Learn how to renew or update your driver training instructor license.
Renew your license
- You must renew your license every 2 years.
- We will send you a notice 120 days prior to remind you.
- If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you must follow the reinstatement process shown below.
How to renew
Follow these steps to renew your license.
Gather the required documents
- Proof of 8 hours of continuing professional development that you have not yet submitted to us.
- If applicable, a complete driver’s abstract from a jurisdiction immediately adjacent to Washington State where you have a driver license.
Renew your license online
You'll receive your license faster by renewing and paying online.
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW)
Don't have a SAW account? Learn how to create a SAW account.
Renew your license by mail
Complete a Driver Training School Instructor License Application form and mail with a check or money order (payable to Department of Licensing) for the renewal fee to:
Driver Training Schools
Department of Licensing
PO Box 35001
Seattle, WA 98124-3401
How to reinstate your license
Follow the steps below to reinstate your license.
1. Pass the required exams
Exams preparation
Review the following to prepare for the knowledge and skills exams:
- Washington Driver Guide
- Washington state laws:
- Driver training schools (RCW 46.82)
- Drivers' licenses – Identicards (RCW 46.20)
- Rules of the road (RCW 46.61)
- Driver training schools (WAC 308–108)
- Drive Right (10th edition), available at commercial driving schools
Take your exams
Schedule an appointment with a licensing service office to complete your instructor written and skills exams. You will pay a $25 testing fee at the licensing office.
2. Gather the necessary documents
- If applicable, a complete driver’s abstract from a jurisdiction immediately adjacent to Washington state where you have a driver's license.
- Proof you've completed 8 hours of continuing professional development.
- Payment for the application fee.
You won't need to complete new instructor training if your previous course was 100 hours. If your original instructor training was less than 100 hours, you must submit training documents to verify the additional hours.
3. Submit your application
Submit your application online
You'll receive your license faster by applying and paying online.
Log into SecureAccess Washington (SAW)
Don't have a SAW account? Learn how to create a SAW account.
Submit your application by mail
Complete a Driver Training School Instructor License Application.
Mail your form and a check or money order for the application fee (payable to the Department of Licensing) to:
Driver Training Schools
Department of Licensing
PO Box 35001
Seattle, WA 98124-3401
We keep background check results for 90 days.
4. Submit your fingerprints
Schedule and submit your fingerprints for a background check.
Schedule an appointment through IdentoGO, our electronic fingerprinting vendor. You will pay IdentoGO for taking your fingerprints and for the background checks required for your license type. For more details, see Fingerprinting and background checks.
After we’ve received your application
- We'll wait for the results from the Washington State Patrol for state and national background checks. This can take up to 6 weeks. For questions, call 360-902-3703.
- We will notify you when we approve your license.
- Once you establish your association to a school in License eXpress for Business, your printable license will become available on your dashboard within 24 hours.
Post your license
- Log into SAW to print copies of your license.
- Your license must be posted at your place of business before instructing any students.
- You can also request a copy of your license be mailed to you ($5 fee).
Get email updates
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the latest rule changes and licensing updates by email.
Related information
- Driver training schools (RCW 46.82)
- Background checks for school personnel (RCW 46.82.325)
- Driver training schools (WAC 308-108)