A Washington state driver’s license costs between $61 and $131 through the Department of Licensing, depending on whether it’s a first license or a renewal and whether you pick a six-year or eight-year term.1Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees Enhanced licenses, commercial licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and reinstatements each carry their own additional charges on top of those base amounts.
First Driver’s License
A first Washington license costs $111 for six years or $131 for eight years. That total is made up of a $50 application fee, a $10-per-year issuance fee, and a $1 technology fee.1Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees
You’ll also need to pass a knowledge test and a driving skills test before paying those fees. Testing costs vary by location, so check with the site where you plan to test.1Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees
Renewal Cost
Renewing a standard license costs $61 for six years or $81 for eight years. Let it lapse by more than 60 days and a $10 late fee applies, bringing the total to $71 or $91.1Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees
Enhanced Driver’s License
Washington’s standard license is not REAL ID compliant. Since May 7, 2025, it hasn’t been accepted for boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities.2Washington State Department of Licensing. REAL ID An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) meets those federal requirements and works for land and sea border crossings between the U.S. and Canada.
The EDL surcharge is $7 per year, so $42 for six years or $56 for eight.3Washington State Legislature. House Bill 2340 Combined with the base renewal fee, a full EDL renewal comes to $103 for six years or $137 for eight. Upgrading a standard license mid-cycle costs $7 for each year remaining, anywhere from $7 to $56.1Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees You must be a U.S. citizen and show proof of citizenship, identity, a Social Security number, and Washington residency.
Instruction Permit
A first instruction permit costs $35 and is valid for one year. Renewing it for another year costs $25, and a replacement permit is $20.1Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees Once you pass the knowledge and driving tests, you’ll pay the first-license fee of $111 or $131 to move to a full license.
Commercial Driver’s License
A CDL carries a $17-per-year surcharge on top of the standard license fee: $102 for six years or $136 for eight.4Washington State Legislature. RCW 46.20.049 Commercial Drivers License Additional Fee Added to the base renewal, a full CDL renewal is $163 for six years or $217 for eight.1Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees
Transferring an out-of-state CDL to Washington costs $213 for six years or $267 for eight, including a $50 application fee, a $27-per-year issuance fee, and the $1 technology fee.1Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees
CDL Endorsements and Tests
Adding an endorsement for hazmat, passenger transport, tanker, or another specialty costs a $20 license fee plus $17 for each year remaining, so between $37 and $156. A special endorsement such as school bus is $20. The CDL knowledge exam is $35 and the skills exam is $250 (covering two attempts, though switching examiners after your first try may require paying again). The school bus endorsement skills test is a separate $100.1Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees
Motorcycle Endorsement
The initial motorcycle endorsement costs up to $16 for an eight-year license, or $2 per year for a different term. Renewing the endorsement later costs up to $40 for eight years, or $5 per year otherwise. Those amounts are on top of your regular license renewal.5FindLaw. Washington Revised Code Title 46 Motor Vehicles 46.20.505
The knowledge and skills tests are administered by DOL-approved motorcycle training schools, each of which sets its own testing and course fees. The state subsidizes training for Washington residents and military personnel stationed in-state.6Washington State Department of Licensing. Types of Motorcycle Training Courses
Reinstatement and Restricted Licenses
Getting your license back after a suspension costs $75 for non-alcohol-related suspensions and $170 for alcohol-related suspensions. Other fees may apply depending on the circumstances.1Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees
An occupational driver’s license, a temporary restricted license, or an ignition interlock driver’s license each require a $100 non-refundable application fee.7Washington State Legislature. Washington Revised Code 46.20.380 – Fee The ignition interlock license also involves installation and ongoing maintenance of the device, which you pay to the device provider rather than the DOL.
Replacements, Updates, and Bounced Payments
Replacing a lost or stolen driver’s license costs $20. So does updating your card for a name change, address change, or new endorsement, whether you do it online or in person.1Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees
If a check or electronic bank payment bounces, the DOL charges $25 per dishonored transaction. If a second attempt still doesn’t clear, the DOL sends a notice; unless you pay the full amount plus the handling fee by cash, money order, or cashier’s check within 60 days, your license or permit will be canceled.8Washington State Legislature. Chapter 308-04 WAC General Provisions
How You Can Pay
Online, the DOL accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express credit or debit cards, with a 3% card payment fee. Paying online from a checking account avoids that surcharge. Licensing offices accept cash, checks made payable to “Department of Licensing,” and money orders, and most also take credit and debit cards in person.1Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees