Where to get your driver's license in Puyallup

The Department of Licensing (DOL) office in Puyallup is located at 1001 39th Avenue Southwest, Puyallup, WA 98373. This is the place you go to get a new driver's license, renew an expiring one, or replace a lost or damaged license. You can walk in during business hours, but the office often has a wait, so arriving early in the day typically means a shorter line.

The Puyallup office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day — some days open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., while others have different schedules. Before you go, check the DOL website or call 360-236-4500 to confirm the current hours, because they can change seasonally or due to staffing.

You can also renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions, which may save you a trip to the office. Not everyone is may be able to access for these routes, so read the section below about your renewal options before you decide to visit in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The Puyallup DOL office is at 1001 39th Avenue Southwest and handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements during weekday business hours.
  • You will need to bring a valid ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number — the exact documents depend on whether you are getting a new license or renewing.
  • If your license is not expiring soon, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting the office in person.
  • The fee for a new driver's license is different from the fee for a renewal, and both vary depending on how long you want your license to be valid.
  • If you are under 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign your process, and the rules for testing and restrictions are different than for adults.

What documents to bring for a new license

If you are getting a driver's license for the first time, you need to bring several documents to prove who you are, where you live, and your Social Security number. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a passport, or a state ID card — one of these is your primary proof of identity. You also need a second form of ID, such as a school ID, tribal ID, or military ID.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Puyallup address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return.

If you do not have all these documents, the DOL office can tell you what alternatives they will accept. Some documents can be notarized if you do not have the original. Call the Puyallup office before you go if you are unsure whether what you have will work.

What documents to bring for a renewal

Renewing your license in person requires fewer documents than getting a new one. Bring your current driver's license and proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

If your license has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot renew it — you have to replace it instead. Replacement is similar to renewal but may cost more and requires you to report the loss or damage to the DOL.

Renewing by mail or online instead of visiting the office

Washington allows some people to renew their driver's license without going to the DOL office. You can renew online if your license is not expiring within the next 30 days, you have not renewed online in the past four years, and you do not need to change your address, name, or other information on your license. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

You can also renew by mail if you meet similar conditions. Mail renewal takes longer — usually two to three weeks — but you do not have to leave your home. The DOL website has a tool that tells you whether you are may be able to access for online or mail renewal before you start the process.

If you do not meet the conditions for online or mail renewal, you have to visit the Puyallup office in person.

Testing and fees for a new license

When you get a new driver's license, you have to pass a written test about Washington traffic laws and road signs, and a driving test where an examiner watches you drive. The written test is usually given on a computer at the DOL office. You can study using the Washington Driver Guide, which is free on the DOL website.

The driving test happens in your own vehicle or in a vehicle provided by the DOL, depending on the office. You schedule the driving test at the same time you take the written test. The wait for a driving test appointment varies — sometimes it is a few weeks, sometimes longer, depending on how busy the Puyallup office is.

The fee for a new driver's license depends on how long you want it to be valid. A license valid for five years costs one amount; a license valid for eight years costs more. Renewal fees are lower than new license fees. The DOL website lists the current fees, which can change year to year.

Rules for drivers under 18

If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person at the DOL office. You cannot get a license without this signature. You also have to follow the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program, which means your license will have restrictions on when and how you can drive.

As a new driver under 18, you start with a permit that lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. After holding the permit for a certain amount of time and meeting other requirements, you can take the driving test and get your license. Even after you get your license, you will have restrictions — for example, you may not be able to drive late at night or carry passengers who are not family members. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you have held your license for a certain period.

What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the Puyallup DOL office and ask for a replacement. Bring your proof of residency and any ID you still have. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police, though this is not required to get a replacement. The replacement fee is usually the same as or slightly more than a renewal fee.

A replacement license is mailed to you, so you will not have it when ready. The DOL can issue a temporary paper license that you can use while you wait for the real one to arrive in the mail, usually within one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at the Puyallup DOL office instead of waiting in line?

Washington's DOL does not currently offer appointment scheduling at most offices, including Puyallup. You go during business hours and take a number. Arriving early in the morning usually means a shorter wait than going in the afternoon.

What if I moved to Puyallup from another state?

You can convert your out-of-state license to a Washington license at the Puyallup office. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency in Puyallup, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not have to take the written or driving test if your out-of-state license is still valid, though the office may ask you to take an eye test.

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

Your license is mailed to you after you pass the driving test. It usually arrives within one to two weeks. The DOL can give you a temporary paper license to use while you wait for the real one.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can take the driving test again. There is usually a waiting period before you can retake it, and you have to pay the test fee again. The DOL office can tell you how long you have to wait and when the next available test date is.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else?

You do not have to bring your Social Security card specifically. A W-2, 1099, tax return, or other document showing your Social Security number works. If you do not have any of these, ask the Puyallup office what else they will accept before you go.