You need a WDL number to book a knowledge test or a road test in Washington — and you can get one before you hold any license. It comes from a free DOL account on License Express. Below is every screen you will see, in order, with the screenshot that goes with it.
Nine steps, with the screen for each one
Already have a WA license, permit, or ID? The number is printed on the card — no need to pre-apply. Pre-applying requires a WA street address.
- Step 1 Open License Express (secure.dol.wa.gov) and click the green Create account.
- Step 2 Choose License Express for individuals, then Next.
- Step 3 Step 1 of 4 — enter your first and last name exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Step 4 Step 2 of 4 — pick a username (no spaces, at least 4 characters) and type your email twice.
- Step 5 Step 3 of 4 — set a password: at least 10 characters, using 3 of these — number, special character, uppercase, lowercase. It can\'t contain your username.
- Step 6 Step 4 of 4 — click the activation link DOL emails you (from [email protected] — check your spam folder), then come back and press Go to login.
- Step 7 After you log in: Do you have a WA licensing record? Answer Yes if any of these apply — you hold a WA license, ID or permit; you were issued a temporary license and are waiting for the card in the mail; you have pre-applied on dol.wa.gov before; you completed a driver training course in WA; you have been convicted of a moving violation in WA (not parking). If none apply, answer No. Not sure? Call 360.902.3900.
- Step 8 What would you like to apply for? → Personal Driver License. Standard or enhanced license/ID? → Standard (the enhanced one is for U.S. citizens only, so choose Standard if you are not a U.S. citizen).
- Step 9 Fill in your name, date of birth, and Social Security Number (no SSN? tap No Social Security Number?). At the end you get your number starting with WDL — write it down and enter it here.
Frequently asked questions
What is a WDL number?
It is the number Washington uses to identify your driver licensing record. If you already hold a WA driver license, permit or ID, the number is printed on the card. If you do not, you create a License Express account and pre-apply to be issued one.
Can I get a WDL number without a driver license?
Yes. That is exactly what pre-applying on License Express is for. You answer No to the WA licensing record question, choose Personal Driver License, and the system issues you a number at the end.
Do I need a Social Security Number?
No. On the personal information screen there is a No Social Security Number? link — tap it and continue without one.
Should I pick Standard or enhanced?
Choose Standard unless you are a U.S. citizen. The enhanced license or ID (EDL/EID) is only issued to U.S. citizens.
I never received the activation email.
It comes from [email protected]. Check your spam or junk folder first. The account will not let you log in until that link is clicked.
Do I need a Washington address to pre-apply?
Yes. Pre-applying requires a Washington street address. If you already hold a WA license, permit or ID you do not need to pre-apply at all — the number is on your card.