Where to go for your driver license in Burien

Burien does not have its own Department of Licensing office. The nearest location is the SeaTac Driver License Office, located at 2000 International Boulevard in SeaTac — about 10 minutes south of Burien. This is the office that handles driver licenses for residents in the Burien area.

Washington State also operates a smaller office in Renton and a larger one in Seattle, but SeaTac is the most convenient for Burien residents. You can visit any Washington State Department of Licensing office to handle your transaction, but you will save time by going to the one closest to you.

All offices are closed Sundays and Mondays. Hours vary by location, so check the Department of Licensing website or call ahead before you go. The SeaTac office typically opens at 9 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays.

Key Takeaways

  • The SeaTac Driver License Office at 2000 International Boulevard is the nearest location to Burien and handles all driver license transactions.
  • You will need a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Social Security number, and proof of residence to get or renew a license.
  • New licenses and renewals take about 30 minutes at the office, but you should arrive early or use the online appointment system to avoid waiting.
  • Washington allows you to renew your license online if you meet certain conditions, which can save you a trip to the office entirely.
  • Your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after your appointment; you cannot take it with you the same day.

What documents you need to bring

Washington requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residence. You do not need all three from every category — one from each is enough.

For proof of identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or state ID card. A passport is fastest because it covers identity and citizenship in one document. If you use a birth certificate, it must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. The card itself is simplest.

For proof of residence, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A phone bill or credit card statement also works.

Getting a new license versus renewing

A new license is what you need if you have never had a Washington license, you moved to Washington from another state, or your license has been expired for more than three years. You will take a written test, a vision test, and a photo at the office. Bring all three document categories listed above.

A renewal is what you do if your current Washington license is still valid or expired less than three years ago. You do not retake the written or vision test unless the office flags a reason to do so. Bring the same documents as for a new license.

Washington allows online renewal for some drivers. You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that need review, and your license expires within the next 12 months. Visit the Department of Licensing website to check your status and renew if you are may be able to access. Online renewal costs less and you avoid the office visit, though your new license still arrives by mail.

Cost and how long it takes

A new driver license costs $72. A renewal costs $72. These prices do not change based on where you go in Washington. If you renew online, the cost is the same.

At the SeaTac office, the transaction itself takes about 30 minutes once you are called. However, wait times vary. On weekday mornings, you may wait 15 to 30 minutes. On Saturday afternoons, you may wait an hour or more. The Department of Licensing website lets you book an appointment online, which reserves your time slot and cuts down waiting.

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide at the office. Standard mail takes 7 to 10 business days. You cannot pick up your license at the office or take it with you the same day — the office does not print licenses on-site.

Using an appointment or walk-in

You can book an appointment online through the Department of Licensing website. Select the SeaTac office, choose your transaction type (new license or renewal), and pick an available date and time. Appointments are usually available within a week or two. Arriving at your appointment time means you skip the general waiting area and go straight to a clerk.

Walk-ins are also accepted. You arrive, take a number, and wait for your turn. Walk-ins work fine on quiet mornings, but you risk a longer wait on busy afternoons and Saturdays. If you have a flexible schedule, a weekday morning walk-in is usually faster than waiting for an appointment slot.

Bring all your documents with you, whether you have an appointment or not. The clerk will tell you when ready if anything is missing, and you cannot complete the transaction without it.

What happens if you need a replacement or duplicate

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the SeaTac office. Bring your documents the same way you would for a renewal. A replacement costs $20 and is mailed to you in 7 to 10 business days.

If you need a duplicate (an extra copy of your current license), the cost is also $20. This is useful if you want a backup or if you are moving and want a copy before your address changes.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew or replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Department of Licensing to find out the reason and what you need to do to restore it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail?

Washington does not offer mail-in renewal for driver licenses. You must either visit an office in person or renew online if you meet the conditions. Online renewal is the closest option to mail-in — you complete it from home and your license arrives by mail.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use a state ID card, a tribal ID, a military ID, or a foreign passport as proof of identity. If you have none of these, contact the Department of Licensing to ask what other documents they will accept. Some people in this situation need to visit the vital records office first to get a birth certificate.

Do I need to pass a vision test to renew?

The office will give you a vision screening as part of the renewal process. If you fail, you may be asked to get a vision exam from an eye doctor before your license is issued. If you already know you have vision problems, bring your glasses or contacts to the appointment.

How do I change my address on my license?

You can change your address online through the Department of Licensing website without visiting an office. You can also change it in person at the SeaTac office. Address changes are free and take a few minutes.

What if I moved to Burien from out of state?

You need a new Washington license, not a renewal. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residence in Washington. You will take the written and vision tests. Your out-of-state license is no longer valid once you get your Washington license.