Washington State laws assert that no person may drive a motor vehicle upon a highway in this state without first obtaining a valid driver's license.

Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.20.015 speaks in regards to driving without a license when it is a traffic infraction (compare to section 46.20.005 when it is considered a misdemeanor). Under section 1 of RCW 46.20.015 it states that it is a traffic infraction and not a misdemeanor under if a person:

(a) Drives any motor vehicle upon a highway in this state without a valid driver's license issued to Washington residents under this chapter in his or her possession;

(b) Provides the citing officer with an expired driver's license or other valid identifying documentation under RCW 46.20.035 at the time of the stop; and

(c) Is not driving while suspended or revoked in violation of RCW 46.020.342 or 46.20.345.

Section 2 of this section of the RCW states the penalty for driving without a license, or any of the other conditions listed above. Here it notes that a person who violates this section of law is subject to a penalty of two hundred fifty dollars ($250). If the person appears in person before the court or submits by mail written proof that he or she obtained a valid license after being cited, the court shall reduce the penalty to fifty dollars ($50).

Driving without a license is a misdemeanor when, according to RCW 46.20.005, the person is in violation of RCW 46.20.342(1) or 46.20.420.

RCW 46.20.342(1) states that it is unlawful for any person to drive a motor vehicle in this state while that person is in a suspended or revoked status or when his or her privilege to drive is suspended or revoked in this or any other state. Any person who has a valid Washington driver's license is not guilty of a violation of this section.

46.20.420 (which was recode and is now 46.20.345) notes that any resident or nonresident whose driver's license or right or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state has been suspended or revoked as provided in this title shall not operate a motor vehicle in this state under a license, permit, or registration certificate issued by any other jurisdiction or otherwise during such suspension or after such revocation until a new license is obtained when and as permitted under this chapter. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

The punishment for a gross misdemeanor in WA is up to one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine. Driving without ever having a driver’s license does not fall into the misdemeanor category listed in these sections of the RCW though and appears to only be considered a traffic infraction per RCW 46.20.015 and thus comes with fines.

From this state law information is seems that if you received a citation for driving without a license in Washington State the fine amount is normally $250 but that it can be reduced to $50 if you obtain a valid license and submit the proof of this to the court listed on your ticket. You should double check that this would be possible in your situation by contacting the court listed on your traffic ticket if you have been cited for being an unlicensed driver in Washington State.

Keep in mind if someone lets an unlicensed driver operate their vehicle in Washington State that person may also be penalized. RCW 46.16.11 notes that it is unlawful for any person in whose name a vehicle is registered knowingly to permit another person to drive the vehicle when the other person is not authorized to do so under the laws of this state. A violation of this section is a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor in WA is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

Also it is possible that the Washington Department of Licensing may be able to delay you getting a license if you have been found guilty of driving without a license or other violations of WA laws. The DOL is authorized to place any unlicensed person into a suspended or revoked status under any circumstances which would have resulted in the suspension or revocation of the driver's license had that person been licensed.