Where to go for your Kennewick driver's license

The Department of Licensing (DOL) office in Kennewick is located at 7506 W. Clearwater Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336. This is the only full-service DOL office in the when ready Kennewick area where you can take your written test, vision test, and driving test, or renew an existing license in person.

You can also handle some transactions online through the Washington State Department of Licensing website, including renewing a valid license, changing your address, or updating your name. However, if you need to take a driving test, pass a vision screening, or obtain your first license, you must visit the Kennewick office or another DOL location in person.

The office hours and wait times change seasonally. Call ahead at the Kennewick office or check the DOL website before you go, because peak times (typically mid-morning on weekdays) can mean waits of 30 minutes to over an hour.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kennewick DOL office at 7506 W. Clearwater Avenue handles all license types, including first-time licenses, renewals, and replacements.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to obtain or renew a license.
  • Washington requires a vision test and written knowledge test for first-time applicants; the driving test is scheduled separately after you pass both.
  • Some transactions like renewals and address changes can be completed online, but tests and first licenses require an in-person visit.
  • Real ID compliant licenses cost more and require additional documents, but are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 2025.

What documents you need to bring

Washington requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You cannot complete your transaction without all three.

Proof of identity can be a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. A birth certificate alone is not enough. If you are under 18, a school ID combined with a birth certificate may work, but call the Kennewick office first to confirm.

Proof of residency must show your current Washington address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, which Washington accepts as an alternative.

Standard license versus Real ID

Washington offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID compliant license. The main difference is what you can use it for and what documents you need to obtain it.

A standard Washington driver's license works for driving and state identification. However, starting May 7, 2025, you cannot use a standard license to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building. If you travel by air or need to access federal facilities, you will need a Real ID license.

A Real ID license requires the same identity and residency documents as a standard license, but also requires proof of your Social Security number and proof of lawful presence in the United States. Proof of lawful presence can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, visa, employment authorization document, or permanent resident card. A Real ID license costs about $15 more than a standard license and is marked with a gold star in the upper right corner.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or do not have proof of lawful presence, you can still obtain a standard Washington driver's license, but it will not be Real ID compliant and cannot be used for federal purposes after May 2025.

Steps to take your first license test

If you are obtaining your first Washington driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test and a vision test at the Kennewick DOL office, then schedule a separate driving test.

Bring all required documents, your Social Security number or ITIN, and a completed process for a Driver's License or Instruction Permit (form DL 44). You can fill this out online before you go or at the office. You will also pay the license fee at this time; the cost varies depending on whether you choose a standard or Real ID license and how long you want the license to be valid.

The written test covers Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Washington Driver Guide, available free online or in print at the Kennewick office. The test is typically 50 questions, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. You can retake it the same day if you fail.

After you pass the written and vision tests, the office will issue you an instruction permit. You must then practice driving with a licensed adult (21 or older) for at least 50 hours, including 10 hours at night, before you can take the driving test. The driving test is scheduled separately and typically takes place within a few weeks of your visit.

How to schedule your driving test

Once you have your instruction permit and have completed your required practice hours, you can schedule your driving test through the DOL website or by calling the Kennewick office. You do not need to visit in person to schedule.

The driving test typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and includes both city and highway driving. You must bring your instruction permit, proof of insurance, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If the vehicle fails a safety inspection during the test, you will not be able to complete the test that day.

Wait times for driving tests in Kennewick vary by season. During summer months and early fall, appointments may be booked several weeks out. If you cannot make a scheduled appointment, you can cancel online or by phone, but canceling close to your appointment date may make it harder to reschedule quickly.

Renewing or replacing your license

If your Washington license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you can renew it online through the DOL website without visiting the Kennewick office. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about one week for your new license to arrive by mail.

You can renew in person at the Kennewick office if you prefer, or if your license has been expired for more than five years. In-person renewal requires you to pass a vision test and pay a higher fee. Bring the same documents you would need for a first license.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can order a replacement online or in person. A replacement costs less than a renewal and does not require a vision test. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police first, though this is not required by the DOL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my driving test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission if I practiced in a manual?

Yes, but if you pass your test in an automatic, your license will be restricted to automatic vehicles only. If you want to drive manual transmissions, you must take your driving test in a manual vehicle. This restriction is noted on your license.

What happens if I fail my driving test?

You can retake the driving test, but you must wait at least one day before scheduling another attempt. There is an additional fee for each retest. You keep your instruction permit and can continue practicing between attempts.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Kennewick DOL office?

Appointments are not required, but the office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early in the morning or mid-afternoon typically means shorter waits than mid-morning. You can check current wait times on the DOL website before you go.

What if I moved to Kennewick from another state?

You must obtain a Washington license within 30 days of establishing residency. Your out-of-state license counts as proof of identity, so you will need proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. You do not need to retake the written test if your out-of-state license is valid, but you will need to pass a vision test and a driving test.

Can I get a Real ID license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

No. Real ID requires proof of lawful presence in the United States. If you are not a citizen or do not have proof of lawful presence, you can obtain a standard Washington driver's license, but it will not be Real ID compliant and cannot be used for federal purposes after May 2025.