The Essential Washington DOL Document Checklist: What to Bring for Your Appointment

One of the most common reasons for a frustrating, wasted trip to a Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) office is arriving without the proper documentation. When applying for a driver's license or instruction permit, the document requirements are very specific and must be followed perfectly.

Washington offers two types of licenses: a Standard License and an Enhanced Driver License (EDL), which can be used for border crossings. While the requirements for an EDL are stricter, this checklist will ensure you arrive at your DOL appointment with everything you need for a standard license or permit.

The Document Requirements

To be issued a license or permit, you must present original or certified documents. Photocopies are not accepted. You will need to bring documents that prove your identity and residency.

Step 1: Pre-Apply Online

Before you even visit a DOL office, you must pre-apply online. This creates your record in the system and gives you a unique license number (it may start with "WDL"). You will need this number for all your appointments.

2. Proof of Identity (Provide ONE Document from Group A, or TWO from Group B)

You must provide documents to prove your full legal name and date of birth. The easiest way is with one primary document.

Group A (Standalone Documents - Provide ONE):

Valid, unexpired U.S. Passport or Passport Card.
Original or certified U.S. Birth Certificate.
Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card.
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.

Group B (If you don't have a document from Group A, provide TWO from this list):

U.S. Military ID
Out-of-state driver's license or ID card
U.S. high school or college photo ID card
U.S. work authorization card
Tribal enrollment card

What if my name has changed? This is a very common issue. If your current legal name is different from the name on your identity document (due to marriage, divorce, or a court order), you must show an original or certified legal document that links the names. For example, if you are now married, you would need to bring your birth certificate AND your official government-issued marriage certificate. You must show the complete "paper trail" of every name change.

3. Proof of Washington Residency (Provide ONE Document if over 18, TWO if under 18)

You must provide documents that prove you live at a physical address in Washington. P.O. boxes are not an acceptable address.

For Applicants 18 and Older (Provide ONE):

Utility bill or hook-up order (dated within the last 60 days).
Financial documents like a bank statement or credit card bill.
Pay stub.
Washington vehicle registration or title.
Valid homeowner's, renter's, or auto insurance policy.
Rental or lease agreement.
Official mail from a school or government agency.

For Applicants Under 18 (Provide TWO):

Your parent or guardian must provide two proofs of residency in their name. Their name must be on your proof of identity document (like your birth certificate) to prove the relationship.

Final Checklist Before You Go to the DOL

[ ] DOL Appointment: It is highly recommended to schedule an appointment online.
[ ] Your Pre-Application License Number (WDL#).
[ ] Completed Application Form.
[ ] Proof of Identity (One from Group A or two from Group B, with name change documents if needed).
[ ] Proof of Washington Residency (One for adults, two for minors via parent).
[ ] For a teen permit, a Parent or Legal Guardian must be present.
[ ] Social Security Number: You will be asked to provide your SSN, which will be verified electronically. It is a good idea to bring your physical card just in case.
[ ] Payment for the required fees (check, money order, or credit/debit card).

A few minutes of preparation gathering these documents will save you the major headache of a second trip to the DOL office.