When checking identification, make sure that you accept only valid IDs that are acceptable by Washington State law. Please visit our Selling Responsibly page for the latest information on your important role in keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors and those who are apparently intoxicated. Please use this printable form to print and post at your business.
ID Requirements
Identification MUST be valid (not expired) and show:
Washington State Type Ii Drivers License
- The bearer's date of birth,
- The bearer's signature (except US Military ID – see below)
- A photograph of Bearer
Types of Acceptable ID
- Driver’s License, Instruction Permit, or I.D. Card issued by any U.S. State, U.S. Territory and District of Columbia. Note: Important information on the new Washington Driver License
- Driver’s License, Instruction Permit, or I.D. Card issued by any Canadian Province
- Valid Washington State Temporary Driver’s License
- U.S. Armed Forces I.D. Card (Encrypted signature acceptable)
- Merchant Marine I.D. Card issued by the U.S. Coast Guard
- Official Passport, Passport Card, NEXUS Card
- Washington State Tribal Enrollment Card (No expiration date required)
As part of the implementation of the federal REAL ID Act, the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) last month began indicating “Federal Limits Apply” on standard driver licenses and identification cards. This marking designates that the driver license or ID card cannot be used for certain purposes (eg, boarding a plane). Starting July 1 Washington driver’s licenses will look different. However, you can continue to use your standard license for boarding airplanes and entering secure federal facilities until October 1, 2020. After 2020, you can also use another approved form of identification at TSA checkpoints like passports and military cards.
Special Licenses in Washington
Depending on the type of vehicle you want to drive, you may need to apply for a license class or endorsement other than your regular, noncommercial Washington driver's license.
On this page you'll find general information about some of the license classes and endorsements available to you.
If you are looking for information about applying for a standard driver's license, please visit our pages on:
Types of Acceptable ID. Driver’s License, Instruction Permit, or I.D. Card issued by any U.S. Territory and District of Columbia. Note: Important information on the new Washington Driver License; Driver’s License, Instruction Permit, or I.D. Card issued by any Canadian Province; Valid Washington State Temporary Driver’s License. The new license numbers follow another driver’s license change that went into effect in July to bring Washington state into compliance with the REAL ID Act. All standard driver’s licenses. Get, renew, replace, or update a WA state driver license or ID card, purchase your driving record, and learn about license suspensions and driving safety. Skip to main content For full functionality of our online services (like tab renewal, address change, renew your professional license, etc.), site search, and Google Translate it's necessary. Beginning in July 2018, Washington State must clearly mark its standard driver’s license and ID cards as noncompliant with federal requirements. By fall of 2018, the Washington State Department of Licensing expects to be in full compliance with the law, and it will apply for certification from the Department of Homeland Security. District requirements and a presentation on defensive driving and should take no more that 20-30 minutes. Type 2 Requirements Drivers must meet and continue to meet the requirements of this District as follows:. Valid Washington State Driver’s License. Current driver’s abstract for the past 5 years. Graded on the state’s.
- Applying for a New License in Washington (Drivers 18+).
- Applying for a New License in Washington (Teen Drivers).
Washington Commercial Driver's Licenses
Some vehicles and driving professions will require you to hold a commercial driver's license. You'll need a WA CDL if you want to:
- Drive heavy vehicles.
- Transport a lot of people.
- Carry hazardous materials.
For more information, please visit our Applying for a New CDL in Washington page.
School Bus Requirements
To drive a school bus in Washington, you must:
- Have at least 5 years driving a passenger vehicle.
- Successfully complete a bus driver training course.
- Pass the scrutiny of a criminal background check. For more detailed information consult the Washington law.
- Hold a valid first-aid card.
- Hold a valid medical examination certificate.
- Keep current with all continuing school bus driver requirements as defined in the Washington Administrative Code.
Shuttle Van Requirements
You do not need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate a shuttle van carrying fewer than 16 passengers, including yourself.
WA Chauffeur & Taxi Driver License Requirements
Specific rules and regulations are governed by each municipality in Washington.
You may need to:
- Pass a medical certification.
- Have a clean driving record.
- Pass a background check.
- Pay a special licensing fee.
Washington Chauffeur's License Requirements
To obtain a chauffeur's license in WA, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have a Washington driver's license.
- Have successfully completed a training course approved by the Department of Licensing (DOL).
- Have passed a written examination.
- Pass a criminal background check conducted by the Washington State Patrol.
- Have a medical certificate verifying that you're physically approved to be a chauffeur.
For more information, please contact the Washington DMV.
Chauffeuring in SUVs
The Department of Licensing (DOL) defines a sport utility vehicle as a vehicle which seats 3 to 6 passengers behind the driver, and possesses a minimum wheelbase of 116 inches.
If you're going to be driving one of these as a professional chauffeur, all license requirements fall under the chauffeur category as described above. If you're just driving your own personal SUV, you only need a Washington driver's license.
Washington State Driver's License Type E Type Dl
Washington Sport Vehicles
While many sport vehicles don't require a special license, some do require you to be a certain age or pass a safety class.
Certain sport vehicles may require you to hold a motorcycle license or endorsement. For more information, please visit our Motorcycle License in Washington page.
ATVs
You don't need a special license to drive an ATV in Washington. If you're younger than 16 years old, you must stay on roads designated off-highway and be with someone 18 years old or older who has a driver's license.
Snowmobiles
No special license is needed is required to drive a snowmobile, but if you're younger than 12 years old, you can't ride a snowmobile on public roads. If you're between 12 and 16 years old, you must complete a snowmobile safety class, like the one offered by the Washington State Snowmobile Association, before you can ride on public roads.
Related Tasks & Topics
- Appointments
- Change of Address
- Lost License
- New License
- REAL ID
- Renew License
- Take a Practice Test
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