New to Washington? How to Exchange Your Foreign Driver's License in 2025

Welcome to the Evergreen State! As you settle into your new life in Washington, one of the most important practical steps you'll take is obtaining a local driver's license. While you can drive with a valid foreign license as a visitor, state law requires you to get a Washington license from the Department of Licensing (DOL) once you establish residency.

The process of transferring a foreign license can seem complex, but this guide will break it down into simple, actionable steps. We will cover residency rules, crucial reciprocity agreements that can save you time and effort, all the necessary documentation, and the tests you will need to take to drive legally in your new home state.

Step 1: Understand Residency and Reciprocity

The first thing to determine is how Washington's laws apply to your specific situation, which largely depends on your country of origin.

Establishing Washington Residency

If you move to Washington and establish residency (by getting a job, enrolling in school, or registering to vote), you have 30 days to obtain a Washington driver's license. You can legally drive on your valid, unexpired foreign license during this 30-day grace period.

Reciprocity Agreements: The Key to Waiving Tests

This is the most critical piece of information for many international newcomers. A reciprocity agreement means the Washington DOL has an understanding with another country or province to recognize its licensing standards, which significantly simplifies the process for you.

• Countries/Provinces with Reciprocity: Washington has driver's license reciprocity agreements with British Columbia (Canada), Germany, South Korea, and Taiwan.
• What This Means for You: If you hold a valid, unexpired non-commercial driver's license from one of these places, the state will waive both the written knowledge test and the driving skills test (road test). You will only be required to pass the vision screening. This is a significant advantage that saves both time and money.
• All Other Countries: If your driver's license is from any country not on the reciprocity list, you must complete the entire licensing process as if you were a brand-new driver. This includes passing the vision, knowledge, and full on-road driving skills tests.

Step 2: Assemble Your Essential Documents

The Washington DOL has very strict documentation requirements. All documents must be originals or certified copies. No photocopies will be accepted.

Required Documentation Checklist:

1. Your Valid Foreign Driver's License: You must be prepared to surrender your physical, valid license from your home country.
   • Certified Translation: If your license is not in English, you MUST provide a certified translation. An International Driving Permit (IDP) can serve this purpose but must be accompanied by your actual license.
2. Proof of Identity and Lawful Presence: This is a crucial step. For non-U.S. citizens, you will typically need a combination of the following:
   • A valid, unexpired Foreign Passport.
   • A valid, unexpired U.S. Visa and your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
   • A valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) or Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
3. Proof of Social Security Number: You must provide your Social Security number. If you have not been issued one, you must sign a declaration at the DOL office.
4. Two Proofs of Washington Residency: You must provide two separate documents from different sources that show your name and current physical Washington address (PO Boxes are not accepted). Examples include:
   • Utility bills (electric, gas, water).
   • A current, signed lease or rental agreement.
   • Bank or credit card statements mailed to your WA address.
   • A recent payroll stub with your address.
5. Completed Application Form: You can get the "Driver License Application" form at the DOL office or download it from their website to fill out in advance.

Step 3: The Licensing and Testing Process

With your documents in hand, you must make an appointment to visit a DOL office.

For Reciprocal Jurisdictions (BC, Germany, S. Korea, Taiwan):

1. Make a DOL Appointment: Schedule your visit online.
2. Present Documents: Provide all the required documentation from the checklist above.
3. Pass the Vision Test: An examiner will check your eyesight to ensure it meets state safety standards.
4. Surrender License and Pay Fees: Once you pass the vision test and your documents are approved, you will surrender your foreign license and pay the required fees.
5. Receive Your License: You will receive a temporary paper license, and your permanent photo license will be mailed to you.

For All Other (Non-Reciprocal) Countries:

1. Apply for an Instruction Permit: You must first pass the vision test and the written knowledge test. The knowledge test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions on Washington traffic laws and signs, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The Washington Driver Guide is your essential study guide. Upon passing, you will be issued a Washington Instruction Permit.
2. Schedule a Driving Test: With your permit, you can now schedule your on-road driving skills test for a future date, either with the DOL or an approved third-party testing school.
3. Pass the Driving Test: You must successfully pass the practical road test, which includes maneuvers like parallel parking, backing around a corner, and hill parking.
4. Get Your License: After passing the driving test, you will visit the DOL again (with an appointment), surrender your instruction permit and foreign license, pay the fees, and be issued your full Washington driver's license.

By meticulously gathering your documents and understanding the process for your specific situation, you can confidently navigate the steps to becoming a legally licensed driver in your new home state.