Where to go for a driver license in Kennewick

The Department of Licensing (DOL) office in Kennewick handles all driver license transactions. It is located at 7920 W. Clearwater Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336. This is the only place in Kennewick where you can get a new license, renew an existing one, or replace a lost or damaged license.

You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but the office does accept them. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis. The office is typically busier in the morning and on Mondays and Fridays, so going mid-week in the afternoon may mean a shorter wait.

Hours vary by season and day of the week. Before you go, check the DOL website or call 509-736-3000 to confirm current hours, since they change periodically and may be affected by holidays or staffing.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kennewick DOL office is at 7920 W. Clearwater Avenue and handles all driver license services without requiring an appointment for most transactions.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — the specific documents depend on whether you are getting your first license or renewing.
  • First-time applicants must pass a written knowledge test and a driving test; renewals do not require testing unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
  • A standard Washington driver license costs $72 and is valid for eight years; you can renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions.
  • Processing takes a few minutes for renewals and about an hour for first-time licenses, but you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your card is mailed.

Documents you need to bring

Washington requires three categories of proof before issuing a driver license: identity, residency, and Social Security number. The exact documents depend on whether you are getting your first license or renewing an existing one.

For identity, bring a passport, passport card, or state ID card. If you do not have one of those, you can bring a combination of documents — a birth certificate plus a school ID, or a military ID plus a utility bill. The DOL website lists all accepted combinations.

For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Kennewick address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver license renewal notice from DOL also counts.

For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can sign a declaration under penalty of perjury, and DOL will verify your number directly with Social Security.

Getting your first driver license

First-time applicants must pass two tests: a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test. You cannot take the driving test on the same day as the knowledge test — you must pass the written test first, then schedule the driving test separately.

The knowledge test covers Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official DOL manual, available free on the DOL website. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You get one free attempt; retakes cost $5 each.

The driving test is conducted by a DOL examiner who rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow). The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe decision-making. You must bring proof of insurance and vehicle registration. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting at least one day; each attempt costs $20.

Once you pass both tests, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Renewing your current driver license

If your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you can renew without retaking any tests. You have three options: in person at the Kennewick DOL office, by mail, or online.

Online renewal is the fastest and requires no visit to the office. You can renew online if your license has not been expired for more than five years, you have no medical conditions that affect driving, and you have not had any address changes since your last license. Go to the DOL website, enter your license number and date of birth, and pay the $72 renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license arrives by mail in two to three weeks.

Mail renewal works the same way but takes longer because of postal delays. You fill out the renewal form, include a check or money order for $72, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about two weeks after DOL receives it, plus mail time both ways.

In-person renewal at the Kennewick office takes about 15 minutes. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. You leave with a temporary paper license and receive your permanent card by mail within two to three weeks.

Cost and how long it takes

A standard Washington driver license costs $72 and is valid for eight years. If you are under 21, the license costs $72 and is valid for four years. Enhanced licenses (which can be used for border crossing to Canada and Mexico) cost $82.

Processing time depends on the type of transaction. Renewals take about 15 minutes in person. First-time licenses take about an hour total, including the knowledge test, paperwork, and photo. Driving tests are scheduled separately and typically happen within one to two weeks of passing the knowledge test.

In all cases, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to your address and arrives within two to three weeks under normal circumstances.

What to do if your license is lost or damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Kennewick DOL office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. The replacement costs $20 and takes about 15 minutes. You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within two to three weeks.

If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police, though it is not required to get a replacement. Reporting creates a record in case someone tries to use your old license fraudulently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission if I learned in a manual?

Yes, you can take the test in either type of vehicle. However, if you pass in an automatic, your license will be restricted to automatic transmissions only. If you want to drive manual vehicles, you must pass the test in a manual car.

What if I fail the driving test — how soon can I retake it?

You must wait at least one day before retaking the driving test. There is no limit on how many times you can retake it, but each attempt costs $20. Most people pass on the second or third try.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?

No, a W-2 or tax return is sufficient proof of your Social Security number. You do not need the card itself. If you have none of these documents, you can sign a declaration and DOL will verify your number directly.

Can I renew my license online if I moved to a new address in Kennewick?

No, online renewal requires no address changes since your last license. If you moved, you must renew in person at the Kennewick DOL office or by mail. In-person renewal takes about 15 minutes and allows you to update your address at the same time.

How far in advance can I renew my license before it expires?

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — an eight-year license issued today will still expire eight years from today, regardless of when your old one was set to expire.