# RCW 46.20.005: RCW 46.20.005: Driving without a license—Misdemeanor, when

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S005

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 46.20.005
- **Heading:** RCW 46.20.005: Driving without a license—Misdemeanor, when
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 46 / Chapter 20 / Section 005

## Text

Except as expressly exempted by this chapter, it is a misdemeanor for a person to drive any motor vehicle upon a highway in this state without a valid driver's license issued to Washington residents under this chapter. This section does not apply if at the time of the stop the person is not in violation of RCW 46.20.342 (1) or * 46.20.420 and has in his or her possession an expired driver's license or other valid identifying documentation under RCW 46.20.035 . A violation of this section is a lesser included offense within the offenses described in RCW 46.20.342 (1) or * 46.20.420 .

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 14.20.100 RCW 14.20.100: Appeal from secretary's order.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S100.md)
- [RCW 46.20.001 RCW 46.20.001: License required—Rights and restriction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S001.md)
- [RCW 46.20.005 RCW 46.20.005: Driving without a license—Misdemeanor, when.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S005.md)
- [RCW 46.20.015 RCW 46.20.015: Driving without a license—Traffic infraction, when.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S015.md)
- [RCW 46.20.017 RCW 46.20.017: Immediate possession and displayed on demand.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S017.md)
- [RCW 46.20.021 RCW 46.20.021: New residents.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S021.md)
- [RCW 46.20.022 RCW 46.20.022: Unlicensed drivers—Subject to Title 46 RCW.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S022.md)
- [RCW 46.20.024 RCW 46.20.024: Unlawful to allow unauthorized minors to drive.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S024.md)
- [RCW 46.20.025 RCW 46.20.025: Exemptions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S025.md)
- [RCW 46.20.027 RCW 46.20.027: Armed forces, dependents.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S027.md)
- [RCW 46.20.031 RCW 46.20.031: Ineligibility.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S031.md)
- [RCW 46.20.035 RCW 46.20.035: Proof of identity.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S035.md)
- [RCW 46.20.036 RCW 46.20.036: Other forms of identification, use—Department to develop in consultation with the department of children, youth, and families, office of the superintendent of public instruction, and office of homeless youth prevention and protection programs.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S036.md)
- [RCW 46.20.037 RCW 46.20.037: Facial recognition matching system.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S037.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S005. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.