Wash. Rev. Code § 46.20.091 (2025)

(1) Application. In order to apply for a driver's license or instruction permit the applicant must provide the applicant's:

(a) Name of record, as established by documentation required under RCW 46.20.035;

(b) Date of birth, as established by satisfactory evidence of age;

(c) Sex;

(d) Washington residence address;

(e) Description;

(f) Driving licensing history, including:

(i) Whether the applicant has ever been licensed as a driver or chauffeur and, if so, (A) when and by what state or country; (B) whether the license has ever been suspended or revoked; and (C) the date of and reason for the suspension or revocation; or

(ii) Whether the applicant's application to another state or country for a driver's license has ever been refused and, if so, the date of and reason for the refusal; and

(g) Any additional information required by the department.

(2) Sworn statement. An application for an instruction permit or for an original driver's license must be made upon a form provided by the department. The form must include a section for the applicant to indicate whether the applicant has received driver training and, if so, where. The identifying documentation verifying the name of record must be accompanied by the applicant's sworn statement that it is valid. For an original driver's license, the information provided on the form must be sworn to and signed by the applicant before a person authorized to administer oaths. An applicant who makes a false statement on an application for a driver's license or instruction permit is guilty of false swearing, a gross misdemeanor, under RCW 9A.72.040.

(3) Driving records from other jurisdictions. If a person previously licensed in another jurisdiction applies for a Washington driver's license, the department shall request a copy of the applicant's driver's record from the other jurisdiction. The driving record from the other jurisdiction becomes a part of the driver's record in this state.

(4) Driving records to other jurisdictions. If another jurisdiction requests a copy of a person's Washington driver's record, the department shall provide a copy of the record. The department shall forward the record without charge if the other jurisdiction extends the same privilege to the state of Washington. Records and supporting documentation of a person's sex designation change are considered sensitive information and must be excluded from any records transmitted to other jurisdictions except with the consent of the person, given for a specific purpose. Otherwise the department shall charge a reasonable fee for transmittal of the record.

Effective date—2026 c 56: See note following RCW 46.20.134.

Effective date—2021 c 158 ss 1, 3, and 4: See note following RCW 46.20.055.

Finding—Intent—2021 c 158: See note following RCW 46.20.049.

Finding—2000 c 115: See note following RCW 46.20.075.

Effective date—2000 c 115 ss 1-10: See note following RCW 46.20.075.

Intent—1999 c 6: See note following RCW 46.04.168.

Intent—Construction—Effective date—1998 c 41: See notes following RCW 46.20.265.

Effective date—1985 ex.s. c 1: See note following RCW 46.20.070.

Social security number: RCW 26.23.150.