# RCW 46.20.021: RCW 46.20.021: New residents

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T46_C20_S021

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 46.20.021
- **Heading:** RCW 46.20.021: New residents
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 46 / Chapter 20 / Section 021

## Text

(1) New Washington residents must obtain a valid Washington driver's license within thirty days from the date they become residents. (2) To qualify for a Washington driver's license, a person must surrender to the department all valid driver's licenses that any other jurisdiction has issued to him or her. The department must invalidate the surrendered photograph license and may return it to the person. (a) The invalidated license, along with a valid temporary Washington driver's license provided for in RCW 46.20.065 , is proper identification. (b) The department shall notify the previous issuing department that the licensee is now licensed in a new jurisdiction. (3) For the purposes of obtaining a valid driver's license, a resident is a person who manifests an intent to live or be located in this state on more than a temporary or transient basis. Evidence of residency includes but is not limited to: (a) Becoming a registered voter in this state; or (b) Receiving benefits under one of the Washington public assistance programs; or (c) Declaring residency for the purpose of obtaining a state license or tuition fees at resident rates. (4)(a) "Washington public assistance programs" means public assistance programs that receive more than fifty percent of the combined costs of benefits and administration from state funds. (b) "Washington public assistance programs" does not include: (i) The Food Stamp program under the federal Food Stamp Act of 1964; (ii) Programs under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966, 42 U.S.C. Secs. 1771 through 1788; (iii) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; and (iv) Any other program that does not meet the criteria of (a) of this subsection.

## 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_S021. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.