Quick facts and official links for newcomers living in Washington.
Quick facts
- Capital: Olympia
- Largest city: Seattle
- State income tax: No state income tax on wages.
- Minimum wage: $17.13. Some cities and counties set a higher local rate.
Official links
- All Washington state services: USA.gov: Washington lists the state’s official agencies, including health, education and consumer protection.
- Driver’s licenses and ID cards: Washington Department of Licensing. See our Driving guide.
- Health insurance: HealthCare.gov will send you to the right marketplace for Washington. See our Health care guide.
- Free and low-cost legal help: ImmigrationLawHelp.org (search by ZIP code). See Find legal help.
- Local help with food, housing and bills: call 211.
Members: our step-by-step guides explain how to get a Social Security number, open a bank account, rent a home, enroll children in school and more.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Minimum wage figures are from the U.S. Department of Labor (July 1, 2026) and may change. This page is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm with the official agency.