
In Washington, the law requires that vehicles are registered to a driver's primary residence. This means that if you move, you must notify the Department of Licensing of your change of address within ten days and request a new card. This can be done online or in person at a driver licensing office. If you have recently moved to Washington, you will need to get a Washington driver's license and register your vehicle within 30 days.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to notify the department of a change of address | Within 10 days of moving |
| What to do when you change your address | Update your driver's license and vehicle registration |
| How to change your address | Online or in person at a driver licensing office |
| Temporary license | Valid for 45 days |
| Permanent license | Mailed within 7-10 days |
| Requirements for a Washington driver's license | Proof of identity, Social Security number, fees, and passing any required driver tests |
| Acceptable forms of address | Physical, land-based address; PO boxes may be accepted in certain cases |
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What You'll Learn

Updating your address
In Washington, you are required by law to update your address on your driver's license when you move. This should be done within ten days of moving.
To update your address, you can change your address online through your License Express account. You can request a new card with your updated address and your current photo. If you would like a new photo, you will need to make an appointment and visit a driver licensing office. There will be an additional fee for the new photo.
If you have recently moved to Washington, you will need to get a Washington driver's license. To do this, you must make an appointment and visit the office in person. You will need to bring proof of identity, including your out-of-state license, and your Social Security number. You will also need to pay a fee and pass any required driver tests. You will be given a temporary license that will allow you to drive for 45 days until your permanent license arrives in the mail.
It is important to note that your vehicle registration address should match the address on your driver's license. If you change your address on your driver's license, you will also need to update your vehicle registration. This can be done online or by visiting a local office.
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Changing your name
In Washington, if you need to change your name on your driver's license, you must visit the DMV in person. You will need to bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage license, court order, or divorce decree. There is a $20 replacement fee for a new driver's license with your updated name.
It's important to note that updating your name on your driver's license does not automatically change your name on your vehicle registration. You will need to update your name on your vehicle registration separately. Additionally, if you have a Good To Go! electronic tolling pass, don't forget to update your contact information with the Department of Transportation.
If you are changing your name due to marriage, you have the right to take your spouse's name or hyphenate your last name. Sign all documentation with your new name once the marriage is official, including the marriage certificate, which will serve as proof of your legal name change. You can obtain a copy of your marriage certificate from the auditor's office in the county where the license was obtained if it was issued within the last five months. For older marriage certificates, you can order them online from the Vital Records Office for a fee of $25.
For a name change after a divorce, you can obtain a copy of your divorce certificate from the superior court clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized if it was issued within the last five months. Older divorce certificates can also be ordered online from the Vital Records Office for $25.
Name change petitions must be filed in the district court in the county where you reside. However, it is not required to legally change your name after marriage or divorce.
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Temporary licenses
In Washington, if you have a temporary license, it is not considered a valid form of identification on its own. You must present another form of ID, such as a recently expired driver's license, alongside your temporary license. This is because temporary licenses in Washington are paper licenses, which are not always accepted as proof of identification. For example, some bars may refuse to accept a temporary paper license and require another form of ID, such as an expired driver's license or another form of ID with a photo.
It is important to note that if you have recently moved or changed your address, you are required by law to notify the Washington State Department of Licensing within ten days. This can be done by updating your address online through your License Express account. However, if you want a new photo on your license, you must make an appointment and have your photo taken for an additional fee. Alternatively, you can wait until you renew your license or ID, but this means you won't be able to use your card as proof of your new address immediately.
If your temporary license is lost or stolen, you may order a replacement. The replacement license will be mailed to the address the Washington State Department of Licensing has on file, so it is important to ensure that your address is up to date before requesting a replacement. The replacement license will have the same format as the one you are replacing, including the orientation and photo.
It is worth noting that the laws and requirements regarding temporary licenses may change, so it is always a good idea to refer to the official website of the Washington State Department of Licensing for the most up-to-date information.
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Vehicle registration
Vehicle owners in Washington are required by law to register their vehicles with the Washington State Department of Licensing. This includes various vehicles such as passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, recreational vehicles, and boats. To register, you must complete an Application for Title and Registration, which can be done online, by mail, or in person at a local Licensing Service Office or Vehicle Licensing Office. The application requires proof of ownership, a Washington driver's license or state-issued ID, and payment of registration fees and taxes. If your vehicle was previously titled in another state, you may need to obtain a Washington title and a Certificate of Compliance from the Washington State Patrol.
Additionally, if your vehicle is ten years old or newer, you must submit an Odometer Disclosure Statement. In certain counties, you may also need to submit the results of an emissions test. If the vehicle weight is not listed on your title, a weight slip may be required. It is important to keep your registration up to date and to renew it annually. Failure to properly register your vehicle in Washington can result in fines and penalties.
The registration process allows residents to obtain Washington license plates, which must be displayed on the front and back of the vehicle. These license plates indicate that the vehicle has been properly titled and registered with the state. The fees for registration vary based on the type of vehicle, its weight, and age. For example, passenger cars have a base fee of $30 for one year, while additional fees may apply for vehicles exceeding specific weights and ages.
By complying with the vehicle registration laws in Washington, residents can avoid legal complications and ensure their vehicles are legally permitted to be driven on Washington highways and roads. It is important to note that updating your address on your driver's license does not change the address on your vehicle registration, and they should be updated separately as per the requirements.
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License requirements
If you are a new resident of Washington, you will need to get a Washington driver's license and register your vehicle in the state. You will need to decide if you want a standard driver's license or an enhanced driver's license (EDL). An EDL meets REAL ID standards and can be used to re-enter the U.S. by land and sea after traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Getting an EDL has additional requirements, such as providing proof of identity and your Social Security number. You will also need to pass any required driver tests, for which you can prepare by reviewing the Washington State Driver Guide.
When you go to the licensing office, bring your out-of-state driver's license or ID card. The office will punch a hole in your old card and return it to you, and you will receive a temporary license that allows you to drive for 45 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7–10 days.
If you are changing your address within Washington, you must notify the Department of Licensing within ten days of moving. You can change your address online through your License Express account, and request a new card with your updated address. If you want a new photo, you will need to make an appointment to visit a driver licensing office and pay an additional fee.
It is important to note that your vehicle registration address must match your driver's license address. This means that if you move within Washington, you will need to update your address on both your driver's license and your vehicle registration. Additionally, if you have an electronic tolling pass, be sure to update your contact information with the Department of Transportation.
For those living on boats in Washington, there have been some challenges in obtaining a driver's license due to the requirement of having a physical, land-based address. Some people have resolved this issue by getting a mailbox at a marina or using a PO box as their mailing address and the marina address as their residence. However, it is important to check with the Department of Licensing to ensure that your address meets their criteria.
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Frequently asked questions
Washington law requires that vehicles are registered to your primary residence, which must also be listed as such on your driver's license record.
You can change your address on your driver's license online through your License Express account. You can request a new card with your current photo, or wait until you renew your license or ID. Alternatively, you can make an appointment to visit a driver licensing office and get a new photo for an additional fee.
A physical, land-based address is required for a driver's license in Washington. A mailbox address or PO box is not sufficient. You may be able to use the marina address with your slip number as your residence.
Yes, you need a Washington license to register your vehicle in the state. You have 30 days by law to do both.
You can get a temporary license that allows you to drive for 45 days, after which you will receive your permanent license within 7-10 days.











































