Can you drive in Washington with a Canadian license?

Yes, visitors can drive in Washington on a valid Canadian licence for up to 1 year.

The Washington State Department of Licensing states that visitors may use an out-of-country driver licence for up to 1 year. This matches RCW 46.20.025, which lets a nonresident aged 16 or older drive with a valid licence issued by their home country for up to one year.

Do I need to take a test? (dol.wa.gov)RCW 46.20.025: Exemptions - Persons who may drive without a license (app.leg.wa.gov)

Washington does not require an International Driving Permit for visitors. A valid Canadian licence is enough under state law.

RCW 46.20.025 allows a nonresident to drive with a valid driver licence issued by their home country and does not mention an International Driving Permit. The Department of Licensing also publishes no IDP requirement for visitors, so whether an IDP is helpful alongside a licence that is not in English is not addressed officially.

Do I need to take a test? (dol.wa.gov)RCW 46.20.025: Exemptions - Persons who may drive without a license (app.leg.wa.gov)

New residents may keep driving on a Canadian licence for 30 days after moving to Washington, then they need a Washington licence.

The Department of Licensing states you have 30 days after you move to Washington to get your driver licence. RCW 46.20.021 sets the same rule in law: new Washington residents must obtain a valid Washington driver licence within thirty days from the date they become residents.

Moving to Washington: Get a driver license (dol.wa.gov)RCW 46.20.021: Driver's license required - New Washington residents (app.leg.wa.gov)

Only a British Columbia Class 5 licence can be exchanged without tests. Licences from other Canadian provinces require the full first-licence process.

The Department of Licensing no-test list includes British Columbia Class 5 only, and notes that Class 7 does not transfer. A licence from a Canadian province not on the list falls under the rule that you must complete all the steps to getting your first licence, including the knowledge and drive tests.

Do I need to take a test? (dol.wa.gov)

With a British Columbia Class 5 licence, no knowledge or drive test is needed if you are 18 or older. With a licence from any other Canadian province, both tests are required. Everyone takes a vision screening.

The Department of Licensing waives testing only for British Columbia Class 5 licences (Class 7 does not transfer). Licences from other Canadian provinces must complete all the steps to getting a first licence, which means the knowledge test and the drive test. A vision screening test is a standard part of every application appointment.

Do I need to take a test? (dol.wa.gov)Driver license application: ages 18+ (dol.wa.gov)

Washington DOL does not list a separate translation requirement for Canadian licences. British Columbia Class 5 transfers without tests; if your licence is in French or otherwise not clear to the office, confirm whether supporting English documentation is needed.

The checked DOL testing page lists British Columbia Class 5 as a no-test transfer, and the moving and identity pages do not state a separate translation step for Canadian licences. Because DOL does not publish a direct yes/no translation rule, the safest answer is that no separate translation requirement is listed, with an office check for French-language or otherwise unclear documents.

Do I need to take a test? (dol.wa.gov)Moving to Washington: Get a driver license (dol.wa.gov)Documents for proof of identity (dol.wa.gov)

Bring your current licence, proof of identity, your Social Security number and payment for the fees to a Washington driver licensing office.

The Department of Licensing asks new residents to bring proof of identity including their current licence, payment for the driver licensing fee, and to tell the office their Social Security number. Acceptable identity documents are set out on the DOL proof of identity page and include foreign passports with valid immigration documentation.

Moving to Washington: Get a driver license (dol.wa.gov)Documents for proof of identity (dol.wa.gov)