Where to Get Your License in Burien

Burien does not have its own Department of Licensing office. To get your driver license, you will need to visit the Burien-SeaTac Driver License Office, located at 15220 1st Avenue South in SeaTac, Washington — about 3 miles south of Burien. This is the closest licensing office for Burien residents.

You can also visit other Washington State Department of Licensing offices if SeaTac is inconvenient, but the SeaTac location is designed to serve the Burien area. The office handles all license types: learner permits, standard driver licenses, and enhanced licenses.

Before you go, check the office hours on the Department of Licensing website or call ahead. Hours vary by season and the office sometimes closes for training. You can also make an appointment online through the Department of Licensing website, which often reduces wait times.

Key Takeaways

  • The Burien-SeaTac Driver License Office at 15220 1st Avenue South in SeaTac is the closest location for Burien residents to get a driver license.
  • You must bring a valid passport, birth certificate, or other approved identity document, plus proof of your Social Security number and Washington State residency.
  • Making an appointment online through the Department of Licensing website usually means a shorter wait than walking in.
  • If you are under 18, you must first hold a learner permit for at least six months before you can take the road test for a standard license.

What Documents to Bring

Washington State requires specific documents before you can get a driver license. Bring one document that proves your identity — a valid passport, enhanced ID card, or birth certificate. You will also need to show proof of your Social Security number, such as a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.

You must also prove you live in Washington State. Bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. If you recently moved to Washington, bring documents showing both your old address and your new one.

If you are renewing a license, bring your current license. If you are changing your name, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that shows the change. Bring all documents in their original form — copies are not accepted.

Taking the Written Test at SeaTac

When you arrive at the Burien-SeaTac office, you will take a written test on Washington traffic laws and road signs. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or several other languages.

The test covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking, stopping distances, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the Washington Driver Guide, which is free on the Department of Licensing website. Many people also use the practice tests available online.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. If you pass, you will move on to the vision screening and photo.

The Road Test and Appointment

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a road test appointment. The road test is not given at the SeaTac office — you will take it at a separate testing location. Washington State contracts with third-party examiners, and the SeaTac office staff will tell you where and when you can test.

The road test takes about 30 minutes. You will drive on local streets while an examiner watches and scores your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to other drivers. You must bring the vehicle you will use for the test, and it must pass a safety inspection first.

You can schedule the road test weeks in advance or take an available slot soon after you pass the written test. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

License Types Available in Burien

Washington offers three main driver license types. A standard driver license lets you drive a regular passenger car and is the most common choice. An enhanced driver license costs more but lets you enter Canada by land without a passport — it shows you have passed additional identity checks. A commercial driver license is required if you drive a truck or bus for work and involves separate testing.

Most first-time drivers in Burien get a standard license. You can upgrade to an enhanced license later if you travel to Canada frequently. The SeaTac office can issue all three types, though commercial licenses require additional steps and testing at a separate location.

Costs and Payment Methods

A standard Washington driver license costs a set amount that varies depending on how long you want it to last — typically 5 or 8 years. An enhanced license costs more. The SeaTac office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Exact prices change yearly, so check the Department of Licensing website before you go.

If you are under 18, your first license will expire on your 21st birthday, regardless of how long you paid for. This is a state rule to may support young drivers renew and take a new photo as they mature.

What Happens After You Pass

Once you pass the road test, you will receive a temporary paper license that day. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one.

Your new license will show your photo, address, license number, and expiration date. Keep it with you whenever you drive. If you move, you must update your address with the Department of Licensing within 30 days — you can do this online or by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test the same day as my written test?

No. You must pass the written test first, then schedule a separate road test appointment at a different location. The earliest you can usually test is a few days later, though it depends on examiner availability in your area.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no limit to how many times you can test, though you will pay the test fee each time. Most people pass within two or three attempts.

Do I need an appointment at the SeaTac office?

Appointments are not required but are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be two hours or longer. You can book an appointment online through the Department of Licensing website at no extra cost.

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

Your Washington license remains valid no matter where you move within the state. If you move to another state, you will need to get a license from that state. You have a grace period to do so — check your new state's rules.

Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Washington allows people without a Social Security number to get a driver license. You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation and the same identity and residency documents as anyone else.