Where to get your driver's license in Redmond

Redmond, Washington has one dedicated Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) office located at 16410 Cleveland Street, Redmond, WA 98052. This is a state-run office where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most other license-related transactions. You can also visit any other DVS office in Washington State if the Redmond location doesn't work for your schedule.

The Redmond office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hours can change seasonally or for holidays, so check the Washington State Department of Licensing website before you go. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary — you may wait anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week.

You can also renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions, which is often faster than visiting in person. Not all transactions can be done remotely, so understanding which route works for your situation saves a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The Redmond DVS office is at 16410 Cleveland Street and is open weekdays 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • You will need a valid form of ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or a statement that you don't have one.
  • A standard Washington driver's license costs $72 and is valid for eight years; a Real ID-compliant license costs $82 and is also valid for eight years.
  • If you are renewing by mail or online, you must have a valid license that is not expired or suspended, and you cannot have changed your name or address.
  • First-time applicants and anyone with a suspended or revoked license must visit the office in person.

Documents you need to bring

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

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a valid passport card, a valid military ID, a valid tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate. If you don't have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, which includes things like a school ID, a work ID, or a utility bill with your name on it.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 12 months showing your current Washington address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can sign a statement saying so, and you will receive a license marked "Not for Federal Purposes."

The cost and type of license you choose

A standard Washington driver's license costs $72 and is valid for eight years. This license is acceptable for driving and most everyday purposes, but it cannot be used for federal identification at airports or federal buildings.

A Real ID-compliant license costs $82 and is also valid for eight years. This license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards for identification. If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building, you will need a Real ID license or another form of federal ID like a passport.

Both types of license are issued on the spot if you pass the written test and vision screening. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your physical card by mail within two weeks.

Renewing by mail or online

If your current Washington driver's license is valid and not suspended, and you have not changed your name or address, you may be able to renew without visiting the office. The Washington Department of Licensing website has an online renewal tool where you can check whether you are may be able to access and complete the renewal in one session.

Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and takes about two weeks for your new card to arrive by mail. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start.

Mail renewal is also an option. You can request a renewal form from the Department of Licensing or read one from their website. Mail it back with the required fee, and your new license will arrive by mail. This process typically takes three to four weeks from the time the office receives your form.

What to expect during your visit

When you arrive at the Redmond DVS office, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. Bring all your documents and have them organized before you reach the counter — this speeds up the process.

At the counter, the staff member will review your documents, ask you to sign forms, and take your photograph. You will also take a vision screening test and a written knowledge test about Washington traffic laws. The written test has 35 questions and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass.

If you pass both tests and your documents are in order, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your physical card will be mailed to the address on your process within two weeks. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.

If your license is suspended or revoked

If your Washington driver's license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit the DVS office in person and bring proof that the suspension or revocation has been lifted. This proof might be a letter from the Department of Licensing, a court order, or documentation that you have completed a required program.

The staff at the Redmond office can tell you what specific documents you need based on why your license was suspended. Call ahead at the office or check the Department of Licensing website to understand what you must bring.

Changing your name or address

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must visit the office in person and bring proof of the name change. Acceptable proof includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate.

If you have only changed your address, you can update it by mail, online, or in person. The online address change tool on the Department of Licensing website is the fastest option and takes effect when ready. You do not need to pay a fee to update your address alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

No. If your license is expired, you must visit the DVS office in person and retake the written test and vision screening. You cannot renew an expired license by mail or online. Bring all required documents and be prepared to spend 30 minutes to an hour at the office.

Do I need a Real ID license to fly within the United States?

Yes, starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or another form of federal ID like a passport to board a domestic flight. A standard Washington driver's license will not be accepted at airport security. If your current license is standard, you can upgrade to Real ID at your next renewal or visit the DVS office to change it now.

What if I lost my documents and can't find them?

Contact the issuing agency to request a replacement. For a birth certificate, contact the county vital records office where you were born. For a Social Security card, visit the Social Security Administration office or call 1-800-772-1213. For a passport, contact the U.S. State Department. The DVS office cannot issue these documents for you.

How long does it take to get my new license card in the mail?

Your physical license card arrives by mail within two weeks of your visit or process. You receive a temporary paper license when ready if you visit in person, and this is valid for driving while you wait for your card. If you renew online or by mail, the timeline is similar — expect your card within two to three weeks.

Can I take the written test more than once if I fail?

Yes. If you fail the written test during your visit, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost. You can retake it as many times as needed during a single visit. If you leave and return another day, you may be charged a retest fee.