Where to Renew Your License in Burien

Burien does not have its own Department of Licensing office. The nearest location is the SeaTac Driver License Office, located at 2000 International Boulevard in SeaTac — about 10 minutes south of central Burien. This is the office that serves the Burien area and handles all standard license renewals.

You can also renew by mail or online through the Washington State Department of Licensing website, which often saves a trip to the office. Mail renewal takes longer (typically two to three weeks for processing, plus mail time), but online renewal is faster if your license meets the requirements.

Walk-in appointments are available at the SeaTac office, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the Department of Licensing website. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait, especially during busy times like lunch hours or the end of the month.

Key Takeaways

  • The SeaTac Driver License Office at 2000 International Boulevard is the nearest location to Burien and handles all renewals for the area.
  • Washington allows online renewal for most drivers, which is faster than mail or in-person renewal and can be done from home.
  • You will need your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee, which varies by license type and duration.
  • If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit the office in person.
  • Scheduling an appointment online at the SeaTac office reduces wait times and is recommended during peak hours.

What You Need to Bring or Prepare

For an in-person renewal at the SeaTac office, bring your current driver license and one document that proves your current address in Washington. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to pay the renewal fee. Washington charges different amounts depending on whether you are renewing a standard license, an enhanced license, or a Real ID compliant license. The fee also depends on how long you want the license to be valid — typically four or eight years. Check the Department of Licensing website or call the SeaTac office at (206) 464-6954 to confirm the exact fee for your situation.

If you are renewing online, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. You do not need to gather physical documents for online renewal.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Option

Washington's online renewal system is open to drivers whose licenses are not expired, who have not had any violations or suspensions in the past five years, and who do not need to update their address or name. If you meet these requirements, you can renew in minutes through the Department of Licensing website without visiting an office.

The process is straightforward: log in with your license number and Social Security information, review your information, choose your license type and validity period, and pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within one to two weeks. This option is especially useful if you have a busy schedule or prefer to avoid office visits.

If you have changed your address, name, or appearance since your last license was issued, you cannot use online renewal and must go to the SeaTac office in person.

Mail Renewal: When You Have Time

You can also renew by mail if your license is not expired and you meet the same conditions as online renewal. Request a renewal form from the Department of Licensing website or call (360) 902-3900 to have one mailed to you. Fill out the form, include a copy of your proof of residency, and mail everything along with your payment to the address on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because of processing time and mail delivery. Plan for two to three weeks of processing time, plus time for mail to travel both ways. This option works best if you are not in a hurry and prefer not to visit an office or use the online system.

Do not mail your original license unless the form specifically asks you to. Keep it with you until your new license arrives.

In-Person Renewal at the SeaTac Office

If you need to renew in person — because your license is expired, you have had violations, or you need to update your information — visit the SeaTac Driver License Office. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (hours may vary, so check the Department of Licensing website before you go).

Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. The renewal process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have an appointment, or longer if you walk in during busy times. You will receive a temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license will be mailed within one to two weeks.

If you are renewing an enhanced license or a Real ID compliant license, the process is the same, but you may need additional documents such as a passport or birth certificate. Check the Department of Licensing website for the full list of documents required for your specific license type.

License Types and Fees in Washington

Washington offers three main types of driver licenses: a standard license, an enhanced license, and a Real ID compliant license. A standard license is the basic option and costs less than the other types. An enhanced license allows you to cross the Canadian border by land or sea without a passport and costs more. A Real ID compliant license meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access and also costs more than a standard license.

When you renew, you can choose to keep your current license type or upgrade to a different one. The renewal fee depends on which type you choose and how long you want it to be valid — typically four or eight years. Longer validity periods cost more upfront but mean you renew less often. Visit the Department of Licensing website or call the SeaTac office to see the exact fees for each option.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license has been expired for fewer than five years, you can still renew it by mail, online, or in person using the standard renewal process. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot use the mail or online renewal options. You must visit the SeaTac office in person and may need to take a written test and vision test as part of the renewal.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Washington, even if you have started the renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you could receive a ticket. Renew as soon as you notice your license is about to expire or has recently expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you renew online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. If you renew in person at the SeaTac office, you receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Washington allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early can be helpful if you know you will be busy when your expiration date approaches.

What if I have moved since my last license and my address is wrong?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed. You must visit the SeaTac office in person to update your address and renew your license at the same time. Bring your current license and proof of your new address.

Do I need a Real ID license to fly within the United States?

Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Washington driver license will not be accepted as identification for domestic air travel. You will need either a Real ID compliant license, an enhanced license, a passport, or another federal ID. If you plan to fly, consider upgrading to a Real ID license when you renew.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

Washington may suspend your license if you have unpaid tickets or fines. Before you renew, check your driving record on the Department of Licensing website or call (360) 902-3900 to see if there are any holds on your license. If there are, you will need to resolve those issues before you can renew.