Washington Driving Laws for Seniors and Older Drivers

Most of the rules and regulations enforced by the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) apply to drivers of all ages and stages of life. Still, some of the legal controls discussed here—such as possible restrictions on a driver's license and procedures for securing disability parking plates or placards—may be especially relevant for older drivers.

Does Washington State Issue Licenses to Drivers Over 70 Years Old?

Yes. The state of Washington doesn't prevent people over a certain age from obtaining a driver's license. But you won't be able to renew your license online if you're 70 or older. Instead, you'll need to renew in person at a licensing office.

Washington State Driver's License Renewal Rules

All non-commercial driver's licenses in Washington expire on your birthday, eight years after the license was issued (RCW 46.20.181). For example, if your birthday is February 15 and you were issued a WA license on August 15, 2024, after moving from another state, your license will expire on February 15, 2036.

Renewal Time Limits

You can renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires or up to eight years after the expiration date has passed. If your license expired more than eight years ago, you'll need to apply for a new license. There's no "grace period" for expired licenses from other states.

Vision Exams

If you have a visual or other medical issue that could impact your driving, you may be required to have a vision test performed in person. The DOL will check your eyesight to make sure that you see well enough to drive safely. If you don't meet the standard without glasses or contacts, you may get a restriction on your license (see below).

Driving Tests

If you're renewing your current WA state driver's license, you aren't generally required to take a knowledge exam (testing your awareness of road rules) or road test (seeing how well you apply these rules in a car).

Adult drivers with currently valid licenses from other states don't have to take the driving tests to get a WA license, but if you have an expired license from another state, you'll need to take the examinations again—no matter how old you are. You'll also be required to take these tests if you have a physical or mental condition showing that these tests are necessary, such as epilepsy.

Potential WA License Restrictions for Seniors

The DOL can place restrictions on your license, such as no nighttime driving, to ensure you're operating your vehicle safely. The most common restriction for all drivers is a requirement to wear corrective lenses while you're driving. Older drivers may also have limitations on the type of vehicle they can drive or a requirement to operate a vehicle with special mechanical control devices.

Reporting Unsafe Drivers in Washington

If you have a friend or family member who you believe can no longer drive safely, you can make a Driver Evaluation Request. The DOL accepts information from law enforcement officers, agency personnel, medical professionals, and concerned citizens who have personal knowledge that a driver may have become unsafe behind the wheel.

To report an unsafe driver, complete the Driver Evaluation Request form and mail, fax, or email it to:

Driver and Vehicle Records
Department of Licensing
PO Box 9030
Olympia, WA 98507

Fax: (360) 570-7893
Email: [email protected]

Keep in mind that any information the DOL receives about unsafe drivers isn't confidential under WA state law, and may release the name of the requester to the driver (or their attorney). For more information, see the Report Unsafe Drivers section on the DOL website.

Getting a WA License Reinstated

The DOL can suspend or cancel your license if your physical or mental health condition isn't controlled enough for you to drive safely or if you're found driving in violation of the restrictions on your license. You won't be able to renew your license while it's suspended or canceled.

You may be able to reinstate your license online with Secure Access Washington (you must create an account to use the portal). If not, make an appointment with one of the DOL offices located throughout the state.

Getting Parking Placards or Plates for a Disabled Driver

Disabled parking placards and license plates can be issued to drivers with impaired mobility so long as an acceptable medical provider certifies the condition. Placards are available for drivers who have a disability that meets at least one of the following criteria:

• you can't walk 200 feet without stopping to rest
• your ability to walk is severely limited in the ability to walk due to an arthritic, neurological, or orthopedic condition
• you can't walk without the use of an ambulatory assistive device, wheelchair, or another person
• you're legally blind and have limited mobility
• you use portable oxygen
• you have a lung disease that significantly restricts your ability to breathe
• you have cardiac condition classified as Class III or Class IV under American Heart Association standards
• you have a severe, acute sensitivity to automobile emissions that impairs your ability to walk, or
• you have porphyria (a skin disorder in which you need to avoid exposure to light).

You can obtain a disabled parking placard by completing and signing the Disabled Parking Placard for Individuals form. The form is available in about a dozen languages, including Vietnamese, Spanish, and Arabic. Have your doctor, physician, or licensed registered nurse practitioner complete the Healthcare Provider portion of the form, and then mail the form (or bring it in person) to any of the DOL offices listed on page 3 of the application.

Learn More About Washington Driving Rules for Seniors

The DOL website has plenty of additional information for drivers, including licensing and vehicle registration requirements. You can also download a Washington Driver Guide, which contains explanations of the rules of the road as well as safe driving tips. WA Driver Guides are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, and Japanese.

Where to Find a Lawyer for Help

Senior drivers generally are at an increased risk of involvement with traffic-related injuries. Age-related loss of vision and slower reaction times can contribute to a higher chance of an automobile collision. If you're dealing with the aftermath of a collision or driving infraction, you may want to contact an attorney to help you fight your traffic ticket or handle your car accident claim.