Where to renew your driver license in Burien
Burien does not have its own Department of Licensing office. The nearest location is the SeaTac Driver License Office at 2000 International Boulevard, Suite 200, in SeaTac — about 3 miles south of Burien. This office handles renewals for the entire south King County area, including Burien, Des Moines, and Normandy Park.
You can also renew by mail or online if you meet Washington State's requirements for remote renewal. The online option is the fastest route if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change that requires verification.
A third option is to visit any other Department of Licensing office in Washington State. The Renton office (3000 Lind Avenue SW) and the Bellevue office (14620 Bel Red Road) are also within reasonable driving distance of Burien.
Key Takeaways
- The SeaTac Driver License Office at 2000 International Boulevard is the closest location to Burien and handles all renewals for the area.
- Online renewal through the Washington State Department of Licensing website is available if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address.
- Mail renewal is an option, but it takes longer than in-person or online renewal and requires you to send original documents.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Washington State residency to renew in person.
- Renewal fees in Washington State are based on the type of license and how long you want it valid — typically $72 for an eight-year renewal.
Online renewal through the Washington State website
The Washington State Department of Licensing website allows you to renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and your address on file is still correct. Go to dol.wa.gov, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number and a valid payment method.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. This is the fastest option if you are not in a hurry to have the physical card in hand when ready.
If your license has already expired, you cannot use online renewal — you must renew in person or by mail.
In-person renewal at the SeaTac office
The SeaTac Driver License Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your current driver license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of Washington State residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
Wait times at the SeaTac office vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings on weekdays are typically shorter than afternoons. You can check current wait times on the Department of Licensing website before you go. Bring a book or your phone — waits can range from 15 minutes to over an hour during peak times.
You will receive your new license on the spot if you renew in person. The fee is $72 for an eight-year renewal, payable by cash, debit card, or credit card.
Mail renewal and what documents you need
To renew by mail, read the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL 44) from the Department of Licensing website or request one by phone at 360-902-3900. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the Department of Licensing receives your packet. You must send original documents — photocopies are not accepted. The risk of mail renewal is that documents can be lost or delayed in transit, so consider using certified mail if you choose this route.
Mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal. Your new license will be mailed to you once processing is complete. You cannot drive legally on an expired license while you wait, so this option works best if your license is not yet expired.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a Driver License Office. You cannot use online or mail renewal. Bring the same documents as for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as above. However, you cannot legally drive on an expired license, so renewing in person at the SeaTac office is the fastest way to get back on the road.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Washington State charges $72 for an eight-year driver license renewal. This is the standard fee for most drivers. If you want a four-year renewal instead, the fee is $36. The fee covers the cost of the license itself and does not include any additional services.
At the SeaTac office, you can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made out to the Department of Licensing.
There are no discounts for seniors or other groups in Washington State. The fee is the same regardless of age or circumstance.
Documents you must bring or send
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Current Driver License | Your valid or expired Washington State license | Required for all renewal methods |
| Proof of Social Security Number | Social Security card, tax return, W-2, or 1099 | Original or certified copy; photocopies not accepted for mail renewal |
| Proof of Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days | Must show your current address; must be original for mail renewal |
| Proof of Identity (in-person only) | Passport, military ID, or other government-issued ID | Required if you do not have a current Washington license |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Washington State allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for eight years from the date of renewal (or four years if you choose the shorter option).
What if I have changed my address since my license was issued?
If you have changed your address, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew in person at the SeaTac office or by mail. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The Department of Licensing will update your address on your new license at no extra cost.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew in person?
You receive your new license when ready when you renew in person at the SeaTac office. You can drive legally as soon as you leave the office.
What if I lost my current license?
If you have lost your license, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go in person to the SeaTac office with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The Department of Licensing will issue a replacement license on the spot for the same $72 fee.
Can I renew at a different Department of Licensing office if I am traveling?
Yes. Any Department of Licensing office in Washington State can process your renewal. You will need the same documents as at the SeaTac office. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file, not issued on the spot, even though you renewed in person.