Where to go for your Kennewick driver's license

In Kennewick, you get your driver's license through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). The main office that serves Kennewick is located at 7920 W. Clearwater Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336. This is where you'll go to explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or replace a lost or damaged license.

You can also handle some transactions online through the Washington DOL website, though not all services are available that way. The in-person office is the most reliable option if you need to pass a written test, take a photo, or handle a complex situation like a suspension or restriction.

Before you go, check the office hours on the Washington DOL website — they vary by season and the office sometimes closes for training. You can also call ahead to confirm wait times, though walk-ins are accepted during regular business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kennewick DOL office is at 7920 W. Clearwater Avenue and handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements in person.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to explore for a new license.
  • Washington allows online renewal for some drivers, but you must go in person if your license is expired, suspended, or if you need a photo update.
  • The written test and vision test happen at the office, so bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
  • Fees vary depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing one — check the DOL website for current amounts.

What documents you need to bring

Washington requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need all three from one category — you can mix and match as long as you have at least one from each.

For proof of identity, bring a passport, military ID, tribal ID, or a previous Washington driver's license. If you do not have any of those, you can use a birth certificate plus one additional ID like a school ID or work badge.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Kennewick address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have your Social Security number yet, you will need to explore for one first through the Social Security Administration.

New license versus renewal: what's different

If you are getting your first Washington license or your license has been expired for more than a year, you must go in person and take both a written test and a vision test. You will also have a new photo taken. This process takes longer than a renewal and you cannot do it online.

If your license is current or expired for less than a year, you may be able to renew online through the Washington DOL website. Online renewal is faster and you keep your current photo. However, if you want to update your photo, change your address, or add a restriction (like corrective lenses), you must renew in person at the Kennewick office.

Replacement of a lost, stolen, or damaged license is a separate transaction. You do not retake the tests, but you do go to the office and pay a replacement fee. You can request a duplicate online in some cases, but the physical card is mailed to you.

The written test and vision screening

The written test covers Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Washington Driver Guide, which is free on the DOL website. The test is 35 questions and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you schedule another appointment.

The vision screening is not a full eye exam — it checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision screening, you will be asked to get a vision test from an eye care professional and bring the results back to the DOL office.

You cannot use your phone or any outside materials during the test. The office provides the test on a computer or on paper, depending on the location. If you need the test in a language other than English, call the Kennewick office ahead of time to arrange it.

Fees and how long it takes

Washington driver's license fees change periodically, so check the DOL website for the current amount. Generally, a new license costs more than a renewal, and a replacement costs less than either. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the Kennewick office.

A new license or renewal usually takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail after your appointment. If you need it faster, the office can issue a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while you wait for the plastic card.

Wait times at the Kennewick office vary. During busy seasons (spring and summer), expect to wait 30 minutes to an hour even with an appointment. Arriving early in the day or mid-week is usually faster than afternoons or Fridays.

If your license is suspended or restricted

If your Washington license is suspended due to unpaid tickets, unpaid child support, or a DUI, you cannot renew it online and the Kennewick office cannot issue you a new one until the suspension is lifted. You must resolve the underlying issue first — pay the tickets, arrange a payment plan, or complete a DUI program depending on the reason.

Once the suspension is cleared, contact the DOL to confirm it has been removed from your record. Then you can go to the Kennewick office to renew or replace your license. Bring proof that the issue has been resolved, such as a receipt showing payment or a letter from the court.

If your license has a restriction (such as corrective lenses required or no commercial driving), the restriction carries over to your new license automatically. If you want to remove a restriction, you must prove to the office that the reason for it no longer applies — for example, a new vision test showing you no longer need glasses.

Online renewal and what it covers

Washington DOL allows online renewal if your license is current or expired for less than a year, you have no suspensions or restrictions, and you do not need a new photo. You log into your account on the DOL website, confirm your information, and pay the renewal fee. Your new license is mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not work if you have moved and need to update your address — you must go to the office in person for that. It also does not work if you want to change your name, add a restriction, or update your photo.

If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access for online renewal, the DOL website has a tool that checks your status. You can also call the Kennewick office or visit in person to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in Spanish or another language?

Yes. The Washington DOL offers the written test in multiple languages. Call the Kennewick office at least a few days ahead to let them know which language you need, so they can have the test ready for you.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it, but you must schedule another appointment. There is usually a waiting period of a few days between attempts. You can study the Washington Driver Guide in the meantime and try again at your next appointment.

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

Walk-ins are accepted during regular office hours, but appointments are faster and reduce wait time. You can schedule an appointment online through the Washington DOL website or by calling the Kennewick office directly.

What if I moved to Kennewick from another state?

You must get a Washington license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Kennewick, and proof of your Social Security number. You will take the written test and vision screening, and a new photo will be taken. Your out-of-state license will be surrendered.

How do I replace a lost or stolen license?

Go to the Kennewick DOL office with proof of identity and residency. You do not retake the tests. Pay the replacement fee and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can request a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait.