The issue date on a Washington State driver's license is labeled ISS and appears on the front of the card. Washington licenses are valid for 6 years for most adult drivers. The state also offers an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) that works as a passport alternative for border crossings with Canada. Here is how to read every field on your Washington license.

Where to find the issue date on a Washington State driver's license

On the current Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) license design, the issue date is labeled ISS and printed on the front of the card. ISS stands for Issue Date and marks when the DOL issued your current card. Each renewal resets the ISS date while keeping your license number the same.

Date fields on a Washington driver's license

• ISS — Issue date. When your current card was printed.
• DOB — Date of birth. Your birthdate for identity and age verification.
• EXP — Expiration date. Washington driver's licenses are valid for 6 years for most adult drivers.

What does DD mean on a Washington driver's license?

DD stands for Document Discriminator, a unique serial number for each physical card. It changes every time a new card is printed, even if your license number stays the same. Banks, car rental agencies, and identity verification systems use the DD as a secondary authentication check.

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Restrictions on a Washington driver's license

Washington licenses display restrictions in the RSTR field. Common restriction codes:

• A — Corrective lenses required
• B — Daylight driving only
• C — No highway driving
• E — Automatic transmission only
• F — Outside mirror on driver's side required

Washington Enhanced Driver's License: the passport alternative

Washington is one of a small number of states that offers an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). A Washington EDL has a U.S. flag design and works as a passport alternative for land and sea border crossings between the U.S. and Canada. Washington shares a long border with British Columbia, making the EDL practical for residents who cross frequently.

The EDL is also REAL ID compliant, so it works for domestic air travel as well. Getting an EDL requires additional documentation and a higher fee than a standard license, and it must be obtained in person at a DOL office.

Washington REAL ID

Washington issues standard, REAL ID-compliant, and Enhanced licenses. A REAL ID Washington license has a gold star in the upper right corner. From May 7, 2025, a REAL ID or another accepted federal document is required for domestic air travel and federal facilities. Standard Washington licenses without the star work for driving but not for air travel.

How to renew a Washington driver's license

Washington DOL offers online renewal at dol.wa.gov for standard license renewals. Eligible drivers can renew online if their address has not changed and they do not need a new photo. In-person renewal at a DOL office is required for first-time REAL ID or EDL, address changes, and new photos.

How to find your original Washington licensing date

The ISS date on your card shows when your current card was issued, not your original licensing date. To find your original date, request a copy of your driving record through the Washington DOL website. The record shows your full licensing history and any violations or suspensions.