DMV, Drivers, Vehicles, Titles, REAL ID

Washington DMV Records

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Washington driver and vehicle records are kept by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), and they are protected under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA, 18 U.S.C. § 2721). This page links to the Washington Department of Licensing and the federal rules governing access.

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Washington DMV Records at a Glance

The Washington State Department of Licensing issues driver licenses and keeps driving records. Vehicles are titled and registered for the department at vehicle licensing offices.

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Washington DMV Resources

Direct Washington official government links to driver license and registration resources. Vehicle registration, tags, driving history, online forms, office locations, and hours.

Steps to getting your first licenseDriver license testingMilitary personnelDriving safety and accidentsMoving? Get WA licenseRenew your driver licenseChange your name or addressRenew your driver license while out of stateLost or stolen licenseEnhanced Driver License/ID Card (EDL/ID)Driving recordSuspended licenseMotorcyclesCommercial Driver License (CDL)Get your WA identification cardHow to renewEmissions testingFees and taxesGet new license platesReplace your license platesTransfer plates to another vehicleSpecial platesTrip permitsMoving? Get WA platesReplace a lost titleRegistration change of name or addressSalvaged vehiclesContaminated propertyTitle fraudChild support liensReport of saleTips for buying a vehicleTransferring ownership into your nameUse taxIRP (Prorate)FleetsDOT numbersPermitsFuel taxBoatsDriver licensingVehicle and boat registrationDriving record RequestEnglishSpanishChineseJapaneseVietnameseKoreanRussianDisabled parkingPractice testVisit a driver licensing officeTips for visiting an office: Driver licensing officesOrgan donorVoter registrationWashington Department of Licensing Home page and indexFrequently asked questions: EDL/IDFrequently asked questions: Driving records

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Federal & National Authoritative Sources

Straight answers

Washington DMV Records, questions

Can anyone pull my driving record?

No. The federal DPPA restricts access to 14 permitted purposes. Your employer, insurer, and courts can, with appropriate justification; random strangers cannot.

What is REAL ID and do I need one?

REAL ID is a federal standard for state IDs. After the enforcement deadline, a REAL-ID-compliant license or an alternative (passport, military ID) is required to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. A standard license still works for driving.

How do I check vehicle recalls?

NHTSA's VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls returns every open safety recall for your specific vehicle, free.

Who issues crash reports?

In Washington, the agency that worked the crash writes the report, whether the Washington State Patrol, a county sheriff or a city police department. The Washington State Patrol sells copies of collision reports online or by mail for $10.50.