Where the Burien Driver License Office Is Located and When It's Open

The Burien Driver License Office is in unincorporated King County, Washington, south of Seattle. The office address is 15220 1st Avenue South, Burien, WA 98148. It sits in a commercial area near the intersection of 1st Avenue South and South 152nd Street, with parking available on-site.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. The office is closed on Sundays and state holidays. These hours can change without notice, so call ahead at the office directly or check the Washington Department of Licensing website before you go.

The office does not take walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. You must reserve a time slot online through the Department of Licensing website or by phone. Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance, especially for license renewals and new applications, so book as early as the system allows.

Key Takeaways

  • The Burien office is located at 15220 1st Avenue South and requires an appointment — walk-ins are not accepted.
  • You must reserve your time slot online or by phone before arriving, and slots often fill weeks ahead.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction type (renewal, name change, address update).
  • The office handles standard license renewals, replacements, and address changes, but some services may require a visit to a different location.
  • If you cannot get an appointment in Burien, other King County offices in Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, and Renton may have earlier openings.

What Services the Burien Office Provides

The Burien Driver License Office handles most routine transactions: driver license renewals (both standard and REAL ID), license replacements for lost or damaged cards, address changes, name changes after marriage or legal order, and duplicate copies of your license. You can also renew or replace your vehicle registration and tabs at this location.

The office does not conduct driving tests or issue new licenses to first-time drivers. If you need to take a written or driving exam, you must go to a different Department of Licensing office. The Burien location also does not issue commercial driver licenses (CDL) or process CDL renewals — those require a separate facility.

If your transaction involves a medical review, a suspended license, or an out-of-state transfer with complications, staff may direct you to complete part of the process online or at another location. Ask when you book your appointment whether your specific situation can be handled in Burien.

Documents You Need to Bring

Bring your current driver license or ID card, even if it is expired. You will also need proof of your current Washington address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. A government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or tribal ID) is required if you do not have a current Washington license.

For a REAL ID renewal or upgrade, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your full legal name and Social Security number, plus proof of citizenship or lawful presence (passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or visa). For a name change, bring the legal document that authorized it: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

If you are renewing vehicle registration, bring your current registration card and proof of insurance. For a vehicle title transfer or first registration, bring the title or bill of sale, proof of ownership, and proof of insurance. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

How to Book an Appointment at Burien

Go to the Washington Department of Licensing website and select "Schedule an Appointment" under the Driver License Services section. Enter your zip code or search for the Burien office by name. The system will show available dates and times for the next several weeks. Select the date and time that works for you, then confirm your appointment.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to book by phone, call the Department of Licensing at 1-360-902-3900. Staff can search for available slots and book you directly. Have your driver license number or date of birth ready when you call. Phone lines are often busy during peak hours (mid-morning and early afternoon), so try calling early in the day or late in the afternoon.

After you book, you will receive a confirmation with your appointment date, time, and a reference number. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early. Bring your confirmation email or reference number with you. If you need to cancel or reschedule, do so through the same online system or by phone at least 24 hours before your appointment.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license renewal fees are $72 for an eight-year license (standard) or $77 for a REAL ID license. A replacement license costs $20. Address or name changes are $20. Duplicate licenses are $20. Vehicle registration renewal fees depend on your vehicle type and weight but typically range from $30 to $50 for standard passenger vehicles.

The Burien office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). Checks are not accepted. If you are paying by card, bring the physical card with you — online payment is not available at the office. Ask for a receipt before you leave.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Arrive at your appointment time. Check in at the front desk and provide your confirmation number or reference number. You will be called to a service window when staff are ready. The transaction usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the complexity of your request and how busy the office is that day.

Staff will review your documents, verify your information in the Department of Licensing system, and take a new photo if you are renewing your license. If any documents are missing or incorrect, they will tell you what you need to bring back. In some cases, they can email or fax a missing document to you on the spot if it is available in the state system.

Your new license or registration will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license or registration at the office that is valid until the permanent card arrives. Keep this temporary document with you while driving.

Common Reasons Appointments Get Delayed or Denied

The most frequent issue is missing or incorrect documents. Bring originals or certified copies — the office cannot accept photocopies or photos of documents. If your proof of residency is dated outside the 60-day window, it will not be accepted. If your address on file does not match your proof of residency, staff will ask you to update it before processing your renewal.

Expired documents can also cause delays. Your passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers must be current or valid (some documents do not expire). If you are unsure whether a document is acceptable, call the office before your appointment and describe it to staff.

If your license is suspended or revoked, or if there is a flag on your record, the office may not be able to renew it during your appointment. You may be directed to resolve the issue with the Department of Licensing's compliance unit first. This can take several weeks, so contact the department as soon as you know there is a problem.

Alternative Offices in King County

If you cannot get an appointment in Burien within your timeframe, other Department of Licensing offices in King County may have earlier openings. The Seattle office (1111 3rd Avenue) typically has more frequent appointments but is also busier. The Bellevue office (14220 Bel Red Road) and Kent office (24001 Russell Road) often have shorter wait times. The Renton office (3600 Lind Avenue SW) is another option.

You can use any of these offices for the same services. Your appointment is not tied to a specific location, so book wherever has the earliest available slot. Bring the same documents regardless of which office you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?

Washington allows online renewal only if your license is not expiring within the next 60 days and you have not changed your address or name. If you meet these conditions, you can renew at dol.wa.gov without visiting an office. Otherwise, an in-person appointment is required.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

Proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, a bank statement, insurance policy, or government mail works. If you have none of these, contact the Department of Licensing before your appointment to ask what alternatives they accept.

How long does it take to get my new license after my appointment?

Your permanent license is mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid when ready. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, call the Department of Licensing to check the status.

Can I change my address without renewing my license?

Yes. You can update your address alone for a $20 fee. You do not need to renew your license at the same time. Book an appointment and bring your current license and proof of your new address.

What if I miss my appointment?

If you miss your appointment without canceling, you will need to book a new one. Repeated no-shows may result in a temporary hold on your ability to book future appointments. If you cannot make your appointment, cancel it online or by phone at least 24 hours ahead so the slot opens for someone else.