(1) It is a misdemeanor for any person:
(a) To display or cause or permit to be displayed or have in his or her possession any fictitious or fraudulently altered driver's license or identicard;
(b) To lend his or her driver's license or identicard to any other person or knowingly permit the use thereof by another;
(c) To display or represent as one's own any driver's license or identicard not issued to him or her;
(d) Willfully to fail or refuse to surrender to the department upon its lawful demand any driver's license or identicard which has been suspended, revoked or canceled;
(e) To use a false or fictitious name in any application for a driver's license or identicard or to knowingly make a false statement or to knowingly conceal a material fact or otherwise commit a fraud in any such application;
(f) To permit any unlawful use of a driver's license or identicard issued to him or her.
(2) It is a class C felony for any person to sell or deliver a stolen driver's license or identicard.
(3) It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell, or deliver a forged, fictitious, counterfeit, fraudulently altered, or unlawfully issued driver's license or identicard, or to manufacture, sell, or deliver a blank driver's license or identicard except under the direction of the department. A violation of this subsection is:
(a) A class C felony if committed (i) for financial gain or (ii) with intent to commit forgery, theft, or identity theft; or
(b) A gross misdemeanor if the conduct does not violate (a) of this subsection.
(4) Notwithstanding subsection (3) of this section, it is a misdemeanor for any person under the age of twenty-one to manufacture or deliver fewer than four forged, fictitious, counterfeit, or fraudulently altered driver's licenses or identicards for the sole purpose of misrepresenting a person's age.
(5) In a proceeding under subsection (2), (3), or (4) of this section that is related to an identity theft under RCW 9.35.020, the crime will be considered to have been committed in any locality where the person whose means of identification or financial information was appropriated resides, or in which any part of the offense took place, regardless of whether the defendant was ever actually in that locality.
[
2003 c 214 s 1
;
1990 c 210 s 3
;
1981 c 92 s 1
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 41
. Formerly RCW 46.20.336
.]
NOTES:
Rules of court:
Bail in criminal traffic offense cases
—
Mandatory appearance
—
CrRLJ 3.2.
RCW 46.20.093
Bicycle safety.
The department of licensing shall incorporate a section on bicycle safety and sharing the road into its instructional publications for drivers and shall include questions in the written portion of the driver's license examination on bicycle safety and sharing the road with bicycles.
[
1998 c 165 s 4
.]
NOTES:
Short title
—
1998 c 165:
See note following RCW 43.59.010
.
RCW 46.20.095
Instructional publication information.
The department's instructional publications for drivers must include information on:
(1) The proper use of the left-hand lane by motor vehicles on multilane highways; and
(2) Bicyclists' and pedestrians' rights and responsibilities.
[
1999 c 6 s 15
;
1998 c 165 s 5
;
1986 c 93 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Short title
—
1998 c 165:
See note following RCW 43.59.010
.
Keep right except when passing, etc.:  RCW 46.61.100
.
RCW 46.20.100
Persons under 18.
(1)
Application
. The application of a person under the age of 18 years for a driver's license or a motorcycle endorsement must be signed by a parent, guardian, employer, or responsible adult as defined in RCW 46.20.075
.
(2)
Traffic safety education requirement
. For a person under the age of 18 years to obtain a driver's license, the person must meet the traffic safety education requirements of this subsection.
(a) To meet the traffic safety education requirement for a driver's license:
(i) The applicant must satisfactorily complete a driver training education course as defined in RCW 28A.220.020
for a course offered by a school district or approved private school, or a driver training education course as defined by the department of licensing for a course offered by a driver training school licensed under chapter
46.82
RCW. The course offered by a school district or an approved private school must be part of a traffic safety education program authorized by the office of the superintendent of public instruction and certified under chapter
28A.220
RCW. The course offered by a driver training school must meet the standards established by the department of licensing under chapter
46.82
RCW. A school district, approved private school, or driver training school may offer the behind-the-wheel instruction portion for up to four hours in a single day in cases of hardship, such as a student needing to travel a great distance to receive the behind-the-wheel instruction. The driver training education course may be provided by:
(A) A secondary school within a school district or approved private school that establishes and maintains an approved and certified traffic safety education program under chapter
28A.220
RCW; or
(B) A driver training school licensed under chapter
46.82
RCW that is annually approved by the department of licensing; and
(ii) Beginning May 1, 2026, until January 1, 2031, the applicant must satisfactorily complete the applicable driver work zone and first responder safety course required under RCW 46.20.1191
(3).
(b) Driver training schools licensed under chapter
46.82
RCW are encouraged to include a self-paced online course, or components of a self-paced online course, in the classroom instruction portion of driver training education courses, as authorized and certified by the department, to the extent feasible, and to focus teaching resources on the behind-the-wheel portion of driver training education.
(c) To meet the traffic safety education requirement for a motorcycle endorsement, the applicant must successfully complete a motorcycle safety education course that meets the standards established by the department of licensing.
(d) The department may waive the driver training education course requirement for a driver's license if the applicant demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that:
(i) The applicant was unable to take or complete a driver training education course;
(ii) A need exists for the applicant to operate a motor vehicle; and
(iii) The applicant has the ability to operate a motor vehicle in such a manner as not to jeopardize the safety of persons or property. The department may adopt rules to implement this subsection (2)(d) in collaboration with the supervisor of the traffic safety education section of the office of the superintendent of public instruction.
(e) The department may waive the driver training education course requirement if the applicant was licensed to drive a motor vehicle or motorcycle from a reciprocal jurisdiction outside this state or provides proof that he or she has had education equivalent, from a reciprocal jurisdiction, to that required under this subsection.
[
2025 c 299 s 3
;
2024 c 162 s 2
;
2017 c 197 s 7
;
2010 1st sp.s. c 7 s 18
;
2002 c 195 s 1
;
1999 c 274 s 14
;
1999 c 6 s 16
;
1990 c 250 s 36
;
1985 c 234 s 2
;
1979 c 158 s 146
;
1973 1st ex.s. c 154 s 87
;
1972 ex.s. c 71 s 1
;
1969 ex.s. c 218 s 10
;
1967 c 167 s 1
;
1965 ex.s. c 170 s 43
;
1961 c 12 s 46.20.100
. Prior:
1937 c 188 s 51
; RRS s 6312-51; 1921 c 108 s 6, part; RRS s 6368, part.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
Intent
—
2025 c 299:
See note following RCW 46.20.1191
.
Effective date
—
2024 c 162 ss 1-3:
See note following RCW 46.20.075
.
Findings
—
Intent
—
Effective date
—
2017 c 197:
See notes following RCW 28A.220.020
.
Effective date
—
2010 1st sp.s. c 26; 2010 1st sp.s. c 7:
See note following RCW 43.03.027
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Severability
—
1973 1st ex.s. c 154:
See note following RCW 2.12.030
.
RCW 46.20.105
Identifying types of licenses and permits.
(1) The department may provide a method to distinguish the driver's license of a person who is under the age of twenty-one from the driver's license of a person who is twenty-one years of age or older.
(2) An instruction permit must be identified as an "instruction permit" and issued in a distinctive form as determined by the department.
(3) An intermediate license must be identified as an "intermediate license" and issued in a distinctive form as determined by the department.
[
2000 c 115 s 5
;
1987 c 463 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Finding
—
2000 c 115:
See note following RCW 46.20.075
.
Effective date
—
2000 c 115 ss 1-10:
See note following RCW 46.20.075
.
RCW 46.20.109
Wheelchair conveyances.
Each operator of a wheelchair conveyance shall undergo a special examination conducted for the purpose of determining whether that person can properly and safely operate the conveyance on public roadways within a specified area. An operator's license issued after the special examination may specify the route, area, time, or other restrictions that are necessary to ensure the safety of the operator as well as the general motoring public. The department shall adopt rules for periodic review of the performance of operators of wheelchair conveyances. Operation of a wheelchair conveyance in violation of these rules is a traffic infraction.
[
1983 c 200 s 3
. Formerly RCW 46.20.550
.]
NOTES:
Severability
—
1983 c 200:
See note following RCW 46.04.710
.
Wheelchair conveyances
definition: RCW 46.04.710
.
public roadways, operating on: RCW 46.61.730
.
registration: RCW 46.16A.405
(3).
safety standards: RCW 46.37.610
.
RCW 46.20.111
Registration with selective service system for males under twenty-six upon application
—
Opportunity to consent or decline.
(1) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this purpose, any person who is a male citizen or noncitizen of the United States, who applies for an original, the renewal of, or a replacement instruction permit, intermediate license, driver's license, or identicard under this chapter, and who is under the age of twenty-six, must be given the opportunity to register as required by the military selective service act (62 Stat. 604; 50 App. U.S.C. Sec. 451 et seq.), as amended.
(2) The submission of an application by an applicant under subsection (1) of this section indicates that:
(a) The applicant has already registered with the selective service system;
(b) The applicant authorizes the department to forward to the selective service system the necessary personal information required for registration into the system; or
(c) The applicant declines registration for purposes of the military selective service act (62 Stat. 604; 50 App. U.S.C. Sec. 451 et seq.), as amended, in conjunction with the submission of an application under subsection (1) of this section.
(3)(a) The department shall forward electronically any necessary personal information of the applicant to the selective service system within ten days of receipt of the application, as authorized under subsection (2)(b) of this section.
(b) When applicable, the department shall notify the applicant at the time of application submission that, by submitting the application, the applicant authorizes the department to register the applicant with the selective service system. If the applicant is under the age of eighteen at the time of application, the department shall notify the applicant that he will be registered with the selective service system as required by federal law. When providing notice under this subsection (3)(b), the department shall provide the applicant with materials containing the following statement:
"By submitting this application, I am consenting to registration with the Selective Service System, if so required by federal law. If under age 18, I understand that I will be registered as required by federal law when I attain age 18."
(4)(a) If an applicant declines to register with the selective service system under subsection (2)(c) of this section, the department may not create a record indicating that the applicant declined to register.
(b) Any department information that indicates that an applicant has declined to register under subsection (2)(c) of this section is exempt from the disclosure requirements under chapter
42.56
RCW, and the department may not disclose the information to any other government agency.
(5) The department may not deny the issuance of an instruction permit, intermediate license, driver's license, or identicard if the applicant declines to register with the selective service system, provided that the applicant meets all other requirements of this chapter.
(6) The department may provide selective service system registration information to applicants who choose to decline the opportunity to register with the selective service system if the applicant requests registration information.
(7) The department may adopt rules as necessary to implement this section.
[
2011 c 350 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2011 c 350:
"This act takes effect January 1, 2012." [
2011 c 350 s 3
.]
RCW 46.20.113
Anatomical gift statement.
The department of licensing shall provide a statement whereby the licensee may certify his or her willingness to make an anatomical gift under RCW 68.64.030, as now or hereafter amended. The department shall provide the statement in at least one of the following ways:
(1) On each driver's license; or
(2) With each driver's license; or
(3) With each in-person driver's license application.
[
2008 c 139 s 27
;
1993 c 228 s 18
;
1987 c 331 s 81
;
1979 c 158 s 147
;
1975 c 54 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Uniformity of application and construction
—
2008 c 139:
See RCW 68.64.902
.
Application, construction
—
Severability
—
1993 c 228:
See RCW 68.50.902
and
68.50.903
.
Effective date
—
1987 c 331:
See RCW 68.05.900
.
RCW 46.20.1131
Information for organ donor registry.
The department shall electronically transfer the information of all persons who upon application for a driver's license or identicard volunteer to donate organs or tissue to a registry created in RCW 68.64.200, and any subsequent changes to the applicant's donor status when the applicant renews a driver's license or identicard or applies for a new driver's license or identicard.
[
2008 c 139 s 28
;
2003 c 94 s 5
.]
NOTES:
Uniformity of application and construction
—
2008 c 139:
See RCW 68.64.902
.
Findings
—
2003 c 94:
See note following RCW 68.64.200
.
RCW 46.20.1132
Information for bone marrow donation
—
Registry
—
Organizations and third parties may not utilize information obtained for fund-raising or other commercial purposes.
(1) The department shall provide each driver's license or identicard applicant with written materials regarding making a donation of bone marrow and being placed on the bone marrow donor registry at the completion of their licensing transaction.
(2) The department of licensing, in cooperation with the national marrow donor program and other appropriate organizations, shall place signage in each of the licensing service offices that provide background on the written materials that the applicant will receive regarding bone marrow donation. This will include a notice that any information provided by the driver's license or identicard applicant will be used solely for allowing the applicant to obtain information on becoming a possible bone marrow donor and will not be used for commercial or fund-raising purposes.
(3) No organization or third party may utilize the information obtained from this section for fund-raising or other commercial purposes.
[
2018 c 192 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
Intent
—
2018 c 192:
"The legislature finds that every three minutes an American child or adult is diagnosed with a potentially fatal blood disease. The legislature further finds that twenty percent to thirty-four percent of individuals with diverse heritage never find a match. For many of these individuals, bone marrow transplantation is the only chance for survival. The ultimate key to survivability lies in increasing the number of bone marrow donors across all ethnicities, thus increasing the potential for a suitable match. It is the intent of the legislature to increase awareness of the national bone marrow program statewide and to increase the number of Washington residents on the national marrow donor registry in order to increase the chance that all patients in need of bone marrow transplants will find a suitable bone marrow match." [
2018 c 192 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
2018 c 192:
"This act takes effect July 1, 2018." [
2018 c 192 s 4
.]
RCW 46.20.114
Preventing alteration or reproduction.
The department shall prepare and issue drivers' licenses and identicards using processes that prohibit as nearly as possible the alteration or reproduction of such cards, or the superimposing of other photographs on such cards, without ready detection.
[
1999 c 6 s 17
;
1977 ex.s. c 27 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Purpose
—
1977 ex.s. c 27:
"The legislature finds that the falsification of cards and licenses is a serious social problem creating economic hardship and problems which impede the efficient conduct of commerce and government. The legislature is particularly concerned that the increasing use of false drivers' licenses and identicards to purchase liquor, to cash bad checks, and to obtain food stamps and other benefits is causing the loss of liquor licenses, the loss of jobs, the loss of income, and the loss of human life in addition to significant monetary losses in business and government. It is the purpose of RCW 46.20.114
to require an effective means of rendering drivers' licenses and identicards as immune as possible from alteration and counterfeiting in order to promote the public health and safety of the people of this state." [
1977 ex.s. c 27 s 1
.]
RCW 46.20.117
Identicards.
(Effective until October 1, 2025.)
(1)
Issuance
. The department shall issue an identicard, containing a picture, if the applicant:
(a) Does not hold a valid Washington driver's license;
(b) Proves the applicant's identity as required by RCW 46.20.035
; and
(c) Pays the required fee. Except as provided in subsection (7) of this section, the fee is $72, unless an applicant is:
(i) A recipient of continuing public assistance grants under Title
74
RCW, or a participant in the Washington women, infants, and children program. Any applicant under this subsection must be verified by documentation sufficient to demonstrate eligibility;
(ii) Under the age of 25 and does not have a permanent residence address as determined by the department by rule; or
(iii) An individual who is scheduled to be released from an institution as defined in RCW 13.40.020, a community facility as defined in RCW 72.05.020, a correctional facility as defined in RCW 72.09.015, or other juvenile rehabilitation facility operated by the department of social and health services or the department of children, youth, and families; or an individual who has been released from such an institution or facility within 30 calendar days before the date of the application.
For those persons under (c)(i) through (iii) of this subsection, the fee must be the actual cost of production of the identicard.
(2)(a)
Design and term
. The identicard must:
(i) Be distinctly designed so that it will not be confused with the official driver's license; and
(ii) Except as provided in subsection (7) of this section, expire on the eighth anniversary of the applicant's birthdate after issuance.
(b) The identicard may include the person's status as a veteran, consistent with RCW 46.20.161
(4).
(c) If applicable, the identicard may include a medical alert designation as provided in subsection (5) of this section.
(3)
Renewal
. An application for identicard renewal may be submitted by means of:
(a) Personal appearance before the department;
(b) Mail or electronic commerce, if permitted by rule of the department and if the applicant did not renew the identicard by mail or by electronic commerce when it last expired; or
(c) From January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, electronic commerce, if permitted by rule of the department.
An identicard may not be renewed by mail or by electronic commerce unless the renewal issued by the department includes a photograph of the identicard holder.
(4)
Cancellation
. The department may cancel an identicard if the holder of the identicard used the card or allowed others to use the card in violation of RCW 46.20.0921
.
(5) Any person may apply to the department to obtain a medical alert designation, a developmental disability designation, or a deafness designation on an identicard issued under this chapter by providing:
(a) Self-attestation that the individual:
(i) Has a medical condition that could affect communication or account for a health emergency;
(ii) Is deaf or hard of hearing; or
(iii) Has a developmental disability as defined in RCW 71A.10.020
;
(b) A statement from the person that they have voluntarily provided the self-attestation and other information verifying the condition; and
(c) For persons under 18 years of age or who have a developmental disability, the signature of a parent or legal guardian.
(6) A self-attestation or data contained in a self-attestation provided under this section:
(a) Shall not be disclosed; and
(b) Is for the confidential use of the director, the chief of the Washington state patrol, and law enforcement and emergency medical service providers as designated by law.
(7)
Alternative issuance/renewal/extension
. The department may issue or renew an identicard for a period other than eight years, or may extend by mail or electronic commerce an identicard that has already been issued. The fee for an identicard issued or renewed for a period other than eight years, or that has been extended by mail or electronic commerce, is $9 for each year that the identicard is issued, renewed, or extended. The department must offer the option to issue or renew an identicard for six years in addition to the eight year issuance. The department may adopt any rules as are necessary to carry out this subsection.
(8) Identicard photos must be updated in the same manner as driver's license photos under RCW 46.20.120
(5).
[
2024 c 315 s 4
;
2024 c 162 s 3
;
2021 c 158 s 5
. Prior:
2020 c 261 s 2
;
2020 c 124 s 2
;
2018 c 157 s 2
;
2017 c 122 s 2
; (2017 c 122 s 1 expired August 30, 2017);
2014 c 185 s 2
;
2012 c 80 s 6
;
2005 c 314 s 305
;
2004 c 249 s 5
;
2002 c 352 s 12
;
1999 c 274 s 15
;
1999 c 6 s 18
;
1993 c 452 s 3
;
1986 c 15 s 1
;
1985 ex.s. c 1 s 3
;
1985 c 212 s 1
;
1981 c 92 s 2
;
1971 ex.s. c 65 s 1
;
1969 ex.s. c 155 s 4
.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note:
This section was amended by 2024 c 162 s 3 and by 2024 c 315 s 4, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025
(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025
(1).
Effective date
—
2024 c 315:
See note following RCW 72.09.270
.
Effective date
—
2024 c 162 ss 1-3:
See note following RCW 46.20.075
.
Effective date
—
2021 c 158 ss 2 and 5-11:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2021 c 158:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
2020 c 261:
"The legislature finds that the health and safety of the traveling public, law enforcement, and emergency medical service providers are enhanced by the voluntary sharing of information about medical conditions, including deafness and developmental disabilities. Licensed drivers and applicants who wish to voluntarily include a medical alert designation on their driver's license may provide law enforcement and emergency medical service providers with the opportunity to know at the point of contact or shortly thereafter that there is a medical condition which could affect communication or account for a driver health emergency. By taking action in accordance with existing driver privacy protections, the legislature seeks to enhance health and public safety by the voluntary provision and careful use of this information." [
2020 c 261 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
2020 c 261:
"This act takes effect January 1, 2022." [
2020 c 261 s 4
.]
Effective date
—
2018 c 157 s 2:
"Section 2 of this act takes effect January 1, 2019." [
2018 c 157 s 3
.]
Effective date
—
2017 c 122 s 2:
"Section 2 of this act takes effect August 30, 2017." [
2017 c 122 s 4
.]
Expiration date
—
2017 c 122 s 1:
"Section 1 of this act expires August 30, 2017." [
2017 c 122 s 3
.]
Effective date
—
2014 c 185:
See note following RCW 46.20.161
.
Effective date
—
2012 c 80 ss 5-13:
See note following RCW 46.20.055
.
Effective date
—
2005 c 314 ss 101-107, 109, 303-309, and 401:
See note following RCW 46.68.290
.
Part headings not law
—
2005 c 314:
See note following RCW 46.68.035
.
Effective dates
—
2002 c 352:
See note following RCW 46.09.410
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Effective date
—
1985 ex.s. c 1:
See note following RCW 46.20.070
.
Purpose
—
1971 ex.s. c 65:
"The efficient and effective operation and administration of state government affects the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state and it is the intent and purpose of this act to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the people by improving the operation and administration of state government." [
1971 ex.s. c 65 s 2
.]
Effective date
—
Purpose
—
1969 ex.s. c 155:
See notes following RCW 46.20.118
.
PDF
RCW 46.20.117
Identicards.
(Effective October 1, 2025, until January 1, 2026.)
(1)
Issuance
. The department shall issue an identicard, containing a picture, if the applicant:
(a) Does not hold a valid Washington driver's license;
(b) Proves the applicant's identity as required by RCW 46.20.035
; and
(c) Pays the required fee as specified in subsection (7) of this section, unless an applicant is:
(i) A recipient of continuing public assistance grants under Title
74
RCW, or a participant in the Washington women, infants, and children program. Any applicant under this subsection must be verified by documentation sufficient to demonstrate eligibility;
(ii) Under the age of 25 and does not have a permanent residence address as determined by the department by rule; or
(iii) An individual who is scheduled to be released from an institution as defined in RCW 13.40.020, a community facility as defined in RCW 72.05.020, a correctional facility as defined in RCW 72.09.015, or other juvenile rehabilitation facility operated by the department of social and health services or the department of children, youth, and families; or an individual who has been released from such an institution or facility within 30 calendar days before the date of the application.
For those persons under (c)(i) through (iii) of this subsection, the fee must be the actual cost of production of the identicard.
(2)(a)
Design and term
. The identicard must:
(i) Be distinctly designed so that it will not be confused with the official driver's license; and
(ii) Except as provided in subsection (7) of this section, expire on the eighth anniversary of the applicant's birthdate after issuance.
(b) The identicard may include the person's status as a veteran, consistent with RCW 46.20.161
(4).
(c) If applicable, the identicard may include a medical alert designation as provided in subsection (5) of this section.
(3)
Renewal
. An application for identicard renewal may be submitted by means of:
(a) Personal appearance before the department;
(b) Mail or electronic commerce, if permitted by rule of the department and if the applicant did not renew the identicard by mail or by electronic commerce when it last expired; or
(c) From January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, electronic commerce, if permitted by rule of the department.
An identicard may not be renewed by mail or by electronic commerce unless the renewal issued by the department includes a photograph of the identicard holder.
(4)
Cancellation
. The department may cancel an identicard if the holder of the identicard used the card or allowed others to use the card in violation of RCW 46.20.0921
.
(5) Any person may apply to the department to obtain a medical alert designation, a developmental disability designation, or a deafness designation on an identicard issued under this chapter by providing:
(a) Self-attestation that the individual:
(i) Has a medical condition that could affect communication or account for a health emergency;
(ii) Is deaf or hard of hearing; or
(iii) Has a developmental disability as defined in RCW 71A.10.020
;
(b) A statement from the person that they have voluntarily provided the self-attestation and other information verifying the condition; and
(c) For persons under 18 years of age or who have a developmental disability, the signature of a parent or legal guardian.
(6) A self-attestation or data contained in a self-attestation provided under this section:
(a) Shall not be disclosed; and
(b) Is for the confidential use of the director, the chief of the Washington state patrol, and law enforcement and emergency medical service providers as designated by law.
(7)
Alternative issuance/renewal/extension
.
(a) Except as allowed under this subsection, the department must issue or renew an identicard for eight years. The department may issue or renew an identicard for a period other than eight years, or may extend by mail or electronic commerce an identicard that has already been issued. The fee for an identicard issued or renewed, or that has been extended by mail or electronic commerce, is $10 for each year that the identicard is issued, renewed, or extended. The department must offer the option to issue or renew an identicard for six years in addition to the eight year issuance. The department may adopt any rules as are necessary to carry out this subsection.
(b) Beginning July 1, 2028, and on July 1st every three years thereafter, the fee under (a) of this subsection must be increased by $1 for each year that the identicard is issued, renewed, or extended.
(8) Identicard photos must be updated in the same manner as driver's license photos under RCW 46.20.120
(5).
[
2025 c 417 s 307
. Prior:
2024 c 315 s 4
;
2024 c 162 s 3
;
2021 c 158 s 5
; prior:
2020 c 261 s 2
;
2020 c 124 s 2
;
2018 c 157 s 2
;
2017 c 122 s 2
; (2017 c 122 s 1 expired August 30, 2017);
2014 c 185 s 2
;
2012 c 80 s 6
;
2005 c 314 s 305
;
2004 c 249 s 5
;
2002 c 352 s 12
;
1999 c 274 s 15
;
1999 c 6 s 18
;
1993 c 452 s 3
;
1986 c 15 s 1
;
1985 ex.s. c 1 s 3
;
1985 c 212 s 1
;
1981 c 92 s 2
;
1971 ex.s. c 65 s 1
;
1969 ex.s. c 155 s 4
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2025 c 417 ss 305-307 and 401:
See note following RCW 46.20.161
.
Findings
—
Intent
—
2025 c 417:
See note following RCW 82.38.030
.
Effective date
—
2024 c 315:
See note following RCW 72.09.270
.
Effective date
—
2024 c 162 ss 1-3:
See note following RCW 46.20.075
.
Effective date
—
2021 c 158 ss 2 and 5-11:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2021 c 158:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
2020 c 261:
"The legislature finds that the health and safety of the traveling public, law enforcement, and emergency medical service providers are enhanced by the voluntary sharing of information about medical conditions, including deafness and developmental disabilities. Licensed drivers and applicants who wish to voluntarily include a medical alert designation on their driver's license may provide law enforcement and emergency medical service providers with the opportunity to know at the point of contact or shortly thereafter that there is a medical condition which could affect communication or account for a driver health emergency. By taking action in accordance with existing driver privacy protections, the legislature seeks to enhance health and public safety by the voluntary provision and careful use of this information." [
2020 c 261 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
2020 c 261:
"This act takes effect January 1, 2022." [
2020 c 261 s 4
.]
Effective date
—
2018 c 157 s 2:
"Section 2 of this act takes effect January 1, 2019." [
2018 c 157 s 3
.]
Effective date
—
2017 c 122 s 2:
"Section 2 of this act takes effect August 30, 2017." [
2017 c 122 s 4
.]
Expiration date
—
2017 c 122 s 1:
"Section 1 of this act expires August 30, 2017." [
2017 c 122 s 3
.]
Effective date
—
2014 c 185:
See note following RCW 46.20.161
.
Effective date
—
2012 c 80 ss 5-13:
See note following RCW 46.20.055
.
Effective date
—
2005 c 314 ss 101-107, 109, 303-309, and 401:
See note following RCW 46.68.290
.
Part headings not law
—
2005 c 314:
See note following RCW 46.68.035
.
Effective dates
—
2002 c 352:
See note following RCW 46.09.410
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Effective date
—
1985 ex.s. c 1:
See note following RCW 46.20.070
.
Purpose
—
1971 ex.s. c 65:
"The efficient and effective operation and administration of state government affects the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state and it is the intent and purpose of this act to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the people by improving the operation and administration of state government." [
1971 ex.s. c 65 s 2
.]
Effective date
—
Purpose
—
1969 ex.s. c 155:
See notes following RCW 46.20.118
.
PDF
RCW 46.20.117
Identicards.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(1)
Issuance
. The department shall issue an identicard, containing a picture, if the applicant:
(a) Does not hold a valid Washington driver's license;
(b) Proves the applicant's identity as required by RCW 46.20.035
; and
(c) Pays the required fee as specified in subsection (7) of this section, unless an applicant is:
(i) A recipient of continuing public assistance grants under Title
74
RCW, or a participant in the Washington women, infants, and children program. Any applicant under this subsection must be verified by documentation sufficient to demonstrate eligibility;
(ii) Under the age of 25 and does not have a permanent residence address as determined by the department by rule; or
(iii) An individual who is scheduled to be released from an institution as defined in RCW 13.40.020, a community facility as defined in RCW 72.05.020, a correctional facility as defined in RCW 72.09.015, or other juvenile rehabilitation facility operated by the department of social and health services or the department of children, youth, and families; or an individual who has been released from such an institution or facility within 30 calendar days before the date of the application.
For those persons under (c)(i) through (iii) of this subsection, the fee must be the actual cost of production of the identicard.
(2)(a)
Design and term
. The identicard must:
(i) Be distinctly designed so that it will not be confused with the official driver's license; and
(ii) Except as provided in subsection (7) of this section, expire on the eighth anniversary of the applicant's birthdate after issuance.
(b) The identicard may include the person's status as a veteran, consistent with RCW 46.20.161
(4).
(c) If applicable, the identicard may include a medical alert designation as provided in subsection (5) of this section.
(d) If applicable, the identicard may include an optional blood type designation consistent with RCW 46.20.161
(2)(j).
(3)
Renewal
. An application for identicard renewal may be submitted by means of:
(a) Personal appearance before the department;
(b) Mail or electronic commerce, if permitted by rule of the department and if the applicant did not renew the identicard by mail or by electronic commerce when it last expired; or
(c) From January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, electronic commerce, if permitted by rule of the department.
An identicard may not be renewed by mail or by electronic commerce unless the renewal issued by the department includes a photograph of the identicard holder.
(4)
Cancellation
. The department may cancel an identicard if the holder of the identicard used the card or allowed others to use the card in violation of RCW 46.20.0921
.
(5) Any person may apply to the department to obtain a medical alert designation, a developmental disability designation, or a deafness designation on an identicard issued under this chapter by providing:
(a) Self-attestation that the individual:
(i) Has a medical condition that could affect communication or account for a health emergency;
(ii) Is deaf or hard of hearing; or
(iii) Has a developmental disability as defined in RCW 71A.10.020
;
(b) A statement from the person that they have voluntarily provided the self-attestation and other information verifying the condition; and
(c) For persons under 18 years of age or who have a developmental disability, the signature of a parent or legal guardian.
(6) A self-attestation or data contained in a self-attestation provided under this section:
(a) Shall not be disclosed; and
(b) Is for the confidential use of the director, the chief of the Washington state patrol, and law enforcement and emergency medical service providers as designated by law.
(7)
Alternative issuance/renewal/extension
.
(a) Except as allowed under this subsection, the department must issue or renew an identicard for eight years. The department may issue or renew an identicard for a period other than eight years, or may extend by mail or electronic commerce an identicard that has already been issued. The fee for an identicard issued or renewed, or that has been extended by mail or electronic commerce, is $10 for each year that the identicard is issued, renewed, or extended. The department must offer the option to issue or renew an identicard for six years in addition to the eight year issuance. The department may adopt any rules as are necessary to carry out this subsection.
(b) Beginning July 1, 2028, and on July 1st every three years thereafter, the fee under (a) of this subsection must be increased by $1 for each year that the identicard is issued, renewed, or extended.
(8) Identicard photos must be updated in the same manner as driver's license photos under RCW 46.20.120
(5).
[
2025 c 417 s 307
;
2025 c 217 s 2
. Prior:
2024 c 315 s 4
;
2024 c 162 s 3
;
2021 c 158 s 5
; prior:
2020 c 261 s 2
;
2020 c 124 s 2
;
2018 c 157 s 2
;
2017 c 122 s 2
; (2017 c 122 s 1 expired August 30, 2017);
2014 c 185 s 2
;
2012 c 80 s 6
;
2005 c 314 s 305
;
2004 c 249 s 5
;
2002 c 352 s 12
;
1999 c 274 s 15
;
1999 c 6 s 18
;
1993 c 452 s 3
;
1986 c 15 s 1
;
1985 ex.s. c 1 s 3
;
1985 c 212 s 1
;
1981 c 92 s 2
;
1971 ex.s. c 65 s 1
;
1969 ex.s. c 155 s 4
.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note:
This section was amended by 2025 c 217 s 2 and by 2025 c 417 s 307, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025
(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025
(1).
Effective date
—
2025 c 417 ss 305-307 and 401:
See note following RCW 46.20.161
.
Findings
—
Intent
—
2025 c 417:
See note following RCW 82.38.030
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2025 c 217:
"The legislature finds that including blood type information on drivers' licenses and identification cards can enhance emergency medical response, saving time and potentially lives in critical situations. This act is intended to provide individuals the option to voluntarily include their blood type on their state-issued identification documents." [
2025 c 217 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
2025 c 217:
"This act takes effect January 1, 2026." [
2025 c 217 s 7
.]
Effective date
—
2024 c 315:
See note following RCW 72.09.270
.
Effective date
—
2024 c 162 ss 1-3:
See note following RCW 46.20.075
.
Effective date
—
2021 c 158 ss 2 and 5-11:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2021 c 158:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
2020 c 261:
"The legislature finds that the health and safety of the traveling public, law enforcement, and emergency medical service providers are enhanced by the voluntary sharing of information about medical conditions, including deafness and developmental disabilities. Licensed drivers and applicants who wish to voluntarily include a medical alert designation on their driver's license may provide law enforcement and emergency medical service providers with the opportunity to know at the point of contact or shortly thereafter that there is a medical condition which could affect communication or account for a driver health emergency. By taking action in accordance with existing driver privacy protections, the legislature seeks to enhance health and public safety by the voluntary provision and careful use of this information." [
2020 c 261 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
2020 c 261:
"This act takes effect January 1, 2022." [
2020 c 261 s 4
.]
Effective date
—
2018 c 157 s 2:
"Section 2 of this act takes effect January 1, 2019." [
2018 c 157 s 3
.]
Effective date
—
2017 c 122 s 2:
"Section 2 of this act takes effect August 30, 2017." [
2017 c 122 s 4
.]
Expiration date
—
2017 c 122 s 1:
"Section 1 of this act expires August 30, 2017." [
2017 c 122 s 3
.]
Effective date
—
2014 c 185:
See note following RCW 46.20.161
.
Effective date
—
2012 c 80 ss 5-13:
See note following RCW 46.20.055
.
Effective date
—
2005 c 314 ss 101-107, 109, 303-309, and 401:
See note following RCW 46.68.290
.
Part headings not law
—
2005 c 314:
See note following RCW 46.68.035
.
Effective dates
—
2002 c 352:
See note following RCW 46.09.410
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Effective date
—
1985 ex.s. c 1:
See note following RCW 46.20.070
.
Purpose
—
1971 ex.s. c 65:
"The efficient and effective operation and administration of state government affects the health, safety, and welfare of the people of this state and it is the intent and purpose of this act to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the people by improving the operation and administration of state government." [
1971 ex.s. c 65 s 2
.]
Effective date
—
Purpose
—
1969 ex.s. c 155:
See notes following RCW 46.20.118
.
RCW 46.20.118
Negative file.
(1) The department shall maintain a negative file. It shall contain negatives of all pictures taken by the department of licensing as authorized by this chapter. Negatives in the file shall not be available for public inspection and copying under chapter
42.56
RCW.
(2) The department may make the file available to official governmental enforcement agencies to assist in the investigation by the agencies of suspected criminal activity or for the purposes of verifying identity when a law enforcement officer is authorized by law to request identification from an individual.
(3) The department shall make the file available to the office of the secretary of state, at the expense of the secretary of state, to assist in maintenance of the statewide voter registration database.
(4) The department may also provide a print to the driver's next of kin in the event the driver is deceased.
(5) The department shall make the file available to the county coroner or medical examiner for the purpose of identifying a deceased person.
[
2021 c 122 s 8
;
2009 c 366 s 1
. Prior:
2005 c 274 s 307
;
2005 c 246 s 23
;
1990 c 250 s 37
;
1981 c 22 s 1
;
1979 c 158 s 149
;
1969 ex.s. c 155 s 5
.]
NOTES:
Finding
—
Intent
—
2021 c 122:
See note following RCW 2.32.050
.
Effective date
—
2005 c 246:
See note following RCW 10.64.140
.
Purpose
—
1969 ex.s. c 155:
"The identification of the injured or the seriously ill is often difficult. The need for an identification file to facilitate use by proper law enforcement officers has hampered law enforcement. Personal identification for criminal, personal and commercial reasons is becoming most important at a time when it is increasingly difficult to accomplish. The legislature finds that the public health and welfare requires a standard and readily recognizable means of identification of each person living within the state. The legislature further finds that the need for an identification file by law enforcement agencies must be met. The use of photographic drivers' licenses will greatly aid the problem, but some means of identification must be provided for persons who do not possess a driver's license. The purpose of this 1969 amendatory act is to provide for the positive identification of persons, both through an expanded use of drivers' licenses and also through issue of personal identification cards for nondrivers." [
1969 ex.s. c 155 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
1969 ex.s. c 155:
"This 1969 amendatory act shall take effect September 1, 1969." [
1969 ex.s. c 155 s 7
.]
RCW 46.20.119
Reasonable rules.
The rules and regulations adopted pursuant to RCW 46.20.070
through
46.20.119
shall be reasonable in view of the purposes to be served by RCW 46.20.070
through
46.20.119
.
[
1990 c 250 s 38
;
1969 ex.s. c 155 s 6
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Purpose
—
1969 ex.s. c 155:
See notes following RCW 46.20.118
.
RCW 46.20.1191
Driver training education course
—
Motorcycle safety education course
—
Driver work zone and first responder safety
—
Exemption
—
Waiver
—
Report
—
Safe driving course.
(1)(a) To obtain an initial driver's license under this section, except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, the following persons must, in addition to other skills and examination requirements as prescribed by the department, satisfactorily complete a driver training education course as defined in RCW 28A.220.020
or a driver training education course as defined by the department and offered by a driver training school licensed under chapter
46.82
RCW:
(i) A person at least 18 years of age but under 19 years of age, beginning January 1, 2027;
(ii) A person at least 18 years of age but under 20 years of age, beginning January 1, 2028;
(iii) A person at least 18 years of age but under 21 years of age, beginning January 1, 2029;
(iv) A person at least 18 years of age but under 22 years of age, beginning January 1, 2030.
(b) The course offered by a school district or an approved private school must be part of a traffic safety education program authorized by the office of the superintendent of public instruction and certified under chapter
28A.220
RCW. The course offered by a driver training school must meet the standards established by the department under chapter
46.82
RCW. A school district, approved private school, or driver training school may offer the behind-the-wheel instruction portion for up to four hours in a single day in cases of hardship, such as a student needing to travel a great distance to receive the behind-the-wheel instruction.
(c) Driver training schools licensed under chapter
46.82
RCW are encouraged to include a self-paced online course, or components of a self-paced online course, in the classroom instruction portion of driver training education courses, as authorized and certified by the department, to the extent feasible, and to focus teaching resources on the behind-the-wheel portion of driver training education.
(d) Eligibility to enroll in a driver training education course as defined in RCW 28A.220.020
under this section is limited to students who are enrolled in a public school, as defined in RCW 28A.150.010
; enrolled in an approved private school under RCW 28A.305.130
; or receiving home-based instruction in accordance with chapter
28A.200
RCW.
(2) To meet the traffic safety education requirement for a motorcycle endorsement under this section, the applicant must successfully complete a motorcycle safety education course that meets the standards established by the department.
(3) Beginning May 1, 2026, until January 1, 2031, an applicant for an initial driver's license under the age of 25 must pass an online course approved by the department on driver work zone and first responder safety. The department may waive the requirement in this subsection if the department finds the online course is not available at the time of application. The department must contract with a provider of an online driver work zone and first responder safety course to host an online course that satisfies the requirement in this subsection to be made available at no cost to initial driver's license applicants under the age of 25.
(4) An applicant who was licensed to drive a motor vehicle or motorcycle from a reciprocal jurisdiction outside this state is exempt from the driver training education requirements under subsections (1) and (2) of this section.
(5)(a) The department may waive the driver training education course requirement for a driver's license under subsection (1) of this section if the applicant demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that:
(i) The applicant was unable to take or complete a driver training education course;
(ii) A need exists for the applicant to operate a motor vehicle; and
(iii) The applicant has the ability to operate a motor vehicle in such a manner as not to jeopardize the safety of persons or property.
(b) The department may adopt rules to implement this subsection (5) in coordination with the supervisor of the traffic safety education section of the office of the superintendent of public instruction.
(6) The department may waive the driver training education course requirement under subsection (1) of this section if the applicant provides proof that they have had education, from a reciprocal jurisdiction, equivalent to that required under subsection (1) of this section.
(7) Beginning by January 1, 2026, and annually thereafter until January 1, 2031, the department must report on the implementation of the driver's education requirement under subsection (1) of this section, including the readiness of the driver education school system to accommodate additional growth, to the transportation committees of the legislature.
(8) The department may, by rule, pause or delay the requirements under subsection (1) of this section if, upon an internal review, the department finds that there is an insufficient number of driver education and traffic safety education courses or instructors available for the pending age cohort under subsection (1) of this section.
(9)(a) Beginning January 1, 2027, any initial driver's license holder who is at least 18 years of age but under 22 years of age, and who has been found to have committed a traffic infraction for a moving violation on two occasions, must complete a safe driving course. If such person does not complete a safe driving course within 180 days of notice from the department, the department must suspend the person's driver's license until the safe driving course is completed.
(b)(i) Beginning January 1, 2027, until January 1, 2031, any initial driver's license holder who is at least 22 years of age but under 25 years of age, and who has been found to have committed a traffic infraction for a moving violation on two occasions, must complete a safe driving course. If such person does not complete a safe driving course within 180 days of notice from the department, the department must suspend the person's driver's license until the safe driving course is completed.
(ii) Beginning January 1, 2031, any initial driver's license holder who is at least 22 years of age but under 25 years of age, and who has been found to have committed a traffic infraction for a moving violation on two occasions, must complete a condensed traffic safety education course, as determined by the department in rule. If such person does not complete the condensed traffic safety education course within 180 days of notice from the department, the department must suspend the person's driver's license until the condensed traffic safety education course is completed.
(c) For purposes of this subsection (9), multiple traffic infractions issued during or as the result of a single traffic stop constitute one occasion.
(10) Beginning January 1, 2031, every initial driver's license for a person under the age of 21 expires on the latter of the licensee's 21st birthdate following issuance of the license or the licensee's second birthdate after the license issuance date. A person may not renew the person's driver's license under this subsection until satisfactorily completing a driver training education refresher course, as determined by the department in rule.
(11) For purposes of subsections (3), (9), and (10) of this section, "initial driver's license" means a driver's license issued to a driver who has not previously been issued a driver's license in this state.
[
2025 c 299 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
Intent
—
2025 c 299:
"The legislature finds that young adults under the age of 25 who obtain their initial driver's license after turning 18 years of age and are therefore not required to complete some form of driver training education are statistically more likely to be involved in or cause serious injury or fatal crashes than their peers who completed driver training education before the age of 18. The legislature also finds that the demographic of young drivers 18 to 24 years of age are more likely to engage in unsafe driving practices through a combination of inexperience and high-risk behaviors. The legislature intends with this act to require young adults under the age of 25 to complete driver training education before obtaining an initial driver's license, when appropriate, and implement other driver training courses when necessary to ensure they become better drivers and ensure our roads are safer for everyone." [
2025 c 299 s 1
.]
RCW 46.20.1192
Electronic translation devices.
The department may approve the use of electronic translation devices to support the driver's license application and issuance process, including for: Driver training education purposes, including for behind-the-wheel instruction; driver's license examination purposes; and assessment purposes.
[
2025 c 299 s 7
.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
Intent
—
2025 c 299:
See note following RCW 46.20.1191
.
RCW 46.20.120
Examinations
—
Waiver
—
Fees
—
Renewals
—
Administration.
An applicant for a new or renewed driver's license must successfully pass a driver licensing examination to qualify for a driver's license. The department must ensure that examinations are given at places and times reasonably available to the people of this state. If the department does not administer driver licensing examinations as a routine part of its licensing services within a department region because adequate testing sites are provided by driver training schools or school districts within that region, the department shall, at a minimum, administer driver licensing examinations by appointment to applicants 18 years of age and older in at least one licensing office within that region.
(1)
Waiver
. The department may waive:
(a) All or any part of the examination of any person applying for the renewal of a driver's license unless the department determines that the applicant is not qualified to hold a driver's license under this title; or
(b) All or any part of the examination involving operating a motor vehicle if the applicant:
(i) Surrenders a valid driver's license issued by the person's previous home state; or
(ii) Provides for verification a valid driver's license issued by a foreign driver licensing jurisdiction with which the department has an informal agreement under RCW 46.20.125
; and
(iii) Is otherwise qualified to be licensed.
(2)
Fee
. Prior to January 1, 2026, each applicant for a new license must pay an application fee of $35. On or after January 1, 2026, each applicant for a new license must pay an application fee of $50.
(a) The application fee is in addition to the fee charged for issuance of the license.
(b) "New license" means a license issued to a driver:
(i) Who has not been previously licensed in this state; or
(ii) Whose last previous Washington license has been expired for more than eight years.
(3) An application for driver's license renewal may be submitted by means of:
(a) Personal appearance before the department;
(b) Mail or electronic commerce, if permitted by rule of the department and if the applicant did not renew the license by mail or by electronic commerce when it last expired; or
(c) From January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2024, electronic commerce, if permitted by rule of the department.
(4) A person whose license expired or will expire while the licensee is living outside the state, may:
(a) Apply to the department to extend the validity of the license for no more than 12 months. If the person establishes to the department's satisfaction that the licensee is unable to return to Washington before the date the license expires, the department shall extend the person's license. The department may grant consecutive extensions, but in no event may the cumulative total of extensions exceed 12 months. An extension granted under this section does not change the expiration date of the license for purposes of RCW 46.20.181
. The department shall charge a fee of $5 for each license extension;
(b) Apply to the department to renew the license by mail or, if permitted by rule of the department, by electronic commerce even if subsection (3)(b) of this section would not otherwise allow renewal by that means. If the person establishes to the department's satisfaction that the licensee is unable to return to Washington within 12 months of the date that the license expires, the department shall renew the person's license by mail or, if permitted by rule of the department, by electronic commerce.
(5)(a) If a qualified person submits an application for renewal under subsection (3)(b) or (c) or (4)(b) of this section, the applicant is not required to pass an examination and only needs to provide an updated photograph:
(i) At least every 16 years, except that persons under 30 must provide an updated photograph every eight years; and
(ii) Beginning January 1, 2023, persons renewing through electronic commerce must provide an updated photograph in a form and manner approved by the department with each renewal unless they are unable to provide a photograph that meets the department's requirements and the most recent photograph on file with the department is not more than 10 years old at the time of renewal.
(b) A license renewed by mail or by electronic commerce that does not include a photograph of the licensee must be labeled "not valid for identification purposes."
(6) Driver training schools licensed by the department under chapter
46.82
RCW may administer the portions of the driver licensing examination that test the applicant's knowledge of traffic laws and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
(7) School districts that offer a traffic safety education program under chapter
28A.220
RCW may administer the portions of the driver licensing examination that test the applicant's knowledge of traffic laws and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.
[
2025 c 299 s 14
;
2021 c 158 s 6
;
2012 c 80 s 7
;
2011 c 370 s 4
. Prior:
2005 c 314 s 306
;
2005 c 61 s 2
;
2004 c 249 s 6
;
2002 c 352 s 13
; prior:
1999 c 308 s 1
;
1999 c 199 s 3
;
1999 c 6 s 19
;
1990 c 9 s 1
;
1988 c 88 s 2
;
1985 ex.s. c 1 s 4
;
1979 c 61 s 6
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 191 s 2
;
1967 c 167 s 4
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 9
;
1961 c 12 s 46.20.120
; prior:
1959 c 284 s 1
;
1953 c 221 s 2
; 1937 c 188 s 55, part; RRS s 6312-55, part.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
Intent
—
2025 c 299:
See note following RCW 46.20.1191
.
Effective date
—
2021 c 158 ss 2 and 5-11:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2021 c 158:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Effective date
—
2012 c 80 ss 5-13:
See note following RCW 46.20.055
.
Intent
—
2011 c 370:
See note following RCW 28A.220.030
.
Inclusion of stakeholder groups in communications to facilitate transition of driver licensing examination administration
—
2011 c 370:
See note following RCW 46.82.450
.
Effective date
—
2005 c 314 ss 101-107, 109, 303-309, and 401:
See note following RCW 46.68.290
.
Part headings not law
—
2005 c 314:
See note following RCW 46.68.035
.
Intent
—
2005 c 61:
See note following RCW 46.20.125
.
Effective dates
—
2002 c 352:
See note following RCW 46.09.410
.
Effective date
—
1999 c 308:
"Sections 1 through 5 of this act take effect July 1, 2000." [
1999 c 308 s 6
.]
Effective date
—
1999 c 199:
See note following RCW 46.20.027
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Effective date
—
1985 ex.s. c 1:
See note following RCW 46.20.070
.
RCW 46.20.1201
Fee.
(1) An additional $1 fee shall be imposed on each application for an original or renewal of a regular driver's license, regular identicard, enhanced driver's license, or enhanced identicard. The entire amount of the fee shall be used to pay for processing costs for driver's license issuance and reinstatements, and information technology upgrades and the ongoing costs to maintain the driver's license and identicard record and issuance system.
(2) The department shall forward all funds accruing under this section to the state treasurer who shall deposit the moneys to the credit of the highway safety fund.
[
2021 c 240 s 13
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2021 c 240:
See note following RCW 46.63.060
.
RCW 46.20.125
Waiver
—
Agreement with other jurisdictions.
(1) The department may enter into an informal agreement with one or more other licensing jurisdictions to waive the requirement for the examination involving operating a motor vehicle by licensed drivers, age eighteen years or older, from that jurisdiction.
(2) The department may only enter into an agreement with a jurisdiction if:
(a) The jurisdiction has procedures in place to verify the validity of the drivers' licenses it issues; and
(b) The jurisdiction has agreed to waive all or any part of the driver's license examination requirements for Washington licensed drivers applying for a driver's license in that jurisdiction.
[
2005 c 61 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
2005 c 61:
"The legislature recognizes the importance of global markets to our state and national economy. As a leader among states in international commerce, Washington houses many multinational corporations. Competition among states for foreign businesses and personnel is fierce and it is necessary to Washington's future economic viability to eliminate a significant regulatory barrier to efficient personnel exchange, resulting in a more attractive business climate in Washington. The legislature recognizes that more than twenty other states have entered into informal reciprocal agreements with other nations to waive driver's license testing requirements in order to ease the transition of personnel to and from those states. By removing an unnecessary barrier to efficient personnel mobility it is the intent of the legislature to strengthen and diversify Washington's economy." [
2005 c 61 s 1
.]
RCW 46.20.126
Rules.
The department may make rules to carry out the purposes of RCW 46.20.120
and
46.20.125
.
[
2005 c 61 s 4
.]
RCW 46.20.130
Content and conduct of examinations.
(1) The director shall prescribe the content of the driver licensing examination and the manner of conducting the examination, which shall include but is not limited to:
(a) A test of the applicant's eyesight and ability to see, understand, and follow highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic;
(b) A test of the applicant's knowledge of traffic laws and ability to understand and follow the directives of lawful authority, orally or graphically, that regulate, warn, and direct traffic in accordance with the traffic laws of this state;
(c) An actual demonstration of the applicant's ability to operate a motor vehicle without jeopardizing the safety of persons or property. If the applicant is deaf or hearing impaired, the applicant may be accompanied by an interpreter to assist the applicant during the demonstration. The interpreter will be of the applicant's choosing from a list provided by the department of licensing; and
(d) Such further examination as the director deems necessary:
(i) To determine whether any facts exist that would bar the issuance of a vehicle operator's license under chapters
46.20, 46.21, and
46.29
RCW; and
(ii) To determine the applicant's fitness to operate a motor vehicle safely on the highways.
(2) If the applicant desires to drive a motorcycle or a motor-driven cycle he or she must qualify for a motorcycle endorsement under RCW 46.20.500
through
46.20.515
.
[
2006 c 190 s 1
;
1999 c 6 s 20
;
1990 c 250 s 39
;
1981 c 245 s 4
;
1967 c 232 s 2
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 10
;
1961 c 12 s 46.20.130
. Prior:
1959 c 284 s 2
;
1943 c 151 s 1
;
1937 c 188 s 57
; Rem. Supp. 1943 s 6312-57.]
NOTES:
Collective bargaining rights not affected
—
2006 c 190:
"This act does not affect the right of state employees to collectively bargain wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment under chapter
41.80
RCW." [
2006 c 190 s 2
.]
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Effective date
—
1981 c 245:
See note following RCW 46.20.161
.
RCW 46.20.132
Blood type documentation.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(1) The department shall develop processes and forms to enable individuals to submit blood type documentation when applying for or renewing a driver's license or identicard.
(2) The department may charge a one-time administrative fee not to exceed $2 for processing the initial blood type designation request for an individual.
[
2025 c 217 s 4
.]
NOTES:
Finding
—
Intent
—
Effective date
—
2025 c 217:
See notes following RCW 46.20.117
.
RCW 46.20.1321
Education on including blood type information
—
Coordination with health care providers, emergency responders, blood donation organizations.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
The department shall coordinate with health care providers, emergency responders, and blood donation organizations to educate the public about the availability and potential benefits of including blood type information on state-issued identification.
[
2025 c 217 s 5
.]
NOTES:
Finding
—
Intent
—
Effective date
—
2025 c 217:
See notes following RCW 46.20.117
.
RCW 46.20.1322
Blood type documentation
—
Updating existing systems
—
Department authorized to adopt rules.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
The department is authorized to adopt rules necessary to implement chapter 217, Laws of 2025 including, but not limited to, specifying acceptable forms of blood type documentation and updating existing systems.
[
2025 c 217 s 6
.]
NOTES:
Finding
—
Intent
—
Effective date
—
2025 c 217:
See notes following RCW 46.20.117
.
RCW 46.20.153
Voter registration
—
Posting signs.
The department shall post signs at each driver licensing facility advertising the availability of voter registration services, of automatic voter registration services for enhanced license and enhanced identification card applicants, and advising of the qualifications to register to vote. The information shall be visible to a person conducting a licensing transaction at the time of the transaction, either as a sign, or as a placard handed to the voter for review. Copies of the information shall be available in the various languages required of state agencies.
[
2023 c 466 s 20
;
2001 c 41 s 15
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2023 c 466 ss 3, 4, 6, 11, 13-16, and 20-23:
See note following RCW 29A.08.030
.
RCW 46.20.155
Voter registration, update
—
Services
(as amended by 2023 c 361).
(1) Before issuing an original license or identicard or renewing a license or identicard under this chapter, the licensing agent shall determine if the applicant wants to register to vote or update his or her voter registration by asking the following question:
"Do you want to register or sign up to vote or update your voter registration?"
If the applicant chooses to register, sign up, or update a registration, the agent shall ask the following:
((
(1)
)) "Are you a United States citizen?"
((
(2) "Are you at least sixteen years old?"
))
If the applicant answers in the affirmative((
to both questions
)), the agent shall then submit the registration, sign up form, or update. If the applicant answers in the negative to ((
either
))
the
question, the agent shall not submit an application.
(2)
Information that is otherwise disclosable under chapter
29A.08
RCW cannot be disclosed ((
on the
))
for a
future voter until the person reaches eighteen years of age((
, except
))
or until the person is eligible to participate in the next presidential primary, primary, or election, or
for the purpose of processing and delivering ballots.
((
(2)
))
(3)
The department shall establish a procedure that substantially meets the requirements of subsection (1) of this section when permitting an applicant to renew a license or identicard by mail or by electronic commerce.
[
2023 c 361 s 13
; (2023 c 361 s 12 expired September 1, 2023);
2020 c 208 s 8
;
2018 c 109 s 15
;
2013 c 11 s 90
;
2009 c 369 s 42
;
2005 c 246 s 24
;
2004 c 249 s 7
;
2001 c 41 s 14
;
1990 c 143 s 6
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2023 c 361 s 13:
"Section 13 of this act takes effect September 1, 2023." [
2023 c 361 s 18
.]
Expiration date
—
2023 c 361 s 12:
"Section 12 of this act expires September 1, 2023." [
2023 c 361 s 17
.]
PDF
RCW 46.20.155
Voter registration, update
—
Services
(as amended by 2023 c 466)
.
(1) ((
Before
))
(a) For transactions other than enhanced driver's license or enhanced identicard applicants, before
issuing an original license or identicard or renewing a license or identicard under this chapter, the licensing agent shall determine if the applicant wants to register to vote or update his or her voter registration by asking the following question:
"Do you want to register or sign up to vote or update your voter registration?"
The department of licensing, with the approval of the secretary of state, may direct licensing agents to ask a substantially similar question designed to improve applicant understanding.
(b)
If the applicant chooses to register, sign up, or update a registration, the agent shall ask the following:
((
(1)
)) "Are you a United States citizen?"
((
(2) "Are you at least sixteen years old?"
))
If the applicant answers in the affirmative to ((
both
))
the
question((
s
)), the agent shall then submit the registration, sign up form, or update. If the applicant answers in the negative to ((
either
))
the
question, the agent shall not submit an application. Information that is otherwise disclosable under chapter
29A.08
RCW cannot be disclosed on the future voter until the person reaches eighteen years of age, except for the purpose of processing and delivering ballots.
(2) The department shall establish a procedure that substantially meets the requirements of subsection (1) of this section when permitting an applicant to renew a license or identicard by mail or by electronic commerce.
(3) If an applicant presents a document demonstrating that the applicant is not a United States citizen at the time of the driver's license or identicard transaction, the licensing agent shall not ask the questions described in subsection (1) of this section, and shall not submit an application. The department, in consultation with the secretary of state, shall determine which types of documents accepted by the department for purposes of a driver's license or identicard transaction demonstrate that an applicant is not a United States citizen at the time of the transaction.
[
2023 c 466 s 21
;
2020 c 208 s 8
;
2018 c 109 s 15
;
2013 c 11 s 90
;
2009 c 369 s 42
;
2005 c 246 s 24
;
2004 c 249 s 7
;
2001 c 41 s 14
;
1990 c 143 s 6
.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note:
RCW 46.20.155
was amended twice during the 2023 legislative session, each without reference to the other. For rule of construction concerning sections amended more than once during the same legislative session, see RCW 1.12.025
.
Effective date
—
2023 c 466 ss 3, 4, 6, 11, 13-16, and 20-23:
See note following RCW 29A.08.030
.
Effective date
—
2020 c 208 ss 7, 8, 18, 20, and 21:
See note following RCW 29A.08.355
.
Short title
—
Findings
—
2020 c 208:
See notes following RCW 29A.08.210
.
Findings
—
Intent
—
Effective date
—
2018 c 109:
See notes following RCW 29A.08.170
.
Effective date
—
2005 c 246:
See note following RCW 10.64.140
.
Effective date
—
1990 c 143:
See note following RCW 29A.08.340
.
Voter registration with driver licensing: RCW 29A.08.340
and
29A.08.350
.
RCW 46.20.156
Voter registration
—
Automatic
—
Enhanced driver's licenses and identicards.
For persons eighteen years of age or older who meet requirements for voter registration and persons sixteen or seventeen years of age who meet requirements to sign up to register to vote, who have been issued or are renewing an enhanced driver's license or identicard under RCW 46.20.202
or applying for a change of address for an existing enhanced driver's license or identicard pursuant to RCW 46.20.205, the department shall produce and transmit to the secretary of state the following information from the records of each individual: The name, address, date of birth, gender of the applicant if provided, the driver's license number, signature image, any language preference information collected, any phone number provided by the voter, any email address provided by the voter, and the date on which the application was submitted. The department and the secretary of state shall process information as an automated application on a daily basis. If requested by the secretary of state, the department shall provide copies of the documents submitted to prove citizenship for an individual subject to this section.
[
2023 c 466 s 22
;
2020 c 208 s 21
;
2018 c 110 s 105
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2023 c 466 ss 3, 4, 6, 11, 13-16, and 20-23:
See note following RCW 29A.08.030
.
Effective date
—
2020 c 208 ss 7, 8, 18, 20, and 21:
See note following RCW 29A.08.355
.
Short title
—
Findings
—
2020 c 208:
See notes following RCW 29A.08.210
.
Effective date
—
2018 c 110 ss 101-107:
See note following RCW 29A.08.355
.
Short title
—
Findings
—
Intent
—
2018 c 110:
See notes following RCW 29A.08.355
.
RCW 46.20.157
Data to Washington technology solutions
—
Confidentiality.
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the department shall annually provide to Washington technology solutions an electronic data file. The data file must:
(a) Contain information on all licensed drivers and identicard holders who are eighteen years of age or older and whose records have not expired for more than two years;
(b) Be provided at no charge; and
(c) Contain the following information on each such person: Full name, date of birth, residence address including county, sex, and most recent date of application, renewal, replacement, or change of driver's license or identicard.
(2) Before complying with subsection (1) of this section, the department shall remove from the file the names of any certified participants in the Washington state address confidentiality program under chapter
40.24
RCW that have been identified to the department by the secretary of state.
[
2024 c 54 s 57
;
2011 1st sp.s. c 43 s 811
;
1999 c 6 s 21
;
1993 c 408 s 12
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Purpose
—
2011 1st sp.s. c 43:
See notes following RCW 43.19.003
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Severability
—
Effective dates
—
1993 c 408:
See notes following RCW 2.36.054
.
RCW 46.20.161
Issuance
—
Contents
—
Fee
—
Veterans, individuals meeting criteria for veterans
—
Medical alert designation, developmental disability designation, or deafness designation
—
Self-attestation.
(Effective until October 1, 2025.)
(1) The department, upon receipt of a fee of seventy-two dollars, unless the driver's license is issued for a period other than eight years, in which case the fee shall be nine dollars for each year that the license is issued, which includes the fee for the required photograph, shall issue to every qualifying applicant a driver's license. A driver's license issued to a person under the age of eighteen is an intermediate license, subject to the restrictions imposed under RCW 46.20.075, until the person reaches the age of eighteen.
(2) The license must include:
(a) A distinguishing number assigned to the licensee;
(b) The name of record;
(c) Date of birth;
(d) Washington residence address;
(e) Photograph;
(f) A brief description of the licensee;
(g) Either a facsimile of the signature of the licensee or a space upon which the licensee shall write the licensees' usual signature with pen and ink immediately upon receipt of the license;
(h) If applicable, the person's status as a veteran as provided in subsection (4) of this section; and
(i) If applicable, a medical alert designation as provided in subsection (5) of this section.
(3) No license is valid until it has been signed by the licensee.
(4)(a) A veteran, as defined in RCW 41.04.007, may apply to the department to obtain a veteran designation on a driver's license issued under this section by providing:
(i) A United States department of veterans affairs identification card or proof of service letter;
(ii) A United States department of defense discharge document, DD Form 214 or DD Form 215, as it exists on June 7, 2018, or such subsequent date as may be provided by the department by rule, consistent with the purposes of this section, or equivalent or successor discharge paperwork, that establishes the person's service in the armed forces of the United States and qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005
;
(iii) A national guard state-issued report of separation and military service, NGB Form 22, as it exists on June 7, 2018, or such subsequent date as may be provided by the department by rule, consistent with the purposes of this section, or equivalent or successor discharge paperwork, that establishes the person's active duty or reserve service in the national guard and qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005
; or
(iv) A United States uniformed services identification card, DD Form 2, that displays on its face that it has been issued to a retired member of any of the armed forces of the United States, including the national guard and armed forces reserves.
(b) The department may permit a veteran, as defined in RCW 41.04.007, to submit alternate forms of documentation to apply to obtain a veteran designation on a driver's license.
(5) Any person may apply to the department to obtain a medical alert designation, a developmental disability designation, or a deafness designation on a driver's license issued under this chapter by providing:
(a) Self-attestation that the individual:
(i) Has a medical condition that could affect communication or account for a driver health emergency;
(ii) Is deaf or hard of hearing; or
(iii) Has a developmental disability as defined in RCW 71A.10.020
;
(b) A statement from the person that they have voluntarily provided the self-attestation and other information verifying the condition; and
(c) For persons under eighteen years of age or who have a developmental disability, the signature of a parent or legal guardian.
(6) A self-attestation or data contained in a self-attestation provided under this section:
(a) Shall not be disclosed;
(b) Is for the confidential use of the director, the chief of the Washington state patrol, and law enforcement and emergency medical service providers as designated by law; and
(c) Is subject to the privacy protections of the driver's privacy protection act, 18 U.S.C. Sec. 2725.
[
2024 c 146 s 29
;
2021 c 158 s 7
;
2020 c 261 s 3
;
2018 c 69 s 1
;
2014 c 185 s 1
;
2012 c 80 s 8
;
2000 c 115 s 6
;
1999 c 308 s 2
;
1999 c 6 s 22
;
1998 c 41 s 12
;
1990 c 250 s 40
;
1981 c 245 s 1
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 191 s 3
;
1969 c 99 s 6
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 11
.]
NOTES:
Intent
—
2024 c 146:
See note following RCW 73.04.005
.
Effective date
—
2021 c 158 ss 2 and 5-11:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2021 c 158:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
Effective date
—
2020 c 261:
See notes following RCW 46.20.117
.
Effective date
—
2014 c 185:
"This act takes effect August 30, 2017." [
2014 c 185 s 3
.]
Effective date
—
2012 c 80 ss 5-13:
See note following RCW 46.20.055
.
Finding
—
2000 c 115:
See note following RCW 46.20.075
.
Effective date
—
2000 c 115 ss 1-10:
See note following RCW 46.20.075
.
Effective date
—
1999 c 308:
See note following RCW 46.20.120
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Intent
—
Construction
—
Effective date
—
1998 c 41:
See notes following RCW 46.20.265
.
Effective date
—
1981 c 245:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1981." [
1981 c 245 s 5
.]
Effective date
—
1969 c 99:
See note following RCW 79A.05.070
.
PDF
RCW 46.20.161
Issuance
—
Contents
—
Fee
—
Veterans, individuals meeting criteria for veterans
—
Medical alert designation, developmental disability designation, or deafness designation
—
Self-attestation.
(Effective October 1, 2025, until January 1, 2026.)
(1)(a) The department, upon receipt of a fee as specified in (b) of this subsection, shall issue to every qualifying applicant a driver's license. A driver's license issued to a person under the age of 18 is an intermediate license, subject to the restrictions imposed under RCW 46.20.075, until the person reaches the age of 18.
(b)(i) The driver's license fee shall be $10 for each year that the license is issued, which includes the fee for the required photograph.
(ii) Beginning July 1, 2028, and on July 1st every three years thereafter, the fee under (b)(i) of this subsection must be increased by $1 for each year that the license is issued.
(2) The license must include:
(a) A distinguishing number assigned to the licensee;
(b) The name of record;
(c) Date of birth;
(d) Washington residence address;
(e) Photograph;
(f) A brief description of the licensee;
(g) Either a facsimile of the signature of the licensee or a space upon which the licensee shall write the licensees' usual signature with pen and ink immediately upon receipt of the license;
(h) If applicable, the person's status as a veteran as provided in subsection (4) of this section; and
(i) If applicable, a medical alert designation as provided in subsection (5) of this section.
(3) No license is valid until it has been signed by the licensee.
(4)(a) A veteran, as defined in RCW 41.04.007, may apply to the department to obtain a veteran designation on a driver's license issued under this section by providing:
(i) A United States department of veterans affairs identification card or proof of service letter;
(ii) A United States department of defense discharge document, DD Form 214 or DD Form 215, as it exists on June 7, 2018, or such subsequent date as may be provided by the department by rule, consistent with the purposes of this section, or equivalent or successor discharge paperwork, that establishes the person's service in the armed forces of the United States and qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005
;
(iii) A national guard state-issued report of separation and military service, NGB Form 22, as it exists on June 7, 2018, or such subsequent date as may be provided by the department by rule, consistent with the purposes of this section, or equivalent or successor discharge paperwork, that establishes the person's active duty or reserve service in the national guard and qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005
; or
(iv) A United States uniformed services identification card, DD Form 2, that displays on its face that it has been issued to a retired member of any of the armed forces of the United States, including the national guard and armed forces reserves.
(b) The department may permit a veteran, as defined in RCW 41.04.007, to submit alternate forms of documentation to apply to obtain a veteran designation on a driver's license.
(5) Any person may apply to the department to obtain a medical alert designation, a developmental disability designation, or a deafness designation on a driver's license issued under this chapter by providing:
(a) Self-attestation that the individual:
(i) Has a medical condition that could affect communication or account for a driver health emergency;
(ii) Is deaf or hard of hearing; or
(iii) Has a developmental disability as defined in RCW 71A.10.020
;
(b) A statement from the person that they have voluntarily provided the self-attestation and other information verifying the condition; and
(c) For persons under 18 years of age or who have a developmental disability, the signature of a parent or legal guardian.
(6) A self-attestation or data contained in a self-attestation provided under this section:
(a) Shall not be disclosed;
(b) Is for the confidential use of the director, the chief of the Washington state patrol, and law enforcement and emergency medical service providers as designated by law; and
(c) Is subject to the privacy protections of the driver's privacy protection act, 18 U.S.C. Sec. 2725.
[
2025 c 417 s 305
;
2024 c 146 s 29
;
2021 c 158 s 7
;
2020 c 261 s 3
;
2018 c 69 s 1
;
2014 c 185 s 1
;
2012 c 80 s 8
;
2000 c 115 s 6
;
1999 c 308 s 2
;
1999 c 6 s 22
;
1998 c 41 s 12
;
1990 c 250 s 40
;
1981 c 245 s 1
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 191 s 3
;
1969 c 99 s 6
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 11
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2025 c 417 ss 305-307 and 401:
"Sections 305 through 307 and 401 of this act take effect October 1, 2025." [
2025 c 417 s 1403
.]
Findings
—
Intent
—
2025 c 417:
See note following RCW 82.38.030
.
Intent
—
2024 c 146:
See note following RCW 73.04.005
.
Effective date
—
2021 c 158 ss 2 and 5-11:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2021 c 158:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
Effective date
—
2020 c 261:
See notes following RCW 46.20.117
.
Effective date
—
2014 c 185:
"This act takes effect August 30, 2017." [
2014 c 185 s 3
.]
Effective date
—
2012 c 80 ss 5-13:
See note following RCW 46.20.055
.
Finding
—
2000 c 115:
See note following RCW 46.20.075
.
Effective date
—
2000 c 115 ss 1-10:
See note following RCW 46.20.075
.
Effective date
—
1999 c 308:
See note following RCW 46.20.120
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Intent
—
Construction
—
Effective date
—
1998 c 41:
See notes following RCW 46.20.265
.
Effective date
—
1981 c 245:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1981." [
1981 c 245 s 5
.]
Effective date
—
1969 c 99:
See note following RCW 79A.05.070
.
PDF
RCW 46.20.161
Issuance
—
Contents
—
Fee
—
Veterans, individuals meeting criteria for veterans
—
Medical alert designation, developmental disability designation, or deafness designation
—
Self-attestation.
(Effective January 1, 2026.)
(1)(a) The department, upon receipt of a fee as specified in (b) of this subsection, shall issue to every qualifying applicant a driver's license. A driver's license issued to a person under the age of 18 is an intermediate license, subject to the restrictions imposed under RCW 46.20.075, until the person reaches the age of 18.
(b)(i) The driver's license fee shall be $10 for each year that the license is issued, which includes the fee for the required photograph.
(ii) Beginning July 1, 2028, and on July 1st every three years thereafter, the fee under (b)(i) of this subsection must be increased by $1 for each year that the license is issued.
(2) The license must include:
(a) A distinguishing number assigned to the licensee;
(b) The name of record;
(c) Date of birth;
(d) Washington residence address;
(e) Photograph;
(f) A brief description of the licensee;
(g) Either a facsimile of the signature of the licensee or a space upon which the licensee shall write the licensees' usual signature with pen and ink immediately upon receipt of the license;
(h) If applicable, the person's status as a veteran as provided in subsection (4) of this section;
(i) If applicable, a medical alert designation as provided in subsection (5) of this section; and
(j) At the option of the licensee, the inclusion of the licensee's blood type, provided that the licensee presents documentation verifying the blood type from a licensed physician, medical facility, or blood donation organization.
(3) No license is valid until it has been signed by the licensee.
(4)(a) A veteran, as defined in RCW 41.04.007, may apply to the department to obtain a veteran designation on a driver's license issued under this section by providing:
(i) A United States department of veterans affairs identification card or proof of service letter;
(ii) A United States department of defense discharge document, DD Form 214 or DD Form 215, as it exists on June 7, 2018, or such subsequent date as may be provided by the department by rule, consistent with the purposes of this section, or equivalent or successor discharge paperwork, that establishes the person's service in the armed forces of the United States and qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005
;
(iii) A national guard state-issued report of separation and military service, NGB Form 22, as it exists on June 7, 2018, or such subsequent date as may be provided by the department by rule, consistent with the purposes of this section, or equivalent or successor discharge paperwork, that establishes the person's active duty or reserve service in the national guard and qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005
; or
(iv) A United States uniformed services identification card, DD Form 2, that displays on its face that it has been issued to a retired member of any of the armed forces of the United States, including the national guard and armed forces reserves.
(b) The department may permit a veteran, as defined in RCW 41.04.007, to submit alternate forms of documentation to apply to obtain a veteran designation on a driver's license.
(5) Any person may apply to the department to obtain a medical alert designation, a developmental disability designation, or a deafness designation on a driver's license issued under this chapter by providing:
(a) Self-attestation that the individual:
(i) Has a medical condition that could affect communication or account for a driver health emergency;
(ii) Is deaf or hard of hearing; or
(iii) Has a developmental disability as defined in RCW 71A.10.020
;
(b) A statement from the person that they have voluntarily provided the self-attestation and other information verifying the condition; and
(c) For persons under 18 years of age or who have a developmental disability, the signature of a parent or legal guardian.
(6) A self-attestation or data contained in a self-attestation provided under this section:
(a) Shall not be disclosed;
(b) Is for the confidential use of the director, the chief of the Washington state patrol, and law enforcement and emergency medical service providers as designated by law; and
(c) Is subject to the privacy protections of the driver's privacy protection act, 18 U.S.C. Sec. 2725.
[
2025 c 417 s 305
;
2025 c 217 s 3
;
2024 c 146 s 29
;
2021 c 158 s 7
;
2020 c 261 s 3
;
2018 c 69 s 1
;
2014 c 185 s 1
;
2012 c 80 s 8
;
2000 c 115 s 6
;
1999 c 308 s 2
;
1999 c 6 s 22
;
1998 c 41 s 12
;
1990 c 250 s 40
;
1981 c 245 s 1
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 191 s 3
;
1969 c 99 s 6
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 11
.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note:
This section was amended by 2025 c 217 s 3 and by 2025 c 417 s 305, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025
(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025
(1).
Effective date
—
2025 c 417 ss 305-307 and 401:
"Sections 305 through 307 and 401 of this act take effect October 1, 2025." [
2025 c 417 s 1403
.]
Findings
—
Intent
—
2025 c 417:
See note following RCW 82.38.030
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
Effective date
—
2025 c 217:
See notes following RCW 46.20.117
.
Intent
—
2024 c 146:
See note following RCW 73.04.005
.
Effective date
—
2021 c 158 ss 2 and 5-11:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2021 c 158:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
Effective date
—
2020 c 261:
See notes following RCW 46.20.117
.
Effective date
—
2014 c 185:
"This act takes effect August 30, 2017." [
2014 c 185 s 3
.]
Effective date
—
2012 c 80 ss 5-13:
See note following RCW 46.20.055
.
Finding
—
2000 c 115:
See note following RCW 46.20.075
.
Effective date
—
2000 c 115 ss 1-10:
See note following RCW 46.20.075
.
Effective date
—
1999 c 308:
See note following RCW 46.20.120
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Intent
—
Construction
—
Effective date
—
1998 c 41:
See notes following RCW 46.20.265
.
Effective date
—
1981 c 245:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety, the support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect July 1, 1981." [
1981 c 245 s 5
.]
Effective date
—
1969 c 99:
See note following RCW 79A.05.070
.
RCW 46.20.181
Expiration date
—
Renewal
—
Fees
—
Penalty.
(Effective until October 1, 2025.)
(1) Except as provided in subsection (4) or (5) of this section or RCW 46.20.1191
(10), every driver's license expires on the eighth anniversary of the licensee's birthdate following the issuance of the license.
(2) A person may renew a license on or before the expiration date by submitting an application as prescribed by the department and paying a fee of $72. This fee includes the fee for the required photograph.
(3) A person renewing a driver's license more than 60 days after the license has expired shall pay a penalty fee of $10 in addition to the renewal fee, unless the license expired when:
(a) The person was outside the state and the licensee renews the license within 60 days after returning to this state; or
(b) The person was incapacitated and the licensee renews the license within 60 days after the termination of the incapacity.
(4) The department may issue or renew a driver's license for a period other than eight years, or may extend by mail or electronic commerce a license that has already been issued. The fee for a driver's license issued or renewed for a period other than eight years, or that has been extended by mail or electronic commerce, is nine dollars for each year that the license is issued, renewed, or extended. The department must offer the option to issue or renew a driver's license for six years in addition to the eight year issuance. The department may adopt any rules as are necessary to carry out this subsection.
(5) A driver's license that includes a hazardous materials endorsement under chapter
46.25
RCW may expire on an anniversary of the licensee's birthdate other than the eighth year following issuance or renewal of the license in order to match, as nearly as possible, the validity of certification from the federal transportation security administration that the licensee has been determined not to pose a security risk. The fee for a driver's license issued or renewed for a period other than eight years is $9 for each year that the license is issued or renewed, not including any endorsement fees. The department may adjust the expiration date of a driver's license that has previously been issued to conform to the provisions of this subsection if a hazardous materials endorsement is added to the license subsequent to its issuance. If the validity of the driver's license is extended, the licensee must pay a fee of $9 for each year that the license is extended.
(6) The department may adopt any rules as are necessary to carry out this section.
[
2025 c 299 s 5
;
2021 c 158 s 8
;
2012 c 80 s 9
;
1999 c 308 s 3
;
1999 c 6 s 23
;
1990 c 250 s 41
;
1981 c 245 s 2
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 191 s 4
;
1969 c 99 s 7
;
1965 ex.s. c 170 s 46
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 17
.]
NOTES:
Findings
—
Intent
—
2025 c 299:
See note following RCW 46.20.1191
.
Effective date
—
2021 c 158 ss 2 and 5-11:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2021 c 158:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Effective date
—
2012 c 80 ss 5-13:
See note following RCW 46.20.055
.
Effective date
—
1999 c 308:
See note following RCW 46.20.120
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Effective date
—
1981 c 245:
See note following RCW 46.20.161
.
Effective date
—
1969 c 99:
See note following RCW 79A.05.070
.
PDF
RCW 46.20.181
Expiration date
—
Renewal
—
Fees
—
Penalty.
(Effective October 1, 2025.)
(1) Except as provided in subsection (4) or (5) of this section or RCW 46.20.1191
(10), every driver's license expires on the eighth anniversary of the licensee's birthdate following the issuance of the license.
(2) A person may renew a license on or before the expiration date by submitting an application as prescribed by the department and paying a fee as specified in subsection (6) of this section for an eight year license. This fee includes the fee for the required photograph.
(3) A person renewing a driver's license more than 60 days after the license has expired shall pay a penalty fee of $10 in addition to the renewal fee, unless the license expired when:
(a) The person was outside the state and the licensee renews the license within 60 days after returning to this state; or
(b) The person was incapacitated and the licensee renews the license within 60 days after the termination of the incapacity.
(4) The department may issue or renew a driver's license for a period other than eight years, or may extend by mail or electronic commerce a license that has already been issued. The fee for a driver's license issued or renewed for a period other than eight years, or that has been extended by mail or electronic commerce, is specified in subsection (6) of this section. The department must offer the option to issue or renew a driver's license for six years in addition to the eight year issuance. The department may adopt any rules as are necessary to carry out this subsection.
(5) A driver's license that includes a hazardous materials endorsement under chapter
46.25
RCW may expire on an anniversary of the licensee's birthdate other than the eighth year following issuance or renewal of the license in order to match, as nearly as possible, the validity of certification from the federal transportation security administration that the licensee has been determined not to pose a security risk. The fee for a driver's license issued or renewed is specified in subsection (6) of this section, not including any endorsement fees. The department may adjust the expiration date of a driver's license that has previously been issued to conform to the provisions of this subsection if a hazardous materials endorsement is added to the license subsequent to its issuance. If the validity of the driver's license is extended, the licensee must pay a fee as specified in subsection (6) of this section for each year that the license is extended.
(6)(a) The driver's license fee shall be $10 for each year that the license is issued, renewed, or extended.
(b) Beginning July 1, 2028, and on July 1st every three years thereafter, the fee under (a) of this subsection must be increased by $1 for each year that the license is issued, renewed, or extended.
(7) The department may adopt any rules as are necessary to carry out this section.
[
2025 c 417 s 306
;
2025 c 299 s 5
;
2021 c 158 s 8
;
2012 c 80 s 9
;
1999 c 308 s 3
;
1999 c 6 s 23
;
1990 c 250 s 41
;
1981 c 245 s 2
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 191 s 4
;
1969 c 99 s 7
;
1965 ex.s. c 170 s 46
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 17
.]
NOTES:
Reviser's note:
This section was amended by 2025 c 299 s 5 and by 2025 c 417 s 306, each without reference to the other. Both amendments are incorporated in the publication of this section under RCW 1.12.025
(2). For rule of construction, see RCW 1.12.025
(1).
Effective date
—
2025 c 417 ss 305-307 and 401:
See note following RCW 46.20.161
.
Findings
—
Intent
—
2025 c 417:
See note following RCW 82.38.030
.
Findings
—
Intent
—
2025 c 299:
See note following RCW 46.20.1191
.
Effective date
—
2021 c 158 ss 2 and 5-11:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2021 c 158:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Effective date
—
2012 c 80 ss 5-13:
See note following RCW 46.20.055
.
Effective date
—
1999 c 308:
See note following RCW 46.20.120
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Effective date
—
1981 c 245:
See note following RCW 46.20.161
.
Effective date
—
1969 c 99:
See note following RCW 79A.05.070
.
RCW 46.20.185
Photograph during renewal.
The department of licensing shall establish a procedure for renewal of drivers' licenses under this chapter which does not deprive the applicant during the renewal process of an identification bearing the applicant's photograph.
This identification shall be designed to and shall be accepted as proper identification under *RCW 66.16.040
.
[
1979 ex.s. c 87 s 1
.]
NOTES:
*Reviser's note:
RCW 66.16.040
was repealed by
2012 c 2 s 215
(Initiative Measure No. 1183).
RCW 46.20.187
Registration of sex offenders.
The department, at the time a person renews his or her driver's license or identicard, or surrenders a driver's license from another jurisdiction pursuant to RCW 46.20.021
and makes an application for a driver's license or an identicard, shall provide the applicant with written information on the registration requirements of RCW 9A.44.130
.
[
1990 c 3 s 407
.]
RCW 46.20.191
Compliance with federal REAL ID Act of 2005 requirements
—
Department safeguards.
Before issuing a driver's license or identicard that complies with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005, P.L. 109-13, and before storing or including data about Washington state residents in any database, records facility, or computer system for purposes of meeting the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005, the department of licensing shall certify that the driver's license, identicard, database, records facility, computer system, and the department's personnel screening and training procedures: (1) Include all reasonable security measures to protect the privacy of Washington state residents; (2) include all reasonable safeguards to protect against unauthorized disclosure of data; and (3) do not place unreasonable costs or recordkeeping burdens on a driver's license or identicard applicant.
[
2007 c 85 s 2
.]
RCW 46.20.1911
Costs and burdens of compliance with federal REAL ID Act of 2005 requirements
—
Legal challenge.
(1) The department of licensing and the office of financial management may analyze the costs and burdens to the state of Washington, and to applicants of drivers' licenses or identicards, of complying with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005, P.L. 109-13, and any related federal regulations.
(2) The attorney general may, with approval of the governor, challenge the legality or constitutionality of the REAL ID Act of 2005.
[
2007 c 85 s 3
.]
RCW 46.20.192
Compliance with federal REAL ID Act of 2005 requirements
—
Driver's license and identicard markings
—
Rules.
(1) Beginning July 1, 2018, except for enhanced drivers' licenses and identicards issued under RCW 46.20.202, the department must mark a driver's license or identicard issued under this chapter in accordance with the requirements of 6 C.F.R. Sec. 37.71 as it existed on July 23, 2017, or such subsequent date as may be provided by the department by rule, consistent with the purposes of this section.
(2) The department must adopt rules necessary to implement this section.
[
2017 c 310 s 1
.]
RCW 46.20.1921
Compliance with federal REAL ID Act of 2005 requirements
—
Design feature restrictions.
(1) A driver's license or identicard issued with the design features required in RCW 46.20.192
may not be used as evidence of or as a basis to infer an individual's citizenship or immigration status for any purpose.
(2) The presence of the design features required in RCW 46.20.192
on a person's driver's license or identicard may not be used as a basis for the criminal investigation, arrest, or detention of that person in circumstances where a person with a driver's license or identicard without these design features would not be criminally investigated, arrested, or detained.
[
2017 c 310 s 2
.]
RCW 46.20.195
Identicard program for homeless individuals.
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the department, working in conjunction with the department of commerce, shall create and implement an identicard program to provide homeless individuals within Washington state a state-issued identicard pursuant to RCW 46.20.117
.
(2) A homeless individual is eligible for a taxpayer-funded original or renewal identicard pursuant to this section on a one-time basis, provided the individual:
(a) Meets the department of licensing criteria under RCW 46.20.117
;
(b) Meets the definition of a homeless person pursuant to RCW 43.185C.010, which can be on a sheltered or unsheltered basis;
(c) Is expected to reside in a location within Washington state; and
(d) Does not have a current and valid state-issued identicard or driver's license.
[
2022 c 57 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2022 c 57:
"This act takes effect January 1, 2023." [
2022 c 57 s 2
.]
RCW 46.20.200
Lost, destroyed, or corrected licenses, identicards, or permits.
(1) If an instruction permit, identicard, or a driver's license is lost or destroyed, the person to whom it was issued may obtain a duplicate of it upon furnishing proof of such fact satisfactory to the department and payment of a fee of $20 to the department.
(2) A replacement permit, identicard, or driver's license may be obtained to change or correct material information upon payment of a fee of $20 and surrender of the permit, identicard, or driver's license being replaced.
[
2022 c 182 s 209
;
2012 c 80 s 10
;
2002 c 352 s 14
;
1985 ex.s. c 1 s 5
;
1975 1st ex.s. c 191 s 5
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 16
;
1961 c 12 s 46.20.200
. Prior:
1947 c 164 s 18
;
1937 c 188 s 60
; Rem. Supp. 1947 s 6312-60;
1921 c 108 s 11
; RRS s 6373.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2022 c 182 ss 205, 206, 209, and 210:
See note following RCW 46.20.202
.
Intent
—
2022 c 182:
See note following RCW 70A.65.240
.
Effective date
—
2012 c 80 ss 5-13:
See note following RCW 46.20.055
.
Effective dates
—
2002 c 352:
See note following RCW 46.09.410
.
Effective date
—
1985 ex.s. c 1:
See note following RCW 46.20.070
.
RCW 46.20.202
Enhanced drivers' licenses and identicards for Canadian border crossing
—
Border-crossing initiative
—
Fee amount, distribution.
(1) The department may enter into a memorandum of understanding with any federal agency for the purposes of facilitating the crossing of the border between the state of Washington and the Canadian province of British Columbia.
(2) The department may enter into an agreement with the Canadian province of British Columbia for the purposes of implementing a border-crossing initiative.
(3)(a) The department may issue an enhanced driver's license or identicard for the purposes of crossing the border between the state of Washington and the Canadian province of British Columbia to an applicant who provides the department with proof of: United States citizenship, identity, and state residency. The department shall continue to offer a standard driver's license and identicard. If the department chooses to issue an enhanced driver's license, the department must allow each applicant to choose between a standard driver's license or identicard, or an enhanced driver's license or identicard.
(b) The department shall implement a one-to-many biometric matching system for the enhanced driver's license or identicard. An applicant for an enhanced driver's license or identicard shall submit a biometric identifier as designated by the department. The biometric identifier must be used solely for the purpose of verifying the identity of the holders and for any purpose set out in RCW 46.20.037
. Applicants are required to sign a declaration acknowledging their understanding of the one-to-many biometric match.
(c) The enhanced driver's license or identicard must include reasonable security measures to protect the privacy of Washington state residents, including reasonable safeguards to protect against unauthorized disclosure of data about Washington state residents. If the enhanced driver's license or identicard includes a radio frequency identification chip, or similar technology, the department shall ensure that the technology is encrypted or otherwise secure from unauthorized data access.
(d) The requirements of this subsection are in addition to the requirements otherwise imposed on applicants for a driver's license or identicard. The department shall adopt such rules as necessary to meet the requirements of this subsection. From time to time the department shall review technological innovations related to the security of identity cards and amend the rules related to enhanced driver's licenses and identicards as the director deems consistent with this section and appropriate to protect the privacy of Washington state residents.
(e) Notwithstanding RCW 46.20.118, the department may make images associated with enhanced drivers' licenses or identicards from the negative file available to United States customs and border agents for the purposes of verifying identity.
(4) Beginning October 1, 2022, the fee for an enhanced driver's license or enhanced identicard is $56, which is in addition to the fees for any regular driver's license or identicard. If the enhanced driver's license or enhanced identicard is issued, renewed, or extended for a period other than eight years, the fee for each class is $7 for each year that the enhanced driver's license or enhanced identicard is issued, renewed, or extended.
(5)(a) The first $4 per year of issuance, to a maximum of $32 of the enhanced driver's license and enhanced identicard fee under this section must be deposited into the highway safety fund unless prior to July 1, 2023, the actions described in (a)(i) or (ii) of this subsection occur, in which case the portion of the revenue that is the result of the fee increased in section 209, chapter 44, Laws of 2015 3rd sp. sess. must be distributed to the connecting Washington account created under RCW 46.68.395
.
(i) Any state agency files a notice of rule making under chapter
34.05
RCW, absent explicit legislative authorization enacted subsequent to July 1, 2015, for a rule regarding a fuel standard based upon or defined by the carbon intensity of fuel, including a low carbon fuel standard or clean fuel standard.
(ii) Any state agency otherwise enacts, adopts, orders, or in any way implements a fuel standard based upon or defined by the carbon intensity of fuel, including a low carbon fuel standard or clean fuel standard, without explicit legislative authorization enacted subsequent to July 1, 2015.
(iii) Nothing in this subsection acknowledges, establishes, or creates legal authority for the department of ecology or any other state agency to enact, adopt, order, or in any way implement a fuel standard based upon or defined by the carbon intensity of fuel, including a low carbon fuel standard or clean fuel standard.
(b) $24 of the enhanced driver's license and enhanced identicard fee under this section must be deposited into the move ahead WA flexible account created in RCW 46.68.520
. If the enhanced driver's license or enhanced identicard is issued, renewed, or extended for a period other than eight years, the amount deposited into the move ahead WA flexible account created in RCW 46.68.520
is $3 for each year that the enhanced driver's license or enhanced identicard is issued, renewed, or extended.
[
2022 c 182 s 205
. Prior:
2021 c 317 s 21
;
2021 c 158 s 9
;
2017 c 310 s 3
;
2016 c 32 s 2
;
2015 3rd sp.s. c 44 s 209
;
2007 c 7 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2022 c 182 ss 205, 206, 209, and 210:
"Sections 205, 206, 209, and 210 of this act take effect October 1, 2022." [
2022 c 182 s 509
.]
Intent
—
2022 c 182:
See note following RCW 70A.65.240
.
Severability
—
2021 c 317:
See note following RCW 70A.535.005
.
Effective date
—
2021 c 158 ss 2 and 5-11:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2021 c 158:
See note following RCW 46.20.049
.
Intent
—
2016 c 32:
"During the third special legislative session of 2015, the legislature passed Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5987 (chapter 44, Laws of 2015 3rd sp. sess.), a significant transportation revenue bill intended to provide needed transportation funding throughout the state. However, since the enactment of that legislation, certain drafting errors were discovered within the bill resulting in some provisions being enacted contrary to legislative intent. Therefore, it is the intent of the legislature to simply correct manifest drafting errors in order to conform certain provisions with the original legislative intent of Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5987. It is not the intent of the legislature to alter the intended substantive policy enacted in Second Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5987, but rather to make technical changes that correct certain drafting errors." [
2016 c 32 s 1
.]
Retroactive application
—
2016 c 32:
"This act is remedial in nature and applies retroactively to July 15, 2015." [
2016 c 32 s 4
.]
Effective date
—
2016 c 32:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 25, 2016]." [
2016 c 32 s 5
.]
Effective date
—
2015 3rd sp.s. c 44:
See note following RCW 46.68.395
.
Effective date
—
2007 c 7:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 23, 2007]." [
2007 c 7 s 4
.]
RCW 46.20.2021
Statewide education campaign for border-crossing initiative.
The department shall develop and implement a statewide education campaign to educate Washington citizens about the border-crossing initiative authorized by chapter 7, Laws of 2007. The educational campaign must include information on the forms of travel for which the existing and enhanced driver's license can be used. The campaign must include information on the time frames for implementation of laws that impact identification requirements at the border with Canada.
[
2007 c 7 s 2
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2007 c 7:
See note following RCW 46.20.202
.
RCW 46.20.205
Change of address or name.
Whenever any person, after applying for or receiving a driver's license or identicard, moves from the address named in the application or in the license or identicard issued to him or her, or changes his or her name of record, the person shall, within ten days thereafter, notify the department of the name or address change as provided in RCW 46.08.195
. This notification information shall be transmitted to the secretary of state on a daily basis, including the person's name, former name, address, former address, date of birth, signature image, and date of the transaction.
[
2023 c 466 s 23
;
2017 c 147 s 8
;
2015 c 53 s 72
;
1999 c 6 s 24
;
1998 c 41 s 13
;
1996 c 30 s 4
;
1994 c 57 s 52
;
1989 c 337 s 6
;
1969 ex.s. c 170 s 13
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 18
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2023 c 466 ss 3, 4, 6, 11, 13-16, and 20-23:
See note following RCW 29A.08.030
.
Intent
—
1999 c 6:
See note following RCW 46.04.168
.
Intent
—
Construction
—
Effective date
—
1998 c 41:
See notes following RCW 46.20.265
.
Effective date
—
1996 c 30:
See note following RCW 46.25.010
.
Severability
—
Effective date
—
1994 c 57:
See notes following RCW 29A.16.040
.
RCW 46.20.207
Cancellation.
(1) The department is authorized to cancel any driver's license upon determining that the licensee was not entitled to the issuance of the license, or that the licensee failed to give the required or correct information in his or her application, or that the licensee is incompetent to drive a motor vehicle for any of the reasons under RCW 46.20.031
(4) and (7).
(2) Upon such cancellation, the licensee must surrender the license so canceled to the department.
(3) Upon the cancellation of an enhanced driver's license or identicard for failure of the licensee to give correct information, if such information had been transferred to the secretary of state for purposes of voter registration, the department must immediately notify the office of the secretary of state, and the county auditor of the county of the licensee's address of record, of the cancellation of the license or identicard and identify the incorrect information.
[
2018 c 110 s 107
;
1993 c 501 s 3
;
1991 c 293 s 4
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 20
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2018 c 110 ss 101-107:
See note following RCW 29A.08.355
.
Short title
—
Findings
—
Intent
—
2018 c 110:
See notes following RCW 29A.08.355
.
RCW 46.20.215
Nonresidents
—
Suspension or revocation
—
Reporting offenders.
(1) The privilege of driving a motor vehicle on the highways of this state given to a nonresident hereunder shall be subject to suspension or revocation by the department in like manner and for like cause as a driver's license issued hereunder may be suspended or revoked.
(2) The department shall, upon receiving a record of the conviction in this state of a nonresident driver of a motor vehicle of any offense under the motor vehicle laws of this state, forward a report of such conviction to the motor vehicle administrator in the state wherein the person so convicted is a resident. Such report shall clearly identify the person convicted; describe the violation specifying the section of the statute, code or ordinance violated; identify the court in which action was taken; and indicate whether a plea of guilty or not guilty was entered, or the conviction was a result of the forfeiture of bail, bond or other security.
(3) The department shall, upon receiving a record of the commission of a traffic infraction in this state by a nonresident driver of a motor vehicle, forward a report of the traffic infraction to the motor vehicle administrator in the state where the person who committed the infraction resides. The report shall clearly identify the person found to have committed the infraction; describe the infraction, specifying the section of the statute, code or ordinance violated; identify the court in which action was taken; and indicate whether the determination that an infraction was committed was contested or whether the individual failed to respond to the notice of infraction.
[
1979 ex.s. c 136 s 57
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 21
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
Severability
—
1979 ex.s. c 136:
See notes following RCW 46.63.010
.
RCW 46.20.220
Vehicle rentals
—
Records.
(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to rent a motor vehicle of any kind including a motorcycle to any other person unless the latter person is then duly licensed as a vehicle driver for the kind of motor vehicle being rented in this state or, in case of a nonresident, then that he or she is duly licensed as a driver under the laws of the state or country of his or her residence except a nonresident whose home state or country does not require that a motor vehicle driver be licensed;
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to rent a motor vehicle to another person until he or she has inspected the vehicle driver's license of such other person and compared and verified the signature thereon with the signature of such other person written in his or her presence;
(3) Every person renting a motor vehicle to another person shall keep a record of the vehicle license number of the motor vehicle so rented, the name and address of the person to whom the motor vehicle is rented, the number of the vehicle driver's license of the person renting the vehicle and the date and place when and where such vehicle driver's license was issued. Such record shall be open to inspection by any police officer or anyone acting for the director.
[
2010 c 8 s 9020
;
1969 c 27 s 1
. Prior:
1967 c 232 s 9
;
1967 c 32 s 28
;
1961 c 12 s 46.20.220
; prior:
1937 c 188 s 63
; RRS s 6312-63.]
NOTES:
Allowing unauthorized person to drive: RCW 46.16A.520, 46.20.024
.
Helmet requirements: RCW 46.37.535
.
RCW 46.20.245
Mandatory revocation
—
Persons subject to suspension, revocation, or denial who are eligible for certain full credit
—
Notice
—
Administrative, judicial review
—
Rules
—
Application.
(1) Whenever the department proposes to withhold the driving privilege of a person or disqualify a person from operating a commercial motor vehicle and this action is made mandatory by the provisions of this chapter or other law, the department must give notice to the person in writing by posting in the United States mail, appropriately addressed, postage prepaid, or by personal service. Notice by mail is given upon deposit in the United States mail. Notice given under this subsection must specify the date upon which the driving privilege is to be withheld which shall not be less than forty-five days after the original notice is given.
(2) For persons subject to suspension, revocation, or denial of a driver's license who are eligible for full credit under RCW 46.61.5055
(9)(b)(ii), the notice in subsection (1) of this section must also notify the person of the obligation to complete the requirements under RCW 46.20.311
and pay the probationary license fee under RCW 46.20.355
by the date specified in the notice in order to avoid license suspension.
(3) Within fifteen days after notice has been given to a person under subsection (1) of this section, the person may request in writing an administrative review before the department. If the request is mailed, it must be postmarked within fifteen days after the date the department has given notice. If a person fails to request an administrative review within fifteen days after the date the department gives notice, the person is considered to have defaulted and loses his or her right to an administrative review unless the department finds good cause for a request after the fifteen-day period.
(a) An administrative review under this subsection shall consist solely of an internal review of documents and records submitted or available to the department, unless the person requests an interview before the department, in which case all or any part of the administrative review may, at the discretion of the department, be conducted by telephone or other electronic means.
(b) The only issues to be addressed in the administrative review are:
(i) Whether the records relied on by the department identify the correct person; and
(ii) Whether the information transmitted from the court or other reporting agency or entity regarding the person accurately describes the action taken by the court or other reporting agency or entity.
(c) For the purposes of this section, the notice received from a court or other reporting agency or entity, regardless of form or format, is prima facie evidence that the information from the court or other reporting agency or entity regarding the person is accurate. A person requesting administrative review has the burden of showing by a preponderance of the evidence that the person is not subject to the withholding of the driving privilege.
(d) The action subject to the notification requirements of subsection (1) of this section shall be stayed during the administrative review process.
(e) Judicial review of a department order affirming the action subject to the notification requirements of subsection (1) of this section after an administrative review shall be available in the same manner as provided in RCW 46.20.308
(8). The department shall certify its record to the court within thirty days after service upon the department of the petition for judicial review. The action subject to the notification requirements of subsection (1) of this section shall not automatically be stayed during the judicial review. If judicial relief is sought for a stay or other temporary remedy from the department's action, the court shall not grant relief unless the court finds that the appellant is likely to prevail in the appeal and that without a stay the appellant will suffer irreparable injury.
(4) The department may adopt rules that are considered necessary or convenient by the department for purposes of administering this section, including, but not limited to, rules regarding expedited procedures for issuing orders and expedited notice procedures.
(5) This section does not apply where an opportunity for an informal settlement, driver improvement interview, or formal hearing is otherwise provided by law or rule of the department.
[
2020 c 330 s 5
;
2005 c 288 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2020 c 330:
See note following RCW 9.94A.729
.
Effective date
—
2005 c 288:
"This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect July 1, 2005." [
2005 c 288 s 9
.]
RCW 46.20.265
Juvenile driving privileges
—
Revocation for alcohol or drug violations.
(1) In addition to any other authority to revoke driving privileges under this chapter, the department shall revoke all driving privileges of a juvenile when the department receives notice from a court pursuant to RCW 9.41.040
(5), 13.40.265, 66.44.365, 69.41.065, 69.50.420, 69.52.070, or a substantially similar municipal ordinance adopted by a local legislative authority, or from a diversion unit pursuant to RCW 13.40.265
.
(2) The driving privileges of the juvenile revoked under subsection (1) of this section shall be revoked in the following manner:
(a) Upon receipt of the first notice, the department shall impose a revocation for one year, or until the juvenile reaches seventeen years of age, whichever is longer.
(b) Upon receipt of a second or subsequent notice, the department shall impose a revocation for two years or until the juvenile reaches eighteen years of age, whichever is longer.
(c) Each offense for which the department receives notice shall result in a separate period of revocation. All periods of revocation imposed under this section that could otherwise overlap shall run consecutively up to the juvenile's twenty-first birthday, and no period of revocation imposed under this section shall begin before the expiration of all other periods of revocation imposed under this section or other law. Periods of revocation imposed consecutively under this section shall not extend beyond the juvenile's twenty-first birthday.
(3)(a) If the department receives notice from a court that the juvenile's privilege to drive should be reinstated, the department shall immediately reinstate any driving privileges that have been revoked under this section if the minimum term of revocation as specified in RCW 13.40.265
(3), 66.44.365
(3), 69.41.065
(3), 69.50.420
(3), 69.52.070
(3), or similar ordinance has expired, and subject to subsection (2)(c) of this section.
(b) The juvenile may seek reinstatement of his or her driving privileges from the department when the juvenile reaches the age of twenty-one. A notice from the court reinstating the juvenile's driving privilege shall not be required if reinstatement is pursuant to this subsection.
[
2016 c 136 s 8
;
2005 c 288 s 2
;
2003 c 20 s 1
;
1998 c 41 s 2
;
1994 sp.s. c 7 s 439
;
1991 c 260 s 1
;
1989 c 271 s 117
;
1988 c 148 s 7
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2005 c 288:
See note following RCW 46.20.245
.
Intent
—
Construction
—
1998 c 41:
"It is the intent and purpose of this act to clarify procedural issues and make technical corrections to statutes relating to drivers' licenses. This act should not be construed as changing existing public policy." [
1998 c 41 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
1998 c 41:
"This act takes effect July 1, 1998." [
1998 c 41 s 15
.]
Finding
—
Intent
—
Severability
—
1994 sp.s. c 7:
See notes following RCW 43.70.540
.
Effective date
—
1994 sp.s. c 7 ss 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460:
See note following RCW 9.41.010
.
Severability
—
1989 c 271:
See note following RCW 9.94A.510
.
Legislative finding
—
Severability
—
1988 c 148:
See notes following RCW 13.40.265
.
RCW 46.20.267
Intermediate licensees.
If a person issued an intermediate license is convicted of or found to have committed a traffic offense described in chapter
46.61
RCW or violated restrictions placed on an intermediate license under RCW 46.20.075
:
(1) On the first such conviction or finding the department shall mail the parent or guardian of the person a letter warning the person of the provisions of this section;
(2) On the second such conviction or finding, the department shall suspend the person's intermediate driver's license for a period of six months or until the person reaches eighteen years of age, whichever occurs first, and mail the parent or guardian of the person a notification of the suspension;
(3) On the third such conviction or finding, the department shall suspend the person's intermediate driver's license until the person reaches eighteen years of age, and mail the parent or guardian of the person a notification of the suspension.
For the purposes of this section, a single ticket for one or more traffic offenses constitutes a single traffic offense.
[
2000 c 115 s 3
.]
NOTES:
Finding
—
2000 c 115:
See note following RCW 46.20.075
.
Effective date
—
2000 c 115 ss 1-10:
See note following RCW 46.20.075
.
RCW 46.20.270
Driving offenses
—
Procedures
—
Definitions.
(1) Every court having jurisdiction over offenses committed under this chapter, or any other act of this state or municipal ordinance adopted by a local authority regulating the operation of motor vehicles on highways, or any federal authority having jurisdiction over offenses substantially the same as those set forth in this title which occur on federal installations within this state, shall immediately forward to the department a forfeiture of bail or collateral deposited to secure the defendant's appearance in court, a payment of a fine, penalty, or court cost, a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or a finding of guilt, or a finding that any person has committed a traffic infraction an abstract of the court record in the form prescribed by rule of the supreme court, showing the conviction of any person or the finding that any person has committed a traffic infraction in said court for a violation of any said laws other than regulations governing standing, stopping, parking, and pedestrian offenses.
(2) Every state agency or municipality having jurisdiction over offenses committed under this chapter, or under any other act of this state or municipal ordinance adopted by a state or local authority regulating the operation of motor vehicles on highways, may forward to the department within 10 days of failure to respond, failure to pay a penalty, failure to appear at a hearing to contest the determination that a violation of any statute, ordinance, or regulation relating to standing, stopping, parking, or civil penalties issued under RCW 46.63.160
or
46.63.200
has been committed, or failure to appear at a hearing to explain mitigating circumstances, an abstract of the citation record in the form prescribed by rule of the department, showing the finding by such municipality that two or more violations of laws governing standing, stopping, and parking or one or more civil penalties issued under RCW 46.63.160
or
46.63.200
have been committed and indicating the nature of the defendant's failure to act. Such violations or infractions may not have occurred while the vehicle is stolen from the registered owner. The department may enter into agreements of reciprocity with the duly authorized representatives of the states for reporting to each other violations of laws governing standing, stopping, and parking.
(3) For the purposes of this title and except as defined in RCW 46.25.010, "conviction" means a final conviction in a state or municipal court or by any federal authority having jurisdiction over offenses substantially the same as those set forth in this title which occur on federal installations in this state, an unvacated forfeiture of bail or collateral deposited to secure a defendant's appearance in court, the payment of a fine or court cost, a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or a finding of guilt on a traffic law violation charge, regardless of whether the imposition of sentence or sanctions are deferred or the penalty is suspended, but not including entry into a deferred prosecution agreement under chapter
10.05
RCW.
(4) Perfection of a notice of appeal shall stay the execution of the sentence pertaining to the withholding of the driving privilege.
(5) For the purposes of this title, "finding that a traffic infraction has been committed" means a failure to respond to a notice of infraction or a determination made by a court pursuant to this chapter. Payment of a monetary penalty made pursuant to RCW 46.63.070
(2) is deemed equivalent to such a finding.
[
2024 c 308 s 2
;
2015 c 189 s 1
;
2013 2nd sp.s. c 35 s 17
;
2010 c 249 s 11
;
2009 c 181 s 1
;
2006 c 327 s 1
;
2005 c 288 s 3
;
2004 c 231 s 5
;
1990 2nd ex.s. c 1 s 402
;
1990 c 250 s 42
;
1982 1st ex.s. c 14 s 5
;
1979 ex.s. c 136 s 58
;
1979 c 61 s 7
;
1977 ex.s. c 3 s 1
;
1967 ex.s. c 145 s 55
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 22
;
1961 c 12 s 46.20.270
. Prior:
1937 c 188 s 68
; RRS s 6312-68; prior: 1923 c 122 s 2, part; 1921 c 108 s 9, part; RRS s 6371, part.]
NOTES:
Contingent effective date
—
2010 c 249:
See note following RCW 47.56.795
.
Effective date
—
2005 c 288:
See note following RCW 46.20.245
.
Severability
—
1990 2nd ex.s. c 1:
See note following RCW 82.14.300
.
Effective date
—
Severability
—
1982 1st ex.s. c 14:
See notes following RCW 46.63.060
.
Effective date
—
Severability
—
1979 ex.s. c 136:
See notes following RCW 46.63.010
.
RCW 46.20.285
Offenses requiring revocation.
(Effective until October 1, 2025.)
The department shall revoke the license of any driver for the period of one calendar year unless otherwise provided in this section, upon receiving a record of the driver's conviction of any of the following offenses, when the conviction has become final:
(1) For vehicular homicide the period of revocation shall be two years. The revocation period shall be tolled during any period of total confinement for the offense;
(2) Vehicular assault. The revocation period shall be tolled during any period of total confinement for the offense;
(3) Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a narcotic drug, or under the influence of any other drug to a degree which renders the driver incapable of safely driving a motor vehicle, for the period prescribed in RCW 46.61.5055
;
(4) Any felony where the sentencing court determines that in the commission of the offense a motor vehicle was used in a manner that endangered persons or property;
(5) Failure to stop and give information or render aid as required under the laws of this state in the event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another or resulting in damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by another;
(6) Perjury or the making of a false affidavit or statement under oath to the department under Title
46
RCW or under any other law relating to the ownership or operation of motor vehicles;
(7) Reckless driving upon a showing by the department's records that the conviction is the third such conviction for the driver within a period of two years.
[
2020 c 16 s 1
;
2005 c 288 s 4
;
2001 c 64 s 6
. Prior:
1998 c 207 s 4
;
1998 c 41 s 3
;
1996 c 199 s 5
;
1990 c 250 s 43
;
1985 c 407 s 2
;
1984 c 258 s 324
;
1983 c 165 s 16
;
1983 c 165 s 15
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 24
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2020 c 16:
"This act takes effect January 1, 2022." [
2020 c 16 s 2
.]
Effective date
—
2005 c 288:
See note following RCW 46.20.245
.
Effective date
—
1998 c 207:
See note following RCW 46.61.5055
.
Intent
—
Construction
—
Effective date
—
1998 c 41:
See notes following RCW 46.20.265
.
Severability
—
1996 c 199:
See note following RCW 9.94A.505
.
Effective dates
—
1985 c 407:
See note following RCW 46.04.480
.
Court Improvement Act of 1984
—
Effective dates
—
Severability
—
Short title
—
1984 c 258:
See notes following RCW 3.30.010
.
Intent
—
1984 c 258:
See note following RCW 3.34.130
.
Legislative finding, intent
—
Effective dates
—
Severability
—
1983 c 165:
See notes following RCW 46.20.308
.
Revocation of license for attempting to elude pursuing police vehicle: RCW 46.61.024
.
Vehicular assault, penalty: RCW 46.61.522
.
Vehicular homicide, penalty: RCW 46.61.520
.
PDF
RCW 46.20.285
Offenses requiring revocation.
(Effective October 1, 2025.)
The department shall revoke the license of any driver for the period of one year unless otherwise provided in this section, upon receiving a record of the driver's conviction of any of the following offenses, when the conviction has become final:
(1) For vehicular homicide the period of revocation shall be two years. The revocation period shall be tolled during any period of total confinement for the offense;
(2) Vehicular assault. The revocation period shall be tolled during any period of total confinement for the offense;
(3) Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a narcotic drug, or under the influence of any other drug to a degree that renders the driver incapable of safely driving a motor vehicle, for the period prescribed in RCW 46.61.5055
;
(4) Any felony where the sentencing court determines that in the commission of the offense a motor vehicle was used in a manner that endangered persons or property;
(5) Failure to stop and give information or render aid as required under the laws of this state in the event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another or resulting in damage to a vehicle that is driven or attended by another;
(6) Perjury or the making of a false affidavit or statement under oath to the department under this title or under any other law relating to the ownership or operation of motor vehicles;
(7) Reckless driving upon a showing by the department's records that the conviction is the third such conviction for the driver within a period of two years.
[
2025 c 23 s 6
;
2020 c 16 s 1
;
2005 c 288 s 4
;
2001 c 64 s 6
. Prior:
1998 c 207 s 4
;
1998 c 41 s 3
;
1996 c 199 s 5
;
1990 c 250 s 43
;
1985 c 407 s 2
;
1984 c 258 s 324
;
1983 c 165 s 16
;
1983 c 165 s 15
;
1965 ex.s. c 121 s 24
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2025 c 23 ss 1-4 and 6-14:
See note following RCW 46.04.480
.
Effective date
—
2020 c 16:
"This act takes effect January 1, 2022." [
2020 c 16 s 2
.]
Effective date
—
2005 c 288:
See note following RCW 46.20.245
.
Effective date
—
1998 c 207:
See note following RCW 46.61.5055
.
Intent
—
Construction
—
Effective date
—
1998 c 41:
See notes following RCW 46.20.265
.
Severability
—
1996 c 199:
See note following RCW 9.94A.505
.
Effective dates
—
1985 c 407:
See note following RCW 46.04.480
.
Court Improvement Act of 1984
—
Effective dates
—
Severability
—
Short title
—
1984 c 258:
See notes following RCW 3.30.010
.
Intent
—
1984 c 258:
See note following RCW 3.34.130
.
Legislative finding, intent
—
Effective dates
—
Severability
—
1983 c 165:
See notes following RCW 46.20.308
.
Revocation of license for attempting to elude pursuing police vehicle: RCW 46.61.024
.
Vehicular assault, penalty: RCW 46.61.522
.
Vehicular homicide, penalty: RCW 46.61.520
.
RCW 46.20.286
Adoption of procedures.
(1) The department of licensing shall adopt procedures in cooperation with the administrative office of the courts and the department of corrections to implement RCW 46.20.285
.
(2) The department of licensing shall ensure that the department of corrections has direct access to appropriate department of licensing systems in order that the department of corrections may assist incarcerated individuals with obtaining a driver's license under this chapter, prior to an individual's release from confinement.
[
2024 c 315 s 5
;
2005 c 282 s 47
;
1996 c 199 s 6
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2024 c 315:
See note following RCW 72.09.270
.
Severability
—
1996 c 199:
See note following RCW 9.94A.505
.
RCW 46.20.289
Suspension for failure to respond, appear, etc.
(1) Except for traffic violations committed under RCW 46.61.165, the department shall suspend all driving privileges of a person when the department receives notice from a court under RCW 46.63.070
(6), 46.63.110
(6), or
46.64.025
that the person has failed to respond to a notice of traffic infraction for a moving violation, failed to appear at a hearing for a moving violation, or failed to comply with the terms of a criminal complaint or criminal citation for a moving violation.
(2) The department shall suspend all driving privileges of a person when the department receives notice from another state under Article IV of the nonresident violator compact under RCW 46.23.010
or from a jurisdiction that has entered into an agreement with the department under RCW 46.23.020, other than for a standing, stopping, or parking violation, provided that the traffic infraction or traffic offense is committed on or after July 1, 2005.
(3) A suspension under this section takes effect pursuant to the provisions of RCW 46.20.245, and remains in effect until the department has received a certificate from the court showing that the case has been adjudicated, and until the person meets the requirements of RCW 46.20.311
.
(4) A suspension under this section does not take effect if, prior to the effective date of the suspension, the department receives a certificate from the court showing that the case or cases have been adjudicated.
[
2021 c 240 s 5
;
2019 c 467 s 2
;
2016 c 203 s 6
;
2012 c 82 s 3
;
2005 c 288 s 5
;
2002 c 279 s 4
;
1999 c 274 s 1
;
1995 c 219 s 2
;
1993 c 501 s 1
.]
NOTES:
Effective date
—
2021 c 240:
See note following RCW 46.63.060
.
Finding
—
Intent
—
2019 c 467:
"The legislature finds that individuals who engage in contrived or repeated violations of the state's high occupancy vehicle lane restrictions frustrate the state's congestion management, and justifiably incite indignation and anger among fellow transportation system users. The legislature intends the escalating penalties prescribed in this act to rebuke and discourage such conduct within Washington's transportation system." [
2019 c 467 s 1
.]
Effective date
—
Contingency
—
2012 c 82:
See note following RCW 46.63.110
.
Effective date
—
2005 c 288:
See note following RCW 46.20.245
.
RCW 46.20.2891
Moving violation, definition by rule
—
Notice.
The department of licensing in consultation with the administrative office of the courts must adopt and maintain rules, by November 1, 2012, in accordance with chapter
34.05
RCW that define a moving violation for the purposes of this act. "Moving violation" shall be defined pursuant to Title
46
RCW. Upon adoption of these rules, the department must provide written notice to affected parties, the chief clerk of the house of representatives, the secretary of the senate, the office of the code reviser, and others as deemed appropriate by the department.
[
2012 c 82 s 4
.]