Skip to content
Cascadia Douglas Fir flag with trans stripes. WA Trans Resource and Relocation Guide

Getting a WA Drivers License / ID

Please read:

Section titled “Please read:”

If you are moving to a new state, your life will be MUCH HARDER if you do not have a valid license or ID from where you came from. Licenses and IDs are difficult to get without an existing ID.
If you have a valid passport, these others are less important, but especially if not:

When moving, please try to bring both of the following (originals, NOT copies/scans):

  • Valid license or state ID (check the expiration date and renew it if it’s soon!)
    If you don’t currently have one, applying and getting one is good to do before moving. If you lack documents, it’s easier to apply in your home state with proof of residency which can take time to acquire in Washington.
  • Birth Certificate (don’t have it? You can order a new one.)

Passports and social security cards are also useful, but are federal documents, so it’s just as easy to re-acquire here.

If you don’t have ID or find yourself in Washington without one, you may be able to renew online and have your home state mail it to you here, or mail it to a “temporary address” (friend of yours) still in the state who can forward it. If not, going to the Solanus Casey Center is your best bet. Their focus is helping (primarily unhoused) folks get IDs and documented again, and can sometimes also help with fees.

Getting a Washington license or ID

Section titled “Getting a Washington license or ID”

If you want a drivers’ license and have never had one before, please see the section below. Otherwise, if you’re getting a state ID (not a license), or just transferring your existing license to Washington, the steps are the same.

  1. You will need to make an appointment to go into the office.
  2. You will need to bring:
  3. If you want to update your name, or get an enhanced license, you will also need:

Gender on WA licenses are by self-declaration. Getting a new document, you should be able to set your desired sex on the form, but make sure you verbally tell the clerk as well.
If you’ve already gotten a license and need to change it, follow the instructions here.

Enhanced License/ID

Section titled “Enhanced License/ID”

Washington is one of a few states that offers Enhanced DLs and IDs, AKA IDs that satisfy the “REAL ID” requirements. This allows you to cross the Canadian or Mexican borders by land, or board domestic flights, with just your ID (and not a passport). They’re a bit more expensive ($116 for five years), but you can apply for these in the same way, you’ll just need to pay the fee and provide required documentation.

Cost barrier?

Section titled “Cost barrier?”

Licenses and IDs can cost $60-110. The Ballard Food Bank may be able to help with the cost of a license. The Solanus Casey Center may also be able to help. If you’re outside the city of Seattle, check this map for locations near you.

Want a driver’s license for the first time?

Section titled “Want a driver’s license for the first time?”

It’s usually easier to get a state ID if you just need proof of identity. However, if you need to drive and don’t currently have a license, you may need to pass a written and/or driving exam. More info on this process here.