Where to go for your driver license in Everett

The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) office in Everett is located at 3105 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA 98201. This is the main place to explore for a new driver license, renew an existing one, or handle most license-related transactions. You can walk in during business hours, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

The Everett office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. If you need to check current wait times or confirm hours before you go, you can call the office at (425) 303-7000 or visit the Washington DOL website to see if they have posted any temporary closures or schedule changes.

You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but the DOL website allows you to reserve a time slot online if you prefer. This can reduce your wait time significantly, especially during busy periods.

Key Takeaways

  • The Everett DOL office is at 3105 Colby Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to obtain or renew a driver license.
  • A new driver license costs $72 and is valid for eight years; renewal costs $72 and extends your license for eight years.
  • If you are renewing by mail or online, you must meet specific requirements — not all renewals are handled this way.
  • You can reserve a time slot online to reduce wait time, though walk-ins are also accepted.

Documents you need to bring

Washington requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a previous Washington driver license or ID card. If you are using a birth certificate, it must be a certified copy from the vital records office, not a hospital copy.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 12 months showing your current Everett address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax statement, a vehicle registration, or a bank statement. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name appears on the document, stating that you live there.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, though the DOL can verify it without the card if you know the number.

Cost and validity period

A new Washington driver license costs $72 and is valid for eight years from the date of issue. A renewal also costs $72 and extends your license for another eight years. If you are under 21, the license costs $72 and is valid until your 21st birthday, then you must renew.

Payment is accepted in cash, debit card, or credit card at the Everett office. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order — credit cards are not accepted for mail renewals.

The fee covers the license itself and the vision test. If you need a duplicate license (for example, if yours was lost or stolen), the cost is $20.

New driver license versus renewal

A new driver license is what you need if you have never held a Washington license, if your license has expired for more than three years, or if you are moving to Washington from another state. You must take a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving skills test (the road test). You must also provide all three document categories listed above.

A renewal is what you do if your current Washington license is still valid or expired for three years or less. You do not retake the written or driving test. You do need to pass a vision test, and you must bring proof of identity and residency. Renewals can sometimes be done by mail or online, depending on your situation.

If your license expired more than three years ago, the DOL treats it as a new process, not a renewal, and you will need to retake all tests.

Renewing by mail or online

Washington allows some drivers to renew by mail or online without visiting the office in person. You are may be able to access for mail or online renewal if your current license is still valid or expired for three years or less, you have no medical restrictions on your license, and you have not changed your name since your last license was issued.

To renew online, visit the Washington DOL website and follow the renewal portal. You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online renewal costs $72 and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.

To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the DOL website or pick one up at the Everett office. Mail it to the address listed on the form with a check or money order for $72, a photocopy of your driver license, and proof of residency. Mail renewal typically takes three to four weeks.

If you do not meet the requirements for mail or online renewal, you must visit the Everett office in person.

Taking the written and driving tests

If you are explore for a new license, you must pass a written knowledge test covering Washington traffic laws and safe driving practices. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. The DOL provides a study guide on its website, and you can take practice tests online.

After you pass the written test, you will take a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

The driving skills test (road test) is scheduled separately after you pass the written and vision tests. You will drive a vehicle with a DOL examiner in the Everett area. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will test your ability to start, stop, turn, park, and handle traffic situations. You must pass this test to receive your license.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Washington license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it or obtain a new one until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or driving with a suspended license.

To learn about your license is suspended, call the Everett DOL office or check the Washington DOL website. If it is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue (pay the ticket, arrange a payment plan, or satisfy the child support obligation) before you can restore your license.

Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew or obtain your license at the Everett office. There is no additional fee to restore a suspended license beyond the normal renewal or process fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than three years ago?

No. If your license expired more than three years ago, the DOL treats it as a new process. You must visit the Everett office, pass the written test, vision test, and driving test, and bring all required documents. You cannot renew by mail or online.

What if I moved to Everett from another state?

You must obtain a new Washington driver license within 30 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of residency in Everett, and your Social Security number. You will take the written and vision tests but may be waived from the driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you pass the knowledge test.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the tests?

Your temporary license is issued on the spot after you pass all tests. Your permanent license is mailed to your address within two to three weeks. You can use the temporary license to drive when ready.

Do I need to take an eye exam before I go to the DOL office?

No. The DOL conducts a vision screening at the office. If you fail the screening, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction certificate before you can receive your license.

What if I cannot visit the Everett office in person?

If you are renewing and meet the mail or online renewal requirements, you can renew without visiting. If you need a new license or do not meet renewal requirements, you must visit the Everett office or another Washington DOL office. There is no way to obtain a new license by mail or online.