Where to go for your driver license in Burien

Burien does not have its own Department of Licensing office. The nearest location is the SeaTac Driver License Office, located at 2505 South 188th Street in SeaTac — about 3 miles south of Burien. This office handles all driver license services for the Burien area, including new licenses, renewals, and road tests.

You can also visit the Seattle Driver License Office at 1125 South Horton Street if SeaTac is inconvenient, though SeaTac is closer. Both offices are run by Washington State Department of Licensing and handle the same services. Hours vary by location, so check the Department of Licensing website or call ahead before you go.

If you need to schedule a road test, you can book online through the Department of Licensing website or call the SeaTac office directly. Road tests in the Burien area are administered at the SeaTac location.

Key Takeaways

  • The SeaTac Driver License Office at 2505 South 188th Street is the closest Department of Licensing location to Burien and handles all driver license services.
  • You will need to bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number before you take your road test.
  • Road tests are scheduled through the Department of Licensing website or by phone; you cannot walk in for a test appointment.
  • Washington requires you to pass both a written knowledge test and a practical road test before you receive your full driver license.
  • Fees for a new driver license vary depending on your age and the license type you are seeking.

What documents you need to bring

Before you go to the SeaTac office, gather your learner's permit (if you have one), proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Washington accepts a passport, state ID card, or birth certificate as proof of identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days. Your Social Security card itself works as proof, but you can also bring a W-2 form, tax return, or bank statement with your number on it.

If you are under 18, you will also need a signed parental consent form. The Department of Licensing website has the form available to read, or you can pick one up at the office. Your parent or guardian must sign it in front of a notary public or at the office itself.

Bring the originals of these documents, not copies. The staff at SeaTac will verify them and may make copies for your file. If any document is in a language other than English, bring an official translation as well.

The written knowledge test in Washington

Before you can take your road test, you must pass Washington's written knowledge test. This test covers traffic laws, road signs, safe driving practices, and what to do in emergency situations. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass.

You can take the written test at the SeaTac office on the same day you arrive, or you can take it online through the Department of Licensing website before you go. Taking it online saves time at the office and lets you retake it when ready if you do not pass the first time. The online test costs the same as taking it in person.

Study materials are free on the Department of Licensing website, including a practice test and the official driver guide. Many people study for one to two weeks before taking the test. If you fail, you can retake it the next business day.

Scheduling and taking your road test

Once you have passed the written test and held your learner's permit for at least 6 months (or 1 month if you are 18 or older), you can schedule your road test. Book online through the Department of Licensing website or call the SeaTac office. Road tests typically have a wait of one to four weeks depending on the season; summer is busier than winter.

On the day of your test, bring your learner's permit, proof of identity, and the vehicle you will be driving. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test begins. Bring someone who holds a valid driver license to sit in the car during the test, though they cannot help you or speak during the exam.

The road test lasts about 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting and stopping smoothly, turning, parking, lane changes, and following traffic laws. You must demonstrate that you can drive safely in different conditions. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting at least one business day.

License types and what you can drive

Washington offers several license types depending on what you will be driving. A standard Class D license lets you drive regular passenger cars, pickup trucks, and vans. This is what most new drivers get. A Class E license is for drivers 15 to 17 years old and comes with restrictions on when and where you can drive.

If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a separate motorcycle endorsement. You must pass an additional written test and a motorcycle-specific road test to get this. If you want to drive a commercial truck or bus, you need a Class A, B, or C commercial license, which requires more testing and a medical certificate.

Most first-time drivers in Burien get a Class D license. You can add endorsements later if your driving needs change.

Fees and how long your license lasts

A new Class D driver license in Washington costs $72 and is valid for 8 years. If you are under 21, your license will be marked with a different color or design so that businesses can verify your age. The fee includes the written test, road test, and the license itself.

If you need to renew your license before it expires, the cost is $72 for a standard 8-year renewal. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the SeaTac office. Renewing online is the fastest option if you have not had any changes to your address, name, or medical status.

If you lose your license or it is damaged, a replacement costs $20. You can order a replacement online or in person at the office.

What happens after you pass your road test

Once you pass your road test, the examiner will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. The mailing address on your license process must be current, so double-check it before you leave the office.

If you move before your license arrives, you can update your address online through the Department of Licensing website or at the SeaTac office. Updating your address does not cost anything and does not require a new photo or test.

Keep your temporary paper license with you while you drive until your plastic license arrives. It is valid proof of licensure and is required by law if you are stopped by police.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in a different city if I live in Burien?

No, you must take your road test at the Department of Licensing office that serves your area. For Burien, that is SeaTac. You cannot choose a different location or office for your test.

How many times can I retake the road test if I fail?

Washington does not set a limit on how many times you can retake the road test. You can retake it as many times as you need, though each attempt requires a new appointment and a test fee. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

Do I need a learner's permit before I can take my road test?

Yes, you must have a valid learner's permit and hold it for at least 6 months before you can take your road test. If you are 18 or older, you only need to hold it for 1 month. You cannot skip the learner's permit stage.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the next business day at no extra cost. Most people pass on their second attempt. Study the official driver guide and practice tests available on the Department of Licensing website before you try again.

Can I renew my license online if I live in Burien?

Yes, you can renew online through the Department of Licensing website if your license is not expired and you have not had any changes to your name, address, or medical status. Online renewal takes about two weeks and costs $72. If you need to change your address or have other updates, you must renew in person at SeaTac.