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Resident Resources

Commercial driver licenses, commercial learner permits extended through August 2021

June 2, 2021 WA Department of Licensing Commercial driver licenses, Resident Resources

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced new pandemic-related waivers. They’re allowing some commercial drivers to operate with expired licenses and medical certificates.

Waivers apply to commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and commercial learner permits (CLPs) with expiration dates on or after March 1, 2020. They also apply to medical certificates expiring on or after March 1, 2021. Unless renewed already, these documents are now extended through August 31, 2021. Continue reading “Commercial driver licenses, commercial learner permits extended through August 2021” →

REAL ID enforcement date delayed (again) until May 3, 2023

April 28, 2021 WA Department of Licensing Driver Licenses and ID Cards, REAL ID, Resident Resources

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is giving you more time to get your REAL ID-compliant identification.

Enforcement of the REAL ID Act, which strengthens ID standards for air travel, now won’t begin until May 3, 2023. When it goes into effect, anyone 18 years of age or older will need a compliant ID to board a domestic flight. You’ll also need one to access federal facilities such as military bases. Continue reading “REAL ID enforcement date delayed (again) until May 3, 2023” →

Extensions are ending

March 25, 2021 WA Department of Licensing Commercial driver licenses, Driver Licenses and ID Cards, REAL ID, Resident Resources

Go online now to renew your driver license or instruction permit. If you delayed renewing due to the extensions, it’s time to act.

We’re planning no further extensions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Check your license or permit. If its expiration date ranges from March 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021, please renew it as soon as possible. Continue reading “Extensions are ending” →

[Updated] Commercial driver licenses and license permits extended through May 31, 2021

December 30, 2020 WA Department of Licensing Commercial driver licenses, Resident Resources

Updated 10 a.m., March 1, 2021

We are further extending most CDLs and CLPs with extension dates on or after March 1, 2020. This new extension goes through May 31, 2021. Print and show this new letter with your expired license or permit to verify your identify.

At this time, the TSA is not issuing a new extension for CDLs with a hazmat endorsement.

We are also extending the medical certificate waiver.

  • If your medical certificate expired on or after Dec. 1, 2020, we won’t downgrade your CDL through May 31, 2021.
  • Intrastate CDL drivers now have until May 31, 2021 to submit medical certificates.
  • Print and carry this updated letter for documentation

Continue reading “[Updated] Commercial driver licenses and license permits extended through May 31, 2021” →

Another round of extensions for driver licenses and instruction permits

December 30, 2020 WA Department of Licensing Driver Licenses and ID Cards, Resident Resources

We are continuing to extend Washington driver licenses and instruction permits. Extensions apply to licenses and permits expiring March 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. Identification cards are not extended.

Extensions are in effect for a limited time. You can renew online in minutes. Most drivers and permit holders can renew online thanks to temporary waivers.

Don’t wait to renew your license, as extensions do not affect your renewal cycle. Your next cycle will begin on the date printed on your document no matter when you renew. You’ll pay the same amount you would have paid without an extension. Continue reading “Another round of extensions for driver licenses and instruction permits” →

New restrictions for businesses and professions

November 17, 2020 WA Department of Licensing Professional Licenses, Resident Resources

Updated 1:45 p.m., June 10, 2021

On November 15, Governor Inslee announced new restrictions for some businesses. This is in response to the recent rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus in Washington and across the country. The new restrictions apply to all counties, regardless of what phase the county is in. They are effective from midnight on November 16 through December 14.

The new restrictions come as Washington sees consistent increasing daily case counts. There were over 2,000 cases a day over the weekend and average cases in the state doubled over the past 2 weeks. Continue reading “New restrictions for businesses and professions” →

Amid new COVID restrictions, DOL offices remain open by appointment only

November 17, 2020 WA Department of Licensing Driver Licenses and ID Cards, Professional Licenses, Resident Resources, Vehicles and Boats

Governor Jay Inslee announced new restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19. They do not affect state agency operations.

Our public offices are still open by appointment only. This includes driver licensing offices and prorate and fuel tax counters. Drive testing and knowledge testing also are ongoing.

Appointments are for customers who can’t complete their task online, by phone, or by mail. We encourage residents to take advantage of expanded online services. Continue reading “Amid new COVID restrictions, DOL offices remain open by appointment only” →

More extensions for driver licenses & instruction permits

October 1, 2020 WA Department of Licensing Driver Licenses and ID Cards, Resident Resources

Updated 1:30 p.m., December 10, 2020

We’re continuing to extend the expiration dates of valid Washington state driver licenses and instruction permits. This applies to driver licenses and learner permits expiring March 1 – December 31, 2020. This gives you extra time to renew online or schedule an appointment without incurring penalties or late fees. Permit holders can continue to practice driving.

  • We extended licenses and instruction permits expiring March 1 – June 30, 2020 for 270 days past the date printed on the card.
  • We extended licenses and instruction permits expiring July 1 – September 30, 2020 for 180 days past the date printed on the card.
  • We extended licenses and instruction permits expiring October 1 – December 31, 2020 for 90 days. They now expire 3 months after the date printed on the card.

Continue reading “More extensions for driver licenses & instruction permits” →

With REAL ID still a year away, you have plenty of time – and options

October 1, 2020 WA Department of Licensing REAL ID, Resident Resources

Updated 12 p.m., April 29, 2021
Worried your ID soon won’t fly? Rest easy and stay healthy. You have another year to make sure you’re ready for REAL ID.

Due to the pandemic, the original deadline got pushed back by a year to May 3, 2023. You now have more time to make sure you have what you need to board an airplane or access federal facilities such as military bases. Continue reading “With REAL ID still a year away, you have plenty of time – and options” →

Have you tried online? It’s your first option for most licensing services

September 23, 2020 WA Department of Licensing Driver Licenses and ID Cards, REAL ID, Resident Resources

These days, the only way to get into one of our driver licensing offices is with an appointment. But with social distancing and other safety measures limiting our capacity, they fill up fast! If you need to visit one of our offices, try something different: online services.

To make sure those with urgent needs can get an appointment, we’re asking everyone else to go online. Or even hold off or find another way until the health emergency is over. Continue reading “Have you tried online? It’s your first option for most licensing services” →

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