Where to go for your Kent driver's license
Kent does not have its own Department of Licensing office. To get a new driver's license, renew an existing one, or handle most license transactions, you will need to visit a Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) office in a nearby city. The closest full-service office is in Renton, about 10 miles north of Kent. Other nearby options include offices in Federal Way (south) and Seattle (north).
You can also renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have no medical restrictions, and you cannot have changed your name or address since your last license. The online renewal option is the fastest if you are may be able to access.
Before you go to any office, check the current wait times on the Washington State DOL website. Walk-in appointments fill up quickly, and you may be turned away if the office reaches capacity. You can also book an appointment online through the DOL website, which reserves a specific time slot and usually cuts your wait time significantly.
Key Takeaways
- The nearest Department of Licensing office to Kent is in Renton, about 10 miles away; Federal Way and Seattle also have offices.
- If your license is not expired more than five years and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
- Book an appointment through the Washington State DOL website before you go, because walk-in capacity fills up and offices turn people away.
- Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number; requirements vary slightly by transaction type.
What documents you need to bring
The documents required depend on whether you are renewing an existing license or getting a new one. For a renewal, bring your current Washington driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring additional identity documents if your license is still valid.
If you are getting a driver's license for the first time or replacing one that has been lost or stolen, you will need more documents. Bring a valid passport, state ID, or birth certificate as proof of identity; proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return); and proof of your current address. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office.
If you have changed your name since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal change — bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed.
The cost and how long it takes
A standard five-year driver's license costs $72 as of 2024, though this amount can change. If you are over 65, the cost is lower. The fee covers the license itself and the transaction; there are no additional hidden charges at the office.
If you renew online or by mail, the process takes about one to two weeks from the time the DOL receives your materials. If you go to an office in person, you will usually receive your license the same day, though it may take a few days to arrive by mail if the office needs to send it to you.
Wait times at the office vary widely depending on the day and time. Mornings on weekdays are usually shorter than afternoons or weekends. If you book an appointment, you will typically wait 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-in customers may wait an hour or more, and some offices close their doors to new walk-ins if the queue becomes too long.
Renewing online or by mail instead of going to an office
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the Washington State DOL website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the steps to renew. You will pay the fee online with a credit or debit card, and your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You do not need to visit an office or take any tests.
To renew online, your current license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have no medical restrictions or endorsements on your license, and your name and address must be the same as they were on your last license. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at an office.
Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal, but you fill out a paper form instead. You can read the form from the DOL website or pick one up at any office. Mail the completed form, a check or money order for the fee, and a copy of your proof of address to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks.
What to expect when you arrive at the office
When you arrive at the Department of Licensing office, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is there and correct. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you right away so you can fix it before you move forward.
Next, you will have your photo taken and your vision tested. The vision test is straightforward — you look through a machine and read letters on a screen. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. You will also answer a few questions about your health and any medical conditions that might affect your driving.
If you are renewing a license you already have, you are done after the photo and vision test. If you are getting a license for the first time or replacing a lost one, you will take a written knowledge test on a computer. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to pass with a score of at least 80 percent. If you do not pass, you can take it again the same day or come back another time.
Replacing a lost or stolen license
If your license has been lost or stolen, report it to the police non-emergency line in Kent and get a report number. You do not need to wait for a police report to be filed before you go to the DOL office, but having the report number speeds up the process. Bring the report number with you when you go.
At the office, tell the staff member that you are replacing a lost or stolen license. You will need to bring the same documents as you would for a new license — proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. You will have your photo taken and pass a vision test. If your original license was valid and you are straightforward replacing it, you do not need to take the knowledge test again.
A replacement license costs the same as a renewal. You will receive it the same day or it will be mailed to you within a few days, depending on the office's procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my expired Washington license as ID to get a new one?
No. If your license is expired, you will need to bring a different form of ID — a passport, state ID card, or birth certificate. An expired license does not count as valid proof of identity for getting a new license, even if the name and photo are still yours.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You will need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, or a document showing you have applied for one. Bring a letter from the IRS or your tax return showing your ITIN. If you have neither, contact the Department of Licensing before you go to the office to find out what documents they will accept.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
You can walk in, but booking an appointment online is strongly recommended. Walk-in customers often wait an hour or longer, and some offices turn away walk-ins if they reach capacity. Appointments are free and take just a few minutes to book on the Washington State DOL website.
How long is a Washington driver's license valid?
A standard driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you are over 65, your license is valid for eight years. Your license will show the expiration date on the front.
Can I get a Real ID driver's license in Kent?
Yes, but you must go to a Department of Licensing office — you cannot get a Real ID by mail or online. Real ID licenses cost more than standard licenses and require additional documents, including a passport or birth certificate and proof of citizenship. Ask about Real ID when you book your appointment or arrive at the office.