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 Kennewick where you can take your written test, road test, and get your license issued on the same day if you pass both exams.

You can also renew or replace a license at any of the DOL's self-service kiosks around Kennewick — these are located in some grocery stores and retail locations — but kiosks cannot issue new licenses or conduct tests. For a new license, you must visit the Clearwater Avenue office in person.

The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Hours change seasonally and occasionally for holidays, so check the DOL website or call ahead before you go. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kennewick DOL office on W. Clearwater Avenue is the only location where you can take your written and road tests and receive your license the same day.
  • You must bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) to get a new license.
  • Washington requires a Real ID-compliant license for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights, so bring an original or certified birth certificate if you want Real ID status.
  • The written test covers Washington traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free online manual and practice tests on the DOL website.
  • Road tests are scheduled after you pass the written test, and you must bring a vehicle registered in Washington with proof of insurance and a valid inspection.

Documents you need to bring

Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you don't have your card, a W-2, tax return, or bank statement with your SSN will work. You also need proof of your current Washington address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days all count.

For proof of identity, bring your passport, birth certificate (original or certified copy), or a combination of documents like a school ID plus a credit card. If you want your license to be Real ID-compliant — which you'll need for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025 — bring an original or certified birth certificate specifically. A regular photocopy will not work for Real ID status.

If you're under 18, your parent or guardian must be present with you at the office. Bring their ID as well.

Taking the written test in Kennewick

The written test covers Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. It has 35 questions, and you need to answer at least 28 correctly to pass. The test is offered in multiple languages at the Kennewick office, including Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Russian. You can request an interpreter when you arrive.

You can study for free using the Washington DOL's online manual and practice tests on their website. Many people find the practice tests more helpful than the manual alone because they show you the exact format and types of questions you'll see. You're allowed to take the written test up to three times in one year if you don't pass on your first attempt.

There is a fee for the written test. The fee varies depending on the type of license you're getting, so ask at the counter when you arrive. You can pay by cash, card, or check.

Scheduling and taking your road test

After you pass the written test, you can schedule your road test at the same office. The examiner will tell you when the next available appointment is — this can be the same day if there's an opening, or it might be weeks out depending on how busy the office is. You'll receive a temporary permit that lets you drive to your road test appointment.

For your road test, bring a vehicle that is registered in Washington, has a valid inspection sticker, and has current insurance. The vehicle must be in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you drive. Bring proof of insurance and your registration. You must also bring someone who is at least 18 years old and holds a valid driver's license to sit in the passenger seat during the test.

The road test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You'll drive on local streets and demonstrate basic skills like turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. If you pass, you can get your license photo taken and receive your license the same day. If you don't pass, you can retake the test after waiting a set period — ask the examiner what that period is in Washington.

Real ID and standard license differences in Washington

Washington offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. Both work for driving, but only the Real ID version is accepted for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights, entering federal buildings, or accessing military bases. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID license or another federally accepted ID to board a domestic flight.

The Real ID license costs the same as a standard license and looks almost identical — it has a small gold star in the upper right corner. To get Real ID status, you must bring an original or certified birth certificate along with your other documents. A photocopy or hospital birth record will not work.

If you get a standard license now, you can upgrade to Real ID later by visiting the Kennewick office again with your birth certificate. You don't have to wait until your license expires.

License fees and how long your license lasts

Washington driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date they're issued. The cost of a new license depends on your age and whether you want Real ID status, but both standard and Real ID licenses cost the same. Fees can change, so ask at the Kennewick office for the current price.

You can renew your license before it expires by visiting the office in person, by mail, or online through the DOL website — online renewal is available if you meet certain requirements, like having a current address on file. Renewal is usually faster than getting a new license because you don't have to take the tests again.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You'll have to complete the requirements to lift the suspension or revocation before you can get a new license. The Kennewick DOL office can tell you what those requirements are.

What to expect on your visit day

Arrive with all your documents in one place. The office can be busy during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving early in the morning or mid-morning often means shorter waits. You'll check in at the front desk, and staff will review your documents to make sure everything is there.

If any documents are missing or don't meet requirements, staff will tell you what you need to bring back. You won't be able to take the test that day if documents are incomplete. If everything is in order, you'll pay the fee and be directed to a testing station for the written test.

After you pass the written test, you'll schedule your road test and receive your temporary permit. If a road test slot is available the same day and you have a vehicle there, you can take it when ready. Otherwise, you'll leave with your appointment date and come back later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail in Kennewick?

No. Washington requires you to take the written test in person at a DOL office. You cannot take it online or by mail. The Kennewick office is the only place in Kennewick where you can take it.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test up to three times in one year. You'll have to pay the test fee again each time. Many people study the practice tests on the DOL website between attempts and pass on the second or third try.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card, or can I bring something else?

You don't need the card itself. You can bring a W-2, tax return, bank statement, or other document that shows your Social Security number. The office accepts several forms of proof.

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

Your Washington license is valid anywhere in the state. You don't have to get a new one if you move. You only need to update your address with the DOL, which you can do online, by mail, or at any DOL office.

Can I get a license if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?

No. You must clear the suspension or revocation in the other state first. Contact that state's DOL to find out what you need to do. The Kennewick office cannot issue you a Washington license until the other state's hold is lifted.