Resources

Driving License How to & Related Links

According to WA State law, au pairs can drive for up to a year with a valid driver’s license from her home country.  (This should be accompanied by an international drivers license.)  Individual insurance companies have their own rules about if/when an au pair must get a license so host families should ask their insurance company about particular requirement(s).  To get a WA license, au pairs, all au pairs, except those from Germany, South Korea, and British Columbia) are required to take the computer-based knowledge, visual and practical driving test.

Step 1 – Get Social Security Number (see Social Security section below)

Step 2 – Prepare for the Washington Driving Knowledge Test & Practice Driving

Step 3 –  Gather Documents and take them the nearest Dept of Licensing Office: nearest offices are in Poulsbo (note – the theory test is only offered on Wednesdays at this office) , Bremerton, Seattle (you can also start the process by preapplying online) :

  • your Passport and US visa
  • your printed I-94 entry form
  • your DS-2019 form, with your host family name and address on it
  • social security number (or sign a declaration saying you don’t have one)
  •  WA Licensing Fees

Step 4 – Once you have passed the written test, you can make an appointment at either DOL or at a driving school to take the behind the wheel test:

Education Requirement & Options

Au pairs must take 6 credits, 8 CEU’s or at least 72 hours of in-person class time for the year at an accredited institution. These hours can be completed in any combination of courses. The State Dept. will not accept any Online or Blended Learning classes besides UCLA.  Weekend away courses are allowed.   The courses do not need to be academic.  For example, you can take dance or art classes. They DO have to be from an accredited institution. Check the database below to check if the school you are interested in is accredited: 

Most Popular Options:

Other Local Options (all of these, except Olympic College, require taking a ferry and bus/train so the ability to take these classes will depend on the au pair’s availability/schedule):

Other Weekend Away Options:

Gyms/Recreation

Health- Medical, Dental & Insurance

Host Parents – Helpful Links

Links & Resources for Au Pairs

Local Events & Deals

Places to Go/Things to Do with Kids

Positive Discipline & Parenting Resources

Social Security Number How To

  • Social Security Office Locator and Information  You will need to bring your: 1) passport and visa  2) 1-94 number  3) DS-2019 form, including host family name, address and contact info.  You can print out and fill out an application beforehand, or complete it there. You may have to wait in line for a couple of hours so bring a book to read!  Your card should be mailed 5-7 days later.  (Should you encounter issues please refer to the POM -program operations manual- for social security and the reference to au pair information can be found in section RM 10211.345.)  Nearest offices: 9594 Mickelberry Rd. NW, Silverdale, WA 98383; 915 2nd Ave, Ste 901, Seattle, WA.

Tax Resources

Travel Links for Au Pairs

Volunteering Resources