How do I get an ID number?
It's free!
Before you can take a permit or license test, you must have a Washington license number or state ID card number.
If you already have a Washington state ID card, great! You already have this number. Look at the top of your card; there are two number formats that you might have.
• New Style: These all start with "WDL" and have 9 more letters and numbers after it. WDL stands for Washington Driver License. ID numbers issued after August 2018 will have this format.
• Old Style: This type starts with the first 5 letters of your last name, your first name initial, middle name initial, three numbers and two letters.
If you don't have a Washington state ID card...
No problem!
Visit the DOL website to register for a license number. It's free!
(We recommend using the Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox browsers, as the Safari browser does not currently work on the DOL's website).
You will need to create your own License Express account if you don't already have one (even if you are under age 18). Registering for the number takes about 20 minutes to complete, and you'll need your identification info handy (birth certificate, Social Security number, etc). When you finish registering, you'll end up with a license number that looks like this: WDL123ABC23B.
You must have a Washington state ID number to be eligible to take a test, so create this number and then you can call, text, or register online to take a test with us. We use this license number to report your score to the DOL.
Download a tip sheet for getting your license number below!
Having trouble signing up?
Click here to download our step-by-step preview of the registration process. If you are still running into obstacles, you can call the DOL Customer Care for help at 360-902-3900.
Driver License Testing Center
at I-5 Driving School