Where to get your driver license in Redmond

Redmond does not have its own driver licensing office. Washington State issues all driver licenses through the Department of Licensing (DOL), and you will need to visit one of their offices to get or renew yours. The nearest DOL office to Redmond is in Bellevue, located at 1125 104th Avenue NE. There is also an office in Seattle at 1000 Second Avenue, Suite 100, and one in Kirkland at 123 3rd Street, Suite 200.

You can check the full list of Washington State DOL offices and their hours on the Department of Licensing website. Each office handles the same services — getting a new license, renewing an expired one, replacing a lost or stolen license, and updating your address or name. Hours vary by location, so confirm the office nearest you before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington State's Department of Licensing handles all driver licenses; Redmond residents must visit a DOL office in Bellevue, Seattle, Kirkland, or another location in the state.
  • You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).
  • A new driver license costs around $72 for an eight-year license; renewal costs vary depending on how long your new license will be valid.
  • You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes, though in-person renewal is also an option.
  • The DOL website lets you check wait times at each office before you visit, which can help you choose the best time to go.

Documents you need to bring

Washington State requires specific documents to issue or renew a driver license. You must bring proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form), proof of identity (a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days).

If you are renewing and your name or address has changed since your last license, bring documents that show the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you do not need the original license itself, but you should report the loss to local police if it was stolen.

Getting a new license versus renewing

A new license is what you need if you have never had a Washington State driver license, or if your previous license expired more than three years ago. You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test can be taken at the DOL office on the day you visit. The driving test requires you to bring a vehicle and a licensed driver to accompany you.

Renewal is simpler if your license is still valid or expired less than three years ago. You do not retake the written or driving test — you only update your information and pay the renewal fee. If your license expired between three and five years ago, you may be able to renew by mail without visiting an office, though you will still need to pass a vision screening.

Renewing by mail

Washington State allows mail renewal if your current license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need to update your name or other information. You can request a renewal form from the DOL website or by calling their customer service line. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the DOL receives your process. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal at any DOL office is faster — you can usually walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent license by mail within two weeks.

Cost and payment methods

A new eight-year driver license in Washington costs around $72. A four-year license costs less. Renewal fees depend on how long your new license will be valid — a four-year renewal is cheaper than an eight-year one. The DOL accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at their offices. If you are renewing by mail, you must send a check or money order.

Some people are not charged the full fee. Washington offers reduced-fee licenses for people over 62 and for people with certain disabilities. Ask the staff at the DOL office whether you may be may be able to access for a reduced fee.

What to expect during your visit

Arrive with all your documents and be prepared to wait. Wait times vary widely depending on the office and the time of day — the DOL website shows current wait times for each location. You will check in at the front desk, take a number, and wait to be called. When it is your turn, the staff member will review your documents, take your photo and signature, and collect your fee.

If you are getting a new license, you will take the written test at a computer terminal in the office. If you pass, you will schedule a driving test appointment for a later date. If you are renewing, the process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you reach the counter. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while your permanent license is mailed to your address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Washington does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the requirements, or you can visit a DOL office in person. Some limited services are available through the DOL website, such as ordering a replacement license if yours was lost or stolen, but you will still need to pick it up or have it mailed to you.

What if my license is expired by more than five years?

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to explore for a new license rather than renew. This means taking the written test, vision test, and driving test. Contact the DOL office nearest you to schedule an appointment or learn about walk-in availability.

How long does it take to get a new license after I pass the driving test?

You will receive a temporary paper license at the DOL office on the day you pass your driving test. Your permanent license will be mailed to your address within two to three weeks. You can use the temporary license to drive legally during that time.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are allowed at most Washington DOL offices, but you may wait longer during busy times. Some offices also offer appointment scheduling through their website. Check the office nearest you to see whether appointments are available and whether walk-ins are accepted.

What if I moved to Redmond from another state?

If you have a valid driver license from another state, you can exchange it for a Washington license without retaking the written and driving tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of your current address in Washington. The fee is the same as a renewal.