Where the Federal Way driver's license office is and what it handles

The Federal Way driver's license office is run by the Washington State Department of Licensing. It is located at 33010 9th Avenue South, Federal Way, WA 98003. This office issues new driver's licenses, renews licenses that are expiring, issues state ID cards for people who do not drive, handles license suspensions and reinstatements, and processes name or address changes on your license.

The office does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those services are at the vehicle licensing office, which is a separate location. If you need to register a car or transfer a title, you will need to go to a different office or use an online service through the Washington State Department of Licensing website.

Key Takeaways

  • The Federal Way office is at 33010 9th Avenue South and handles driver's licenses, state IDs, renewals, and suspensions.
  • You will need to bring specific documents depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or changing information on an existing one.
  • Hours and wait times change by season and day of week, so check the Department of Licensing website or call ahead before you go.
  • You can renew your license online or by mail if it is not suspended and you do not need to update your photo, which saves a trip to the office.
  • The office accepts appointments through the Department of Licensing website, and booking ahead usually means a shorter wait than walk-ins.

What documents you need to bring

The documents required depend on what you are doing. For a new driver's license, you need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or previous license), proof of Washington residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security number. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test unless you already hold a valid license from another state.

For a renewal, the requirements are simpler if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo. You can often renew by mail or online without going to the office. If you are renewing in person or your address has changed, bring your current license and proof of residency. If you are changing your name, bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency.

For a state ID card (if you do not drive), bring the same documents as you would for a new driver's license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

How to make an appointment or prepare for a walk-in visit

The Department of Licensing website allows you to book an appointment at the Federal Way office. Appointments usually have shorter wait times than walk-ins, especially during busy seasons. To book, go to the Department of Licensing website, select the Federal Way location, and choose a date and time that works for you. You will receive a confirmation with your appointment details.

If you prefer to walk in without an appointment, the office accepts walk-ins during all operating hours, but wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the day and time. Weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be less busy than late afternoons or Saturdays. Call the office at (360) 357-2540 before you go if you want to know the current wait time.

When you can renew online or by mail instead

You do not have to go to the Federal Way office to renew your license if certain conditions are met. You can renew online through the Department of Licensing website if your license is not suspended, you do not need to update your photo, and your address has not changed. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.

You can also renew by mail by filling out the renewal form (available on the Department of Licensing website), including a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mailing it to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes longer — usually three to four weeks — but it requires no trip and no appointment. Use mail renewal if you prefer not to visit an office and you have time to wait.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at the Federal Way office, you will check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will verify your identity and residency, check your Social Security number against state records, and ask you to confirm your address and any other information on your license. If you are getting a new photo, you will stand for a photo at a camera station in the office.

If you are taking a written test (required for a new license if you do not hold a valid license from another state), you will sit at a computer terminal and answer questions about Washington traffic laws. The test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You must pass with a score of at least 80 percent. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another time.

If you are taking a driving test, that is scheduled separately and does not happen at the Federal Way office. You will need to book a driving test appointment through the Department of Licensing website at a designated testing location.

Fees and how long your license lasts

A new driver's license costs $72 and is valid for eight years. A renewal costs $72 and extends your license for another eight years. A state ID card costs $72 and lasts five years. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change — check the Department of Licensing website for the most up-to-date pricing.

You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended (usually for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction), you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. The Federal Way office can tell you the reason for your suspension and what you need to do to reinstate it. Reinstatement often requires paying a reinstatement fee (usually $100 to $200), paying any outstanding fines or child support, or completing a required program.

Once you have met the conditions for reinstatement, you can explore at the Federal Way office or online through the Department of Licensing website. Reinstatement usually takes one to two business days if you explore in person, or three to five business days if you explore online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change when your next renewal is due — your new expiration date will be eight years from your current expiration date, not eight years from the renewal date. This means renewing early can actually shorten the life of your new license, so only do it if you need a new photo or have a name change.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Go to the Federal Way office with proof of identity and proof of residency, and ask for a replacement. You will pay a replacement fee (usually $20 to $30) and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent replacement license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police for your records.

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

You can walk in without an appointment, but appointments usually have shorter waits. If you book an appointment through the Department of Licensing website, you will know your wait time in advance and can plan your visit. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis and may wait 30 minutes to over an hour depending on how busy the office is that day.

What if I moved to Federal Way from another state?

You have 30 days from moving to Washington to get a Washington driver's license. Go to the Federal Way office with your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Washington (a lease, utility bill, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number. If your out-of-state license is still valid, you may not need to take a written test, but you will need to pass a vision test and have a new photo taken.

Can I get a Real ID at the Federal Way office?

Yes. A Real ID is a driver's license or state ID that meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. It costs the same as a regular license and requires the same documents, plus one additional document proving your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). Ask for a Real ID when you renew or get a new license, or go in specifically to upgrade your current license.