Where to get your driver license in Kennewick

The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) issues driver licenses in Kennewick through the local office located at 7506 W. Clearwater Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336. This is the only place in Kennewick where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or replace a lost or damaged license. You do not need an appointment for most transactions, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. If you cannot visit during these hours, the DOL also operates offices in nearby Yakima and Tri-Cities area locations, though the Kennewick office is the closest option for residents in the when ready area. You can check current wait times and office status on the Washington DOL website before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • The Washington Department of Licensing office in Kennewick is at 7506 W. Clearwater Avenue and handles all driver license transactions without requiring an appointment.
  • You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or tax identification number to explore for a new license.
  • Washington offers both standard driver licenses and enhanced licenses (which work for land border crossings to Canada and Mexico), and you choose which type when you explore.
  • The written knowledge test, vision test, and driving skills test are all administered at the Kennewick office on the same day you explore, or you can take the knowledge test online beforehand.
  • License fees vary depending on whether you are explore for a new license, renewing, or replacing, and whether you choose a standard or enhanced license.

Documents you need to bring for a new license

Washington requires three categories of documents when you explore for a new driver license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or tax identification number. The state accepts a wide range of documents in each category, so you likely have what you need at home.

For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, passport card, birth certificate, permanent resident card, or tribal identification card. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Kennewick address. For proof of Social Security number or tax ID, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

Bring the originals of these documents — photocopies are not accepted. If any document is in a language other than English, bring both the original and an official English translation.

The written test, vision test, and driving test

Washington allows you to take the written knowledge test online before you visit the Kennewick office. This test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Washington state. Taking it online saves time at the office and lets you retake it if you do not pass on your first try. You can study using the Washington Driver Guide, which is free on the DOL website.

If you pass the online knowledge test, you will receive a confirmation number. Bring this number with you to the Kennewick office. If you prefer to take the written test in person, you can do that at the office instead — the test is available in multiple languages.

At the Kennewick office, you will take a vision test and a driving skills test (also called the road test). The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The driving skills test is conducted by a DOL examiner who rides with you in your own vehicle or a test vehicle. The examiner watches how you handle the car, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must pass both tests to receive your license.

License types: standard versus enhanced

Washington offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and an enhanced license. The main difference is that an enhanced license can be used to cross the land border into Canada and Mexico, whereas a standard license cannot. Both licenses are valid for driving within the United States and are accepted as identification for most purposes.

An enhanced license requires additional proof of citizenship or permanent residency beyond what a standard license requires. You will need to bring your passport, passport card, birth certificate, or permanent resident card to prove citizenship or residency status. The enhanced license costs more than a standard license and is valid for eight years, the same as a standard license.

Choose which type you want when you explore at the Kennewick office. If you are not sure whether you will need to cross the land border, a standard license is the less expensive option and can be upgraded to an enhanced license later if your plans change.

License validity period and renewal

A Washington driver license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which means you can start the renewal process when your license has one year or less remaining.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it, but you may need to retake the written test and vision test depending on how long it has been expired. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can usually renew by mail or online without retesting. If it expired more than one year ago, you will likely need to visit the Kennewick office and retake the tests as if you were explore for a new license.

Washington offers online renewal for many drivers, which is faster and does not require a visit to the office. You can check whether you are may be able to access for online renewal on the DOL website.

Fees and payment methods

Driver license fees in Washington vary depending on the type of license and the transaction. A new standard license costs one amount, a new enhanced license costs more, and a renewal costs less than a new license. Replacement of a lost or damaged license has its own fee. The exact amounts change periodically, so check the Washington DOL website for current fees before you visit the Kennewick office.

The Kennewick office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are renewing online, you can pay by debit card or credit card only. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.

What to do if your license is lost or damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, visit the Kennewick office and request a replacement. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or tax ID, just as you would for a new license. You do not need to retake the written, vision, or driving tests for a replacement — the office will issue a new card with the same license number and expiration date as your original.

If your license was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to local police, though this is not required to obtain a replacement. A police report can be useful if someone uses your stolen license fraudulently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Washington license by mail from Kennewick?

Some drivers can renew by mail, but not all. You are usually may be able to access for mail renewal if your license is not expired, you have not had any violations or suspensions, and your address has not changed. Check the Washington DOL website to see if you are may be able to access. If you are not, you must visit the Kennewick office in person.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. You can schedule another test at the Kennewick office or online. There is a fee each time you take the test. You do not need to retake the written or vision test if you pass those but fail the driving test.

Do I need to take a test if I already have a valid license from another state?

If you are moving to Washington and have a valid driver license from another state, you can transfer it to a Washington license. You will need to pass the vision test and written test, but not the driving test. Bring your out-of-state license along with your proof of residency and Social Security documentation to the Kennewick office.

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

If you pass all tests at the Kennewick office, you will receive a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to your address within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

What is the minimum age to get a driver license in Washington?

Washington allows learner permits starting at age 15 and 6 months. A full driver license can be issued at age 16 if you have held a learner permit for at least six months and meet other requirements. Drivers under 18 have restrictions on when they can drive and who can be in the car with them. The Kennewick office can explain these restrictions when you explore.