Where to go for your Longview driver's license

In Longview, Washington, you get your driver's license through the Department of Licensing (DOL), which is the state agency that issues all Washington driver's licenses and ID cards. The main Longview office is located at 1426 Commerce Avenue, Longview, WA 98632. You can also visit any other DOL office in Washington state if that is more convenient — your license will be the same regardless of which office you use.

Before you go in person, check the DOL website or call the Longview office at (360) 902-3900 to confirm current hours and whether you need an appointment. Some services require advance scheduling, especially for road tests or certain document verifications.

Key Takeaways

  • The Department of Licensing office in Longview is at 1426 Commerce Avenue, and you can also visit any other DOL office in Washington state.
  • You will need to bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • A new driver's license costs $72 for an eight-year license, and a renewal costs $72 as well; fees vary slightly for different license types.
  • If you are getting your first license or renewing after it expires, you may need to pass a written test, vision test, or road test depending on your situation.
  • You can renew your license online through the DOL website if you meet certain conditions, which is faster than visiting in person.

What documents you need to bring

Washington requires you to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number or ITIN before issuing a driver's license. Bring one document from the "REAL ID" category — a passport, passport card, enhanced tribal ID, or military ID — or two documents from the standard ID category, such as a birth certificate plus a Social Security card.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Longview address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease in your name, you can bring a letter from your landlord or a property tax statement instead.

Bring your current driver's license if you are renewing, or your learner's permit if you are upgrading to a full license. If your license is expired, bring it anyway — it still counts as proof of identity.

Getting your first license or upgrading from a learner's permit

If you have never had a Washington driver's license, you will need to pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a road test. The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the DOL's free online practice test on their website. The vision screening happens at the DOL office and takes a few minutes. The road test is scheduled separately and takes about 30 minutes; you drive with a DOL examiner in your own vehicle or a vehicle you arrange.

If you already have a learner's permit and want to upgrade to a full license, you still need to pass the road test. You do not retake the written or vision tests. Schedule your road test appointment through the DOL website or by calling the Longview office.

Bring proof that you have held your learner's permit for at least six months, or proof that you have completed an approved driver training course (which can shorten the waiting period). Bring your learner's permit and all required identity and residency documents.

Renewing your license online or in person

If your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or medical suspensions, you can renew online through the DOL website without visiting an office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for an eight-year license. Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your address or name, or if you have certain medical conditions that require in-person review. In those cases, you must visit the Longview DOL office in person.

If you renew in person at the office, bring your current license, proof of residency if you are changing your address, and payment. The in-person process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready while your permanent card is mailed to you.

Changing your name or address on your license

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit the DOL office in person. Bring your current driver's license, a certified copy of the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency at your current address.

If you have moved within Washington state, you can update your address online during renewal if your license is not expired. If your license is expired or you need to change your address without renewing, visit the Longview office in person with your current license and a recent proof of residency.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for five years or less, you can renew it in person at the DOL office by bringing your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. You will not need to retake the written or vision tests. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to retake the written test and vision screening, and possibly the road test, as if you were getting your first license.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Washington, even if you are only a few days past the expiration date. If you are stopped by police, you can face a traffic violation. Renew your license before it expires, or renew it as soon as you notice it has expired.

Costs and payment methods

A new eight-year driver's license costs $72. A renewal also costs $72. A four-year license costs $48 if you prefer a shorter renewal period. These prices are set by Washington state and do not vary between offices.

The DOL office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks. Call the Longview office ahead of time if you want to confirm which payment methods they accept on the day you plan to visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail?

Washington does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online through the DOL website if you meet the requirements, or you can renew in person at the Longview office. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is current and you have no violations.

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

You receive a temporary paper license at the office when ready after passing your road test. Your permanent plastic license card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can drive legally using the temporary license until the permanent one arrives.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Visit the Longview DOL office and report it as lost or stolen. Bring your identity and residency documents. You will pay the standard renewal fee ($72) and receive a temporary license on the spot. Your replacement license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Longview DOL office?

Appointment requirements vary depending on the service and current office demand. Check the DOL website or call (360) 902-3900 before you go. Some services like road tests require scheduling in advance, while others may accept walk-ins depending on wait times.

Can I transfer my license from another state to Washington?

Yes. Visit the Longview DOL office with your out-of-state license, proof of Washington residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You will need to pass a vision test and written knowledge test. You do not need to retake the road test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have held it for at least six months.