Where to get your license in Kennewick

The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) office in Kennewick is located at 7506 W. Clearwater Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336. This is where you'll take your written test, road test, and pick up your license once it's issued. You can reach them at (509) 736-2300 to confirm hours or ask specific questions about what to bring.

The Kennewick office serves Benton County and handles all license types: learner's permits, regular driver's licenses, and commercial licenses. If you're coming from out of state or renewing an expired license, this is still your location. Hours vary by season, so call ahead or check the Washington DOL website before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kennewick DOL office is at 7506 W. Clearwater Avenue and handles written tests, road tests, and license issuance.
  • You must bring a valid ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency to any appointment.
  • Washington requires a learner's permit before you can take the road test, and you must hold it for at least 14 days.
  • The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; the road test lasts about 30 minutes and tests basic driving skills.
  • You can schedule your road test online through the Washington DOL website or by calling the Kennewick office.

Documents you need to bring

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card. You also need proof of your Social Security number—a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return all work. These are your identity documents and the DOL will not test you without them.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Kennewick address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must be present and bring their ID as well.

Bring your learner's permit if you already have one. If you're renewing or replacing a license, bring your current or expired license. Bring payment in cash or card—the fee for a standard five-year license is $72, though this can vary if you're getting a different license type.

The learner's permit: your first step

Before you can take the road test, Washington requires you to hold a learner's permit for at least 14 days. To get one, you pass the written test at the Kennewick DOL office. The test has 35 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass.

You can study using the Washington DOL's free online manual or pick up a printed copy at the Kennewick office. Many people also use third-party study apps, but the official manual covers everything on the test. The written test costs $20 and takes about 30 minutes.

Once you pass, you get your learner's permit on the spot. While you hold it, you can drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you must follow all traffic laws. After 14 days, you can schedule your road test.

Scheduling and taking your road test

You can schedule your road test online through the Washington DOL website or by calling the Kennewick office at (509) 736-2300. Road tests often book weeks in advance, so schedule as soon as you're may be able to access. You'll need your learner's permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you'll be driving during the test.

The road test lasts about 30 minutes. An examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. They'll also test your ability to follow traffic signs and respond to other vehicles. You must follow all traffic laws during the test—speeding, running a stop sign, or hitting a curb will result in failure.

Bring the vehicle you plan to drive regularly. It must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check that the brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors all work. If the vehicle fails inspection, you cannot take the test that day.

License types and what you can drive

A standard Class D license lets you drive passenger cars, pickup trucks, and small vans. This is what most people get. If you're 16 or 17, you get a Intermediate License first, which has restrictions on when you can drive and who can be in the car with you. At 18, you can upgrade to a full Class D license.

A Class A or B Commercial License is required if you drive for work—delivery, rideshare, or towing, for example. These require additional testing and a medical certificate. If you only need to drive a personal vehicle, you do not need a commercial license.

Washington also issues Motorcycle Endorsements, which require a separate written test and road test. You can add this to your existing license or get it when you first explore.

Renewing or replacing your license in Kennewick

If your license is expiring soon or has expired, you can renew it at the Kennewick DOL office. A standard five-year renewal costs $72. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you have medical restrictions.

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the same office. A replacement costs $20. Bring your ID and proof of residency. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though it's not required to get a replacement.

You can also renew online through the Washington DOL website if your license is not expired and you have no medical restrictions. Online renewal is faster and costs less, but not everyone is may be able to access. Call the Kennewick office or check the DOL website to see if you may have access to.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You receive your temporary license at the Kennewick office the day you pass. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving when ready, so you can drive home that day.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake it, but you must wait at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can test, though each attempt costs $20. Many people schedule their next test right away and use the time to practice the skills the examiner noted.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

The Kennewick office requires appointments for road tests. For written tests and renewals, walk-ins are usually accepted, but wait times can be long. Calling ahead or checking the DOL website for current wait times is a good idea.

Can I take my road test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission if I learned in a manual?

Yes. Your license will not have any restriction. However, if you take the test in an automatic, you cannot legally drive a manual transmission vehicle until you retake the test in one.

What if I move out of Kennewick after I get my license?

Your Washington license is valid anywhere in the state. If you move to another state, you'll need to get a license from that state, though most states allow you to transfer your driving record. Your Washington license remains valid until it expires.