How to get a Washington D.C. Driver's License
Find out how to get a new DC driver's license, replace your out-of-state license and requirements for international drivers with this Washington D.C. DMV guide.
The Rules
Under DC DMV guidelines, you must be 21 to get a regular license, but if you are at least 17 you may obtain a Washington D.C. full license with conditions if you:
- have held a valid Provisional License for at least 6 months
- can certifying that you have practiced night driving skills for at least 10 hours accompanied by a driver's who is 21 years or older and has a valid full driver's license.
All applicants need to be familiar with the Washington D.C. Driver's Manual. Think you know the material? Take our DMV practice test now and test your driving knowledge.
If you are under age 18, you will be required to pass a knowledge test on Washington D.C. traffic safety laws plus take a vision test before you can take the road skills test for your provisional license.
If you are over age 21, you may obtain a driver's license once you take and pass the eye test, the knowledge test, and the skills road test.
New DC Residents
A licensed driver who moves to the District from another jurisdiction is required to convert a valid out-of-state driver's license to a DC driver's license if remaining in DC for more than 30 days. When heading to the DMV, be sure to bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license.
The written test is not required if your prior license is valid or has not been expired for more than 90 days. The road test is not required if your prior license is valid or has not been expired for more than 180 days.
International Drivers
If you are a holder of a valid foreign driver license and wish to convert to a Washington D.C. driver license, you must take and pass the written exam and vision test. If you possess a non-English language driver's license from a foreign country, you must attach an English translation from your embassy or from a certified translator. The embassy translation must be on official embassy letterhead. Certified translator copies must have a raised certification stamp.
Paperwork
Before you head to the Washington D.C. DMV Office, make sure you have all of the following required documents to get your driver's license:
On the Road
Once your licensing requirements have been met, you will receive your basic driver's license that is valid for five years and will expire on your birthday. Remember... the safe operation of a vehicle requires practiced skill, knowledge, and a respectful understanding of the limitations imposed by the other drivers and the environment.
Driver's License Resources
Washington D.C. Driver's Manual |
