Understanding the costs associated with obtaining a permit can be confusing. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of permit costs, specifically focusing on Washington State, to help you navigate the process with ease. Whether you’re seeking a learner’s permit, driver’s license, ID card, or specialized endorsements, knowing How Much Does A Permit Cost upfront can save you time and money.
Learner’s Permit Costs in Washington State
Obtaining a learner’s permit is often the first step towards driving. Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with learner’s permits in Washington State:
| Type of Permit | Cost | Duration | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Instruction (Learner’s) Permit | $25 | 1 year | Also called Instruction permit. See Instruction (learner’s) permits for details. |
| Renew Learner’s Permit | $25 | 1 year | Renew at a driver licensing office. |
| Replace Learner’s Permit | $20 | N/A | See Replace your lost or stolen permit. |
| Motorcycle Learner’s Permit | $35 | 180 days | See How to get your endorsement or permit. |
| Renew Motorcycle Learner’s Permit | $15 | 180 days | Renew your permit at a driver licensing office. |
| Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) | $40 | N/A | See Steps to getting your CDL. Also called commercial driver license learners permit. |
Understanding the costs of a learner’s permit in Washington State.
Driver’s License Costs in Washington State
Once you’re ready to get your driver’s license, here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Type of License | Cost | Duration | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver License | $72 | 4 years (issued in 2025) | $35 application fee + $9 per year issuance fee + $1 technology fee. See Steps to getting your first license. |
| Enhanced Driver License (EDL) | $100 | 4 years (issued in 2025) | $35 application fee + $16 per year issuance fee + $1 technology fee. See Steps to getting your EDL/EID. |
| Upgrade to Enhanced Driver License (EDL) | $7-$56 | Varies | $7 per year for the time remaining on your license. See Steps to getting your EDL/EID. (Not available for licenses with “military” expiration.) |
Note: If you’re taking driver training, you’ll also pay additional school fees to get your first license.
Testing Fees
In addition to the permit and license fees, you may need to pay for testing. The costs vary depending on the type of test and location:
| Type of Test | Cost | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge Test | Varies | Cost varies by location. Check with your testing location for the exact amount. |
| Driving Test | Varies | Cost varies by location. Check with your testing location for the exact amount. |
| CDL Knowledge Test | $35 | See Knowledge test: CDL. |
| CDL Skills Test | $175 | See Skills test: CDL. |
| CDL Skills Test (Head Start only) | $175 | See Skills test: CDL. |
| CDL Skills Test for School Bus Endorsement | $100 | See CDL testing. Your primary usage of a CDL must be to drive a school bus. Your test fee gets you 2 attempts. |
| 2-Wheel Motorcycle Knowledge Tests | Varies | Costs vary by location. Check with your motorcycle safety training school for the exact amount. |
| 2-Wheel Motorcycle Riding Skills Tests | Varies | Costs vary by location. Check with your motorcycle safety training school for the exact amount. |
| 3-Wheel Motorcycle Knowledge Test | Varies | Cost varies by location. Check with your motorcycle safety training school for the exact amount. |
| 3-Wheel Motorcycle Riding Skills Test | Varies | Cost varies by location. Check with your motorcycle safety training school for the exact amount. |
Identification Card (ID) Costs
If you don’t need a driver’s license, you can obtain an ID card. Here’s a breakdown of the costs:
| Type of ID Card | Cost | Duration | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| ID Card | $55 for 6 years or $73 for 8 years | 6-8 years | See Get your WA ID card. |
| Enhanced ID Card (EID) | $97 for 6 years or $129 for 8 years | 6-8 years | See Get your EDL/EID. |
| Upgrade to Enhanced ID (EID) | $7 – $56 | Varies | $7 per year for the time remaining on your license. |
The cost of obtaining a Washington State Identification Card.
Updating or Replacing Your Card
If you need to update your card due to a name or address change, or if you lose your card, there are associated fees:
| Action | Cost | More Information |
|---|---|---|
| Update in-person | $20 | When you change your name, address, or endorsement, you may get an updated card. See Update your driver license or ID card. |
| Update Online | $20 | See View replacement options. |
| Replace ID Card | $20 | View ID replacement options |
| Replace Enhanced ID Card | $20 | View EID replacement options |
| Replace Driver License | $20 | View driver license replacement options |
| Replace Enhanced License (EDL) | $20 | View EDL replacement options |
Renewal Fees
Renewing your license or ID card also incurs costs.
| Type of Renewal | Cost | Duration | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| ID Renewal | $55 for 6 years or $73 for 8 years | 6-8 years | View ID renewal options |
| Enhanced ID (EID) Renewal | $97 for 6 years or $129 for 8 years | 6-8 years | View EID renewal options |
| Standard Driver License Renewal | $55 for 6 years or $73 for 8 years | 6-8 years | View renew options |
| Late Driver License Renewal | $65 for 6 years or $83 for 8 years | 6-8 years | $55 renew + $10 late fee or $73 renew + $10 late fee |
| Enhanced Driver License (EDL) Renewal | $97 for 6 years or $129 for 8 years | 6-8 years | View EDL renewal options Also called enhanced driver license renewal |
| Late EDL Renewal | $107 for 6 years or $139 for 8 years | 6-8 years | $97 renew + $10 late fee or $129 renew + $10 late fee |
Additional Endorsements
Adding endorsements, such as a motorcycle or commercial driver’s license (CDL) endorsement, will increase the cost.
| Endorsement Type | Cost | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Add Motorcycle Endorsement | $27 – $41 | $25 license/application fee + $2 per year for the time remaining on your license. See Motorcycles Also called Add an original 2 or 3 wheel motorcycle endorsement |
| Renew with Motorcycle Endorsement | $85 for 6 years or $113 for 8 years | $55 license + $30 motorcycle or $73 license + $40 motorcycle. View renewal options |
| CDL Knowledge Test | $35 | See Knowledge test: CDL |
| Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) | $40 | When you apply for a permit. See Commercial learner’s permit (CLP) Also called commercial driver license learner’s permit (CLP) |
| CDL Skills Test | $175 | See Skills test: CDL. |
| Add CDL Endorsement to WA Driver License | $37 – $156 | $20 license fee + $17 per year for the time remaining on your license. |
| Transfer Out-of-State CDL to WA CDL | $192 | $102 CDL fee + $55 license fee + $35 application. See Transfer your CDL (Fees may vary depending on your license expire day) |
Understanding the cost of obtaining a Commercial Driver License (CDL).
Other Permit and License Related Fees
There are some miscellaneous fees associated with driving permits and licenses that you should be aware of.
| Type | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Record Copy | $15 | See Buy a copy of your driving record. |
| Technology Fee | $1 | This fee is added to all original and renewal transactions for standard and enhanced ID cards and driver licenses. This fee has already been included in the pricing listed above. |
| Occupational/Restricted License | $100 | See Occupational/Restricted driver license |
| DUI Hearing Request | $375 | See How to request a hearing |
| License Reissuance (Non-Alcohol) | $75 | See Types of suspensions |
| License Reissuance (Alcohol) | $170 | See Types of suspensions |
Payment Options
The Washington State Department of Licensing offers several payment options:
| Payment Method | Online Services | Licensing Office |
|---|---|---|
| Cash | No | Yes |
| Check | Yes | Yes |
| Visa | Yes* | Yes** |
| MasterCard | Yes* | Yes** |
| American Express | Yes* | Yes** |
| Discover | No | Yes** |
*A 3% card payment fee applies to online transactions starting January 1, 2020. Paying with a checking account online is free.
**Credit and debit cards are accepted at most offices, but fees apply. Some offices only accept cash or check.
Conclusion
Knowing how much does a permit cost, whether it’s a learner’s permit, driver’s license, or specialized endorsement, is crucial for budgeting and planning. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of permit costs in Washington State, ensuring you’re well-informed and prepared for the process. Remember to check the Washington Department of Licensing website for the most up-to-date information and any potential changes in fees.
