What to Bring to the Washington DMV for Your Permit Test
Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.
Before You Go
- →Make an appointment online to skip the long lines
- →Have your parent or guardian review the Washington Driver Guide with you
- →Double-check that all your documents are originals, not photocopies
- →Arrive 15 minutes early to handle any unexpected paperwork issues
- →Bring a snack and water for after the test, not before
- →Make sure your parent knows exactly what time you are going
- →Practice the permit test questions on the DOL website beforehand
Required Documents
Proof of Identity (Primary Document)
- ✓Valid U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
- ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- ✓Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- ✓Valid Foreign Passport with appropriate visa
Bring the original document; photocopies are not accepted for primary identity proof. If you want a REAL ID, you must bring an original or certified copy.
Proof of Social Security Number
- ✓Social Security Card
- ✓W-2 Form
- ✓Paystub with full SSN
- ✓SSA-1099 Form
- ✓Non-SSA-1099 Form
Washington requires proof of your SSN. If you don't have a card, bring a W-2 or paystub. If you are not eligible for an SSN, you must sign an affidavit at the office stating you have never been issued one.
Proof of Washington Residency
Bring 2 of these:
- ✓Utility bill (electric, water, gas) in parent's name
- ✓Bank statement with current address
- ✓Parent's lease or mortgage statement
- ✓Washington vehicle registration
- ✓School report card or transcript
For a standard license, one document is usually enough, but for a REAL ID, you must bring two different documents proving you live in Washington. Since you are under 18, these can be in your parent's name.
Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)
- ✓Parent or legal guardian must sign the application in front of the DOL examiner
- ✓Parent must provide their own proof of identity and residency
- ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent must sign unless a court order states otherwise
- ✓Legal guardians must bring court documentation proving guardianship
One parent or guardian must appear with you in person. If you are in foster care, the caseworker or designated adult must sign and provide documentation.
Fees & Payment
$20
The $20 fee covers the learner's permit application and the knowledge test. If you fail the test, you may need to pay a retest fee. This fee does not cover the cost of the actual driver's license card later.
Accepted payment:
Forms
Driver's License Application (DL-400)
Available at: Washington Department of Licensing website or at the office
You can fill this out online to save time, but do NOT sign it until you are at the counter with the examiner. If you sign it early, they will make you fill out a new one.
What NOT to Bring
- ✗Your cell phone (turn it off or leave it in the car; no texting during the test)
- ✗Large bags or backpacks (storage is limited)
- ✗Friends or siblings (they can't come into the testing area)
- ✗Food or drinks (no eating in the waiting or testing area)
- ✗Your own pen (they provide one, but you can bring a black or blue ink pen if you prefer)
- ✗Photocopies of your documents (they must be originals)
- ✗Pets (service animals only)
At the Office
- →The knowledge test is computer-based and multiple-choice
- →You must pass with a score of 80% or higher to get your permit
- →If you fail, you can usually retake it the same day for a small fee
- →Once you pass, you'll get an interim paper permit valid for 60 days
- →The actual plastic card will arrive in the mail within 2-3 weeks
Official Washington Department of Licensing info: dol.wa.gov
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