RCW ch. 46.20 — Revised Code of Washington Chapter 46.20 RCW — Drivers' Licenses—Identicards

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— 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 46.20.015 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 46.20.017 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— 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: 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— 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— 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— 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— 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— 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— 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— 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— RCW 46.20.055 Instruction permit. (1) Driver's instruction permit 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— RCW 46.20.070 Juvenile agricultural driving permit. (1) Agricultural driving permit authorized RCW 46.20.075 Intermediate license. (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— RCW 46.20.091 Application—Penalty for false statement—Driving records from and to other jurisdictions. (1) Application 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: 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— 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— RCW 46.20.100 Persons under 18. (1) Application 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— 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— 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— 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— 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— 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— 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— RCW 46.20.117 Identicards. (1) Issuance 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— 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— 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— 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— 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 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— 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— 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— RCW 46.20.132 Blood type documentation. (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— RCW 46.20.1321 Education on including blood type information—Coordination with health care providers, emergency responders, blood donation organizations. 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— RCW 46.20.1322 Blood type documentation—Updating existing systems—Department authorized to adopt rules. 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— RCW 46.20.134 Sex designation changes—Confidentiality. (1) The department may not display, transmit, or otherwise make available any record or supporting documentation of a person's sex designation change except with the consent of the person, given for a specific purpose. (2) Credentials and digital records issued after a change to sex designation must contain only the current sex designation and no indicator that a change occurred. [ 2026 c 56 s 2.] NOTES: Effective date— 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— 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) RCW 46.20.156 Voter registration—Automatic—Enhanced driver's licenses and identicards. (1) For persons 18 years of age or older who meet requirements for voter registration and persons 16 or 17 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. (2) Credentials and digital records issued after a change to sex designation must contain only the current sex designation and no indicator that a change occurred. [ 2026 c 56 s 4; 2023 c 466 s 22; 2020 c 208 s 21; 2018 c 110 s 105.] NOTES: Effective date— 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 18 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)(a) 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. (b) Credentials and digital records issued after a change to sex designation must contain only the current sex designation and no indicator that a change occurred. [ 2026 c 56 s 5; 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— RCW 46.20.161 Issuance—Contents—Fee—Veterans, individuals meeting criteria for veterans—Medical alert designation, developmental disability designation, or deafness designation—Self-attestation. (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 discharg