Where to get your driver license in Federal Way

The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) issues driver licenses in Washington state. In Federal Way, you go to the DOL office located at 33010 9th Avenue South, Federal Way, WA 98003. This is the only place in Federal Way where you can take the written test, vision test, and photo for a new license or renewal.

You can also renew your license by mail or online through the DOL website if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must be between 18 and 70 years old, and you cannot have any medical restrictions. Not everyone qualifies for mail or online renewal, so check the DOL website first to see if your situation allows it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Federal Way DOL office at 33010 9th Avenue South is where you take your tests and get your photo taken for a new license.
  • You need to bring a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of your Social Security number and Washington residency.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Washington Driver Guide on the DOL website before you go.
  • The vision test happens at the office, and you must pass it to receive your license — bring glasses or contacts if you use them.
  • Fees vary by license type and age; check the DOL website for current pricing before your visit.

Documents you need to bring

Washington requires you to prove three things: your identity, your Social Security number, and that you live in Washington. Bring one document from each category below.

For identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, state ID, tribal ID, or military ID. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form. For Washington residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, or a property tax statement.

If you are under 18, you also need a signed Parental Consent form (Form DL 44) and proof that your parent or guardian lives in Washington. If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at the Federal Way office, you will check in and wait to be called. The staff will review your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. You will then take the vision test — you must read the eye chart clearly enough to pass. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test.

Next, you take the written test on a computer. The test has 50 questions about Washington traffic laws and road signs. You must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. The Washington Driver Guide, available free on the DOL website, covers all the material on the test.

If you pass both tests, your temporary license is printed on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you fail the written test, you can schedule another attempt before you leave or return later.

Fees and license types

Washington charges different fees depending on whether you want a standard driver license or an enhanced license (which works for travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean). Fees also depend on how long you want the license to be valid — typically 5 or 8 years for adults.

The DOL website lists current fees by license type and age. Bring cash, debit card, or credit card — the Federal Way office accepts all three. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the staff about fee waivers; some people may be able to pay a reduced amount.

Hours and wait times

The Federal Way DOL office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is closed on Sundays and state holidays. Wait times vary — mornings are usually shorter than afternoons, and Saturdays tend to be busier than weekdays.

You do not need an appointment. Arrive early if you want to avoid a long wait, or check the DOL website before you go — some offices post current wait times online. Bring something to read or do while you wait.

If you fail the written test

You can retake the written test when ready at the Federal Way office if you fail on your first try. You pay the test fee again. Most people pass on the second attempt after reviewing the Washington Driver Guide more carefully.

If you fail three times, you must wait seven days before taking the test again. Use that time to study the Driver Guide and take practice tests online — the DOL website has free practice tests that match the real exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the test in another language?

Yes. The DOL offers the written test in Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Somali, and Russian, as well as English. Tell the staff which language you need when you check in. The vision test and photo are the same regardless of language.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can get a Washington driver license without a Social Security number if you are not may be able to access for one. Bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access. The rest of the process is the same.

Do I need to pass the vision test to get a license?

Yes. If you do not pass the vision test, you cannot receive a license that day. You can return after seeing an eye doctor and getting a corrective lens prescription if needed. Bring your glasses or contacts to your next visit.

How long does the whole process take?

From check-in to leaving with your temporary license usually takes 45 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the office is and whether you pass both tests on your first try. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What if I move out of Federal Way after I get my license?

Your Washington license is valid anywhere in the state. You do not need to update it if you move within Washington. If you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state's motor vehicle department.