Washington statute
RCW 46.20.005 — Driving without a license—Misdemeanor, when
Current through 2026 Regular Session
Part of Chapter 46.20: Drivers' Licenses—Identicards, Revised Code of Washington.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of RCW 46.20.005
Statutory text current through the 2026 Regular Session. This publication reproduces the official text of the Revised Code of Washington from the Code Reviser's published files; it is not the official statutes of the State of Washington.
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.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is driving without a license a felony or a misdemeanor in Washington?
Driving without a license is a Misdemeanor in Washington under RCW 46.20.005.
Which Washington statute covers driving without a license?
Driving without a license is governed by RCW 46.20.005 (Driving without a license—Misdemeanor, when).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.