Where to Go for Your Driver License in Yakima

The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) office in Yakima handles all driver license services. You cannot get a Washington driver license online or by mail — you must visit in person at the Yakima DOL office, located at 1313 South 18th Street, Yakima, WA 98901. This office issues new licenses, renewals, replacements, and handles address changes.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but wait times vary by day and time of day. Mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded than late afternoons.

Before you go, check the Washington DOL website to confirm current hours, as holiday schedules and staffing changes can affect availability. You can also call the Yakima office directly at (509) 664-0555 to ask about current wait times.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit the Yakima DOL office in person at 1313 South 18th Street; driver licenses cannot be obtained online or by mail in Washington.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of Washington residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • A new driver license costs $72 and is valid for eight years; a renewal costs $72 and extends your current license by eight years.
  • Processing takes about 15 to 30 minutes at the office, and your license is issued the same day you explore.
  • If you fail the written or driving test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment within a few days.

Documents You Need to Bring

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

For proof of identity, bring one of the following: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a tribal ID, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you are renewing an existing Washington driver license, your current license counts as proof of identity.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 90 days showing your current Washington address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a property tax bill. A mail piece from a government agency also works. Post office mail forwarding notices do not count.

Getting a New Driver License vs. Renewing

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 pass a written test on traffic laws and road signs, pass a vision screening, and pass a driving test. The written test is offered in multiple languages. The driving test uses your own vehicle or a DOL test vehicle.

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 pay the renewal fee, provide updated documents if your address or name has changed, and your new license is issued the same day. Renewals are faster than new licenses — usually 10 to 15 minutes.

If your license expired more than three years ago, the DOL treats it as a new process, not a renewal, so you must retake both tests.

What Happens During Your Visit

When you arrive, take a number from the kiosk or check-in area. A staff member will call your number and ask what you need. Tell them whether you are getting a new license, renewing, replacing a lost or damaged license, or changing your address.

The staff member will review your documents, verify your information in the DOL system, and collect your fee. You will then take a vision screening test — you read letters on a screen to confirm you meet the vision standard. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening.

If you are getting a new license, you will take the written test on a computer terminal at the office. You have 40 minutes to answer 50 questions. You must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. If you pass, you schedule a driving test appointment, which usually happens within a few days. If you fail, you can retake the written test the same day or come back another time.

For the driving test, you drive a set route in Yakima while a DOL examiner watches and scores your performance. The test takes about 20 minutes. You are tested on basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving habits. If you pass, your license is printed and issued before you leave the office.

Fees and How Long It Takes

A new driver license costs $72 and is valid for eight years. A renewal also costs $72 and extends your license for eight years. A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $20. An address change on an existing license is free if you do it in person at the DOL office.

If you are getting a new license, the entire process — documents review, written test, vision screening, and scheduling the driving test — takes about 30 to 45 minutes at the office. The driving test itself happens on a separate day and takes about 20 minutes. Once you pass the driving test, your license is printed and given to you before you leave.

If you are renewing, the process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Your new license is printed and issued the same day.

If You Fail the Written or Driving Test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it when ready at the Yakima office the same day, or you can leave and come back another time. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each retake costs $20.

If you fail the driving test, you must schedule another appointment. The DOL office can usually fit you in within a few days. Each driving test attempt also costs $20. You can retake the driving test as many times as you need, but you must pass the written test first.

Changing Your Address or Name

If you move to a new address in Washington, you can update your license at the Yakima DOL office. Bring your current license and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days). The address change is free and takes about 10 minutes. Your new license is issued the same day.

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring your current license, a certified copy of the document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of identity. The name change costs $20 and is processed the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail or online?

No. Washington does not offer mail or online renewal for driver licenses. You must visit the Yakima DOL office in person. However, if your license is still valid and you have not had any violations or changes, you can renew it quickly — usually in 10 to 15 minutes.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Visit the Yakima DOL office and ask for a replacement. Bring your proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. A replacement costs $20 and is issued the same day. You do not need to retake any tests.

Do I need to pass a vision test to renew?

Yes. Even for renewals, you must pass a vision screening at the DOL office. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening. If you do not pass, the DOL may restrict your license to daytime driving only or require corrective lenses.

How long is my license valid?

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 it up to one year before it expires.

What if I moved to Yakima from another state?

You must get a new Washington driver license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license as proof of identity, along with your Social Security number and proof of Washington residency. You must pass the written test and driving test. Your out-of-state license is not valid in Washington after 30 days.