Washington · Handbook chapter 2 · 4 min read

Chapter 2: Keeping your license

How Washington drivers renew, replace and lose a license: renewal timing, expired licenses, change of address, the reasons for suspension, minors with alcohol or drug offenses, and what to do when police pull you over or give you a ticket.

Why this chapter matters

Passing the test is only the start. The knowledge test also checks that you know how to keep your license valid and what can take it away. These rules are short, full of numbers and easy to learn.

Renewing and replacing

• Your expiration date is printed near the bottom of your license. You can renew up to one year before it expires, online through License Express or at a driver licensing office.
• Renewing late can cost an extra fee.
• If your license has been expired for 8 years or more, you must take the knowledge and skills exams again.
• A lost, stolen, destroyed or unreadable license can be replaced online or at any driver licensing office.

Changing your address or name

• Update a new address in License Express within 10 days of moving.
• A name change must be made in person at a driver licensing office.
• Changing the address on your license does not change your vehicle address. That is a separate update.

How you can lose your driving privileges

The Driver Guide lists many reasons, including:

• Breaking intermediate license restrictions.
• Being a minor in possession of alcohol, drugs or firearms.
• Building up too many moving violations or leaving traffic tickets unresolved.
• Driving while suspended or revoked, or without insurance.
• Running from law enforcement.
• Driving under the influence, racing or reckless driving.
• Putting a construction or emergency worker in danger.
• Vehicular assault, vehicular homicide, hit and run or a felony involving a vehicle.
• Failing a competency evaluation.

Minors and alcohol, drug or firearm offenses

A minor with an alcohol, drug or firearm offense risks having the license delayed. If you are convicted of DUI, physical control under the influence, under-21 drinking or another alcohol or drug violation while holding an instruction permit, you cannot get an intermediate license and must wait until 18. (The Driver Guide puts this more loosely, saying such offenses can delay a license until 17; we follow the newer Department of Licensing page.)

When your privileges come back, you must take the knowledge and skills exams again, even if you passed them before, and pay a reissue fee on top of the normal fees. Under 18 you also need a parent's or guardian's consent.

When police pull you over

Police use flashing lights, a siren or both to stop a driver. Then:

1. Signal and pull to the right side of the road as soon as it is safe.
2. Turn off the engine and any radio or audio.
3. Stay in the vehicle unless the officer tells you to get out.
4. At night, switch on your interior lights.
5. Keep your hands on the steering wheel.
6. Follow the officer's instructions to you and your passengers.

The officer may come to either side. Lower that window, say straight away if there is a weapon in the vehicle, and wait for instructions before reaching for your license, proof of insurance or registration. Tell the officer where they are first.

You may respectfully ask questions. If you disagree, do not argue at the roadside: you can contest the decision in court. Concerns about an officer's conduct go to the officer's agency, ideally soon after the stop, where you can ask for a supervisor.

Getting a ticket

• You must sign the ticket. Signing is not an admission of guilt, but refusing to sign can lead to arrest.
• Follow the instructions on the back within 15 days, or your driving privileges can be suspended.
• Driving while suspended can mean losing your vehicle or being arrested.

Distracted driving tickets

No Washington driver may hold a phone, tablet or other electronic device while driving. A ticket can bring a heavy fine, and fines after your first violation can be doubled.