Where to get your driver's license in Auburn

Auburn has one Department of Licensing (DOL) office where you can get a new driver's license, renew an existing one, or replace a lost or damaged license. The office is located at 915 4th Street NE, Auburn, WA 98002. You can reach them by phone at (360) 931-6200 to ask about wait times or specific requirements before you go in.

The Auburn DOL office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Hours can change seasonally, so calling ahead or checking the Washington State Department of Licensing website before your visit saves time. If the Auburn office has a long wait, you can also visit any other DOL office in Washington State — your license will be the same regardless of which location you use.

Key Takeaways

  • The Auburn Department of Licensing office is at 915 4th Street NE and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to get or renew a license.
  • A standard driver's license costs $72 for an eight-year renewal and $48 for a five-year renewal; first-time licenses have different fees.
  • You must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test if you are getting your first license, but renewals do not require these tests.
  • You can renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions, which may be faster than visiting in person.

Documents you need to bring

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

For proof of identity, bring a passport, passport card, birth certificate, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of documents like a Social Security card plus a school ID or employee badge. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Auburn address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) documentation instead.

Getting your first driver's license

If you have never held a Washington driver's license, you must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the Auburn office. The knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Washington State Driver Guide, which is free and available online or in print at the Auburn DOL office.

You will also need to pass a driving test with an examiner before your license is issued. Some people schedule the driving test on the same day as the written test, while others return on a separate day. Call (360) 931-6200 to ask about scheduling and whether you can do both tests in one visit. First-time licenses cost $72 for an eight-year license or $48 for a five-year license.

Renewing your existing license

If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew it without taking a test. Renewals cost $72 for an eight-year license or $48 for a five-year license. You do not need to take a vision or knowledge test unless the DOL staff member notices a vision problem during your visit.

You can renew by mail, online, or in person at the Auburn office. Renewing by mail takes about two weeks; you will mail your current license and a completed process form to the address on the DOL website. Renewing online is faster — you can do it from home if your license is not expired and you have a valid email address. In-person renewal at the Auburn office takes about 30 to 60 minutes depending on wait times.

Replacing a lost or damaged license

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can get a replacement at the Auburn office. Bring your proof of identity and residency documents just as you would for a renewal. A replacement license costs $20 and is issued on the spot if you visit in person.

You can also report a lost or stolen license online through the Washington State Department of Licensing website before you visit, which can speed up the replacement process. If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police as well, though this is not required to get a replacement.

Real ID compliant licenses and enhanced licenses

Washington offers two types of licenses beyond the standard driver's license: a Real ID compliant license and an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). A Real ID compliant license meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. An Enhanced Driver's License allows you to cross the Canadian border by land or sea without a passport.

Both cost more than a standard license and require additional documents. A Real ID compliant license costs $72 for eight years or $48 for five years — the same as a standard renewal — but you must bring original documents proving citizenship or legal residency. An Enhanced Driver's License costs $117 for eight years and requires proof of citizenship plus a passport or birth certificate. Ask the staff at the Auburn office which type you need based on your travel plans.

What to expect during your visit

Arrive with all your documents ready and plan to spend 30 to 90 minutes at the Auburn office, depending on how busy it is. You will check in at the front desk, have your documents reviewed, take a vision test, and have your photo taken. If you are renewing or replacing a license, you will receive it before you leave. If you are getting your first license, you will take the written test that day and schedule your driving test for a later date.

Bring cash or a debit card — the Auburn office accepts both. If you have questions about your specific situation, call (360) 931-6200 before your visit rather than waiting in line to ask. The staff can tell you whether you need additional documents or whether you meet the conditions for renewing by mail or online instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it is expired?

You can renew online only if your license expired less than two years ago and you have not had any violations or changes to your address since it was issued. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person or by mail. Check the Washington State Department of Licensing website to see if you meet the online renewal conditions.

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

If you pass your driving test at the Auburn office, your license is printed and issued the same day. You will receive it before you leave. If you take the test at a separate appointment, your license arrives by mail within two weeks.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no fee to retake the test. Most people are allowed to retake it when ready, but ask the staff at the Auburn office about their specific policy when you arrive.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Auburn DOL office?

The Auburn office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require appointments. However, you can call (360) 931-6200 to ask about current wait times before you go. Some DOL offices in Washington accept online appointments through the DOL website, so check there as well.

What if I moved to Auburn from another state?

If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Washington license at the Auburn office. Bring your out-of-state license plus proof of residency in Auburn. You do not need to retake the written or driving test. The fee is the same as a renewal.