Where to go for your driver's license in Kennewick

The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) handles all driver's licenses in Kennewick. You cannot get one from city hall or a local police department — you must go to a DOL office or use their online services for certain transactions.

Kennewick has one full-service DOL office located at 7920 W. Clearwater Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336. This office issues new licenses, handles renewals, processes name changes, and manages most other license-related requests. You can also reach them at (509) 736-2300 during business hours to ask about wait times or specific requirements for your situation.

If you cannot visit Kennewick, the nearest DOL offices are in Yakima (about 50 miles south) and Spokane (about 80 miles north). Some transactions can also be handled online through the Washington State DOL website, though you will still need an in-person appointment for your photo and signature.

Key Takeaways

  • The DOL office on W. Clearwater Avenue in Kennewick is the only place to get a Washington driver's license; city offices cannot issue them.
  • You need a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of residency to get a new license.
  • Renewals by mail are available if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change, but you will still need to renew in person eventually.
  • Appointment slots fill quickly, especially at the start of each month, so booking online or calling ahead is faster than walking in.
  • Processing takes about 10 business days for standard service; expedited service costs extra and takes 3 to 5 business days.

What documents you need for a new license

Washington requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. You cannot use a single document for both, even if it has your address on it.

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a tribal ID, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth. If you do not have any of these, you will need to contact the DOL office directly — they can sometimes work with alternative documents, but this takes longer.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Kennewick address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (like a tax notice or court document) also works. If you live with someone else and are not on the lease or utility bill, you can bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.

Bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a driver's license.

Getting a new license versus renewing an existing one

If you have never had a Washington driver's license, you are getting a new license. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. You cannot do any of this online or by mail. The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; the driving test is conducted by a DOL examiner in your vehicle or theirs.

If your Washington license is still valid (not expired) and you have not changed your name, you can renew by mail or online without taking either test. You will pay the renewal fee, submit your documents, and receive your new license by mail in about 10 business days. However, you will eventually need to renew in person — Washington requires an in-person renewal every other renewal cycle, which means you can do it by mail once, then must come in person the next time.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it by mail if it expired fewer than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license and take both tests.

How to book an appointment and what to expect

Walk-ins are accepted at the Kennewick DOL office, but wait times are often 2 to 4 hours, especially on Mondays and at the start of the month. Booking an appointment online through the Washington State DOL website takes 5 to 10 minutes and guarantees you a specific time slot.

To book online, go to dol.wa.gov, select "Schedule an Appointment," choose the Kennewick location, and pick the service you need (new license, renewal, or other). You will see available dates and times for the next several weeks. Slots typically open on the first of each month for appointments 30 days out. If no slots show for your preferred date, check back the next day — cancellations open up regularly.

Bring all your documents, your Social Security number, and a completed process form (you can fill it out online before you go or at the office). Arrive 10 minutes early. The appointment itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes: they will verify your documents, take your photo, collect your fee, and schedule your tests if you are getting a new license.

If you are taking the written test, you can do it the same day as your appointment. The driving test is scheduled for a later date — usually within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on how busy the office is.

Costs and processing times

A new driver's license costs $72 and is valid for eight years. A renewal costs $72 and is also valid for eight years. These prices do not change based on age or whether you are renewing by mail or in person.

If you need your license faster, Washington offers expedited service for an additional $20. Standard processing takes about 10 business days from the date you submit your process; expedited takes 3 to 5 business days. Both timelines assume you submit all required documents correctly the first time. If something is missing or incorrect, the clock restarts when you resubmit.

If you are getting a new license and need to take the driving test, that test is free, but you must pass the written test before you can schedule the driving test. There is no fee to retake either test if you fail.

What happens if you fail the written or driving test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment to try again later. Most people retake it within a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, and each attempt is free.

If you fail the driving test, you must wait at least one day before retaking it. You can schedule your next attempt through the DOL office or online. Again, there is no fee and no limit on attempts. Many people pass on their second or third try, so failing does not prevent you from getting your license — it just delays it.

If you pass the written test but fail the driving test, your written test result stays valid for one year. You do not have to retake the written test when you retake the driving test, as long as you schedule the driving test within that year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it is expired?

You can renew by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license in person and take both the written and driving tests. Check the expiration date on your license — it is printed on the front.

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

Walk-ins are accepted, but you will usually wait 2 to 4 hours. Booking an appointment online takes a few minutes and guarantees a specific time slot. Appointments are free and can be scheduled up to 30 days in advance through the Washington State DOL website.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

Contact the Kennewick DOL office at (509) 736-2300 and describe what documents you do have. They can sometimes work with alternatives like a military ID, tribal ID, or permanent resident card. If you have none of these, you may need to order a birth certificate from the county or state where you were born before you can get a license.

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

Your license is mailed to you after you pass the driving test. Standard processing takes about 10 business days; expedited service takes 3 to 5 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card.

Can I get a Real ID license in Kennewick?

Yes. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license ($72) and is valid for eight years. It allows you to use your license as identification for federal buildings and domestic flights. You need the same documents as a standard license, plus proof of your Social Security number. Ask for a Real ID when you visit the Kennewick DOL office.