School Bus Driver / Washington
2026 data Washington board official source

Washington School Bus Driver License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Transports students to and from school safely.

What the Washington data shows for School Bus Drivers

Washington sets the entry bar for school bus drivers at 105 training hours and a passing score on CDL with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 21 or older. The credential is administered under Washington's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "School Bus Driver Training".

The initial price tag is $125, and renewal costs $85 every 4 years. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in Washington, which keeps the long-run cost of staying licensed lighter than in CE-heavy states.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: Federal CDL recognized nationwide.

Licensing Requirements in Washington

Education / Training Hours
School Bus Driver Training
105 hours
Exam Requirement
CDL with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements
Required
Initial License Fee
$125
Renewal Fee
$85
Renewal Cycle
Every 4 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
21 years

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Compare all states for School Bus Driver All Washington licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Washington licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for School Bus Driver in Washington? ▼
Washington requires 105 education/training hours, passing an exam (CDL with School Bus and Passenger Endorsements), and an initial fee of $125. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a School Bus Driver in Washington? ▼
Certification as a school bus driver in Washington means clearing the state's checklist: 105 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Washington licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my School Bus Driver license to Washington from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for school bus drivers nationally works like this: Federal CDL recognized nationwide. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Washington. Verify the specifics with the Washington licensing board.
Does Washington require a background check for School Bus Driver licensing? ▼
Yes, Washington requires a criminal background check as part of the school bus driver licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.