Understanding the costs associated with obtaining and maintaining licenses can be confusing. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various license fees, helping you budget and plan accordingly. Whether you’re getting your first learner’s permit, a commercial driver’s license (CDL), or simply renewing your ID card, this information will help you navigate the licensing process with clarity.
Learner’s Permit Costs
Embarking on your driving journey begins with a learner’s permit. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Type of Learner’s Permit | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Learner’s Permit | For new drivers; also called Instruction Permit. See Instruction (learner’s) permits | $25 for 1 year |
| Renew Learner’s Permit | Visit a driver licensing office | $25 for 1 year |
| Replace Learner’s Permit | See Replace your lost or stolen permit | $20 |
| Motorcycle Learner’s Permit | See How to get your endorsement or permit | $35 for 180 days |
| Renew Motorcycle Learner’s Permit | Renew at a driver licensing office | $15 for 180 days |
| Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) | See Steps to getting your CDL | $40 |
Understanding the costs associated with obtaining a learner’s permit.
Driver’s License Costs
Once you’re ready to get your driver’s license, here are the fees you’ll encounter:
| Type of Driver’s License | Details | Cost (Issued in 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Driver’s License | $35 application fee + $9 per year issuance fee + $1 technology fee. See Steps to getting your first license | $72 for 4 years |
| Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) | $35 application fee + $16 per year issuance fee + $1 technology fee. See Steps to getting your EDL/EID | $100 for 4 years |
| Upgrade to EDL | $7 per year for the remaining time on your license. See Steps to getting your EDL/EID | $7 – $56 |
Note: Additional school fees apply if you’re taking driver training.
Testing Fees
Before you get your license, you’ll likely need to pass some tests. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
| Type of Test | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge Test | Varies by location. Check with your testing location. | Varies |
| Driving Test | Varies by location. Check with your testing location. | Varies |
| CDL Knowledge Test | See Knowledge test: CDL. | $35 |
| CDL Skills Test | See Skills test: CDL. | $175 |
| CDL Skills Test (Head Start Only) | See Skills test: CDL. | $175 |
| CDL Skills Test (School Bus) | See CDL testing. Two attempts included. | $100 |
| 2-Wheel Motorcycle Knowledge Test | Varies by location. Check with your motorcycle safety training school. | Varies |
| 2-Wheel Motorcycle Skills Test | Varies by location. Check with your motorcycle safety training school. | Varies |
| 3-Wheel Motorcycle Knowledge Test | Varies by location. Check with your motorcycle safety training school. | Varies |
| 3-Wheel Motorcycle Skills Test | Varies by location. Check with your motorcycle safety training school. | Varies |
Understanding the costs associated with taking your driving test.
Identification (ID) Card Costs
For those who don’t drive but need official identification, here are the ID card costs:
| Type of ID Card | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard ID Card | See Get your WA ID card. | $55 for 6 years or $73 for 8 years |
| Enhanced ID Card (EID) | See Get your EDL/EID. | $97 for 6 years or $129 for 8 years |
| Upgrade to EID | $7 per year for the remaining time on your license. | $7 – $56 |
Updating or Replacing Your Card
Life happens, and sometimes you need to update or replace your license or ID. Here’s what that costs:
| Reason | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Update Card (Name, Address, etc.) | See Update your driver license or ID card. | $20 (In-person or online) |
| Replace Lost/Stolen ID Card | View ID replacement options | $20 |
| Replace Lost/Stolen Enhanced ID Card | View EID replacement options | $20 |
| Replace Lost/Stolen Driver’s License | View driver license replacement options | $20 |
| Replace Lost/Stolen Enhanced License | View EDL replacement options | $20 |
Renewal Fees
Keeping your license or ID current is essential. Here’s what you’ll pay for renewals:
| Type of Renewal | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| ID Renewal | View ID renewal options. | $55 for 6 years or $73 for 8 years |
| EID Renewal | View EID renewal options. | $97 for 6 years or $129 for 8 years |
| Driver’s License Renewal | View renew options | $55 for 6 years or $73 for 8 years |
| EDL Renewal | View EDL renewal options | $97 for 6 years or $129 for 8 years |
Understanding the costs associated with renewing your driver’s license.
Motorcycle Endorsement Fees
Adding a motorcycle endorsement to your license incurs additional costs:
| Type of Motorcycle Endorsement | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Add Motorcycle Endorsement | $25 license/application fee + $2 per year remaining on your license. See Motorcycles. | $27 – $41 |
| Renew Motorcycle Endorsement | $55 license + $30 motorcycle = $73 license + $40 motorcycle = View renewal options. | $85 / $113 |
| 2-Wheel Motorcycle Tests | Costs vary by location. Check with your motorcycle safety training school. | Varies |
| 3-Wheel Motorcycle Tests | Cost varies by location. Check with your motorcycle safety training school. | Varies |
Commercial Driver License (CDL) Fees
For those pursuing a career in commercial driving, here’s a breakdown of CDL-related fees:
| Type of CDL Fee | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| CDL Knowledge Test | See Knowledge test: CDL. | $35 |
| Commercial Learner’s Permit | When applying for a permit. See Commercial learner’s permit (CLP). | $40 |
| CDL Skills Test | See Skills test: CDL. | $175 |
| CDL Skills Test (School Bus) | See CDL testing. Two attempts included. | $100 |
| Add CDL Endorsement | $20 license fee + $17 per year remaining on your license. | $37 – $156 |
| Transfer Out-of-State CDL | $102 CDL fee + $55 license fee + $35 application fee. See Transfer your CDL. | $192 |
| CDL Re-qualification | See Commercial Driver License (CDL) disqualifications. | $35 |
Other License Types
Fees also apply to specific types of licenses such as agriculture permits and restricted driver licenses.
Agriculture Permits (Under 18)
| Type of Agriculture Permit | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| First Agriculture Permit | See Agricultural permits. | $55 |
| Renew Agriculture Permit | Renew annually at a driver licensing office. | $15 |
| Replace Agriculture Permit | Replace at a driver licensing office. | $20 |
| Update Agriculture Permit | Update name, address, or photo at a driver licensing office. | $20 |
Restricted Driver Licenses and Reinstatements
| Type of Restricted License/Reinstatement | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational/Restricted License (ORL) | See Occupational/Restricted driver license. | $100 |
| Ignition Interlock License (IIL) | See Ignition Interlock driver license. | $100 |
| DUI Hearing Request | See How to request a hearing. | $375 |
| Reissue License (Non-Alcohol Suspension) | See Types of suspensions. | $75 |
| Reissue License (Alcohol Suspension) | See Types of suspensions. | $170 |
| Probationary License (DUI Conviction) | (Additional fees may apply). | $50 |
| CDL Re-qualification | See Commercial driver license (CDL) disqualifications. | $35 |
Miscellaneous Fees
Be aware of these additional fees that may apply:
| Type of Fee | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Record Copy | See Buy a copy of your driving record. | $15 |
| Technology Fee | Included in original and renewal transactions for standard and enhanced IDs and driver licenses, supporting technology upgrades. | $1 |
Payment Options
Understanding your payment options can streamline the licensing process.
| Payment Method | Online Services | Licensing Office |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | No | Yes |
| Check | Yes | Yes |
| Visa (Credit/Debit) | Yes* | Yes** |
| MasterCard (Credit/Debit) | Yes* | Yes** |
| American Express (Credit/Debit) | Yes* | Yes** |
| Discover (Credit/Debit) | No | Yes** |
*A 3% card payment fee applies to online transactions. Paying with a checking account online incurs no added fee.
**Credit and debit cards are accepted at most offices, with vendor fees applied.
- Debit card convenience fee: $2.25
- Credit card convenience fee:
- $2.25 if the transaction is $75 or less.
- 3% of the transaction total if over $75.
Some offices only accept cash or check. These include Coulee Dam, Goldendale, Newport, and South Bend.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of license fees doesn’t have to be daunting. By understanding the costs associated with each type of license, permit, and test, you can be well-prepared for every step of the process. Always refer to the official Department of Licensing website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
