Spokane DMV Office Locations and Hours

Washington State's Department of Licensing (DOL) operates two full-service driver's license offices in Spokane County. The main office is located at 1350 North Division Street in Spokane, and a second location serves the Spokane Valley area at 16102 East Sprague Avenue. Both offices issue new licenses, handle renewals, process endorsement changes, and conduct knowledge and driving tests.

Hours vary slightly between locations. The North Division office is typically open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last appointment slot at 4:30 p.m. The Spokane Valley location keeps the same weekday hours. Neither office is open on weekends or state holidays. Call ahead before visiting, as hours occasionally shift for staff training or system maintenance.

Both offices require you to bring original documents — not copies — and to arrive with enough time before closing to complete your transaction. If you need a test (written or driving), arrive early; test appointments fill quickly, especially in late morning and early afternoon.

Key Takeaways

  • Spokane has two full-service DOL offices: one on North Division Street and one in Spokane Valley on East Sprague Avenue, both open weekdays 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • You must bring original documents (birth certificate, proof of residency, Social Security card) to either location; copies are not accepted.
  • Knowledge and driving tests are administered at both offices, but test slots fill early in the day, so arrive as soon as the office opens if you need to test.
  • The DOL website allows you to check current wait times and book an appointment online before you visit, which can save you hours of waiting.
  • If you cannot visit during weekday business hours, you will need to take time off work or school; no evening or weekend appointments are available at either location.

What Documents to Bring to a Spokane DOL Office

Washington State requires specific original documents for every transaction at the DMV. Bring your birth certificate (long-form, not a hospital record), a Social Security card, and proof of current residency. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

If you are renewing an existing Washington license, bring that license as well. If you are explore for your first license or transferring from another state, bring your out-of-state license if you have one. For any name change (marriage, divorce, court order), bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Do not bring copies. The DOL staff will not accept photocopies of your birth certificate, Social Security card, or other required documents. If your original documents are lost or damaged, you will need to obtain replacements before you can complete your transaction at the office.

Online Appointment Booking and Wait Times

Washington's DOL website offers an online appointment system that shows real-time wait times at both Spokane locations. You can check how long the current wait is before you leave home, and you can reserve a specific time slot up to 30 days in advance. This system does not reduce the documents you need to bring or change the fees you pay — it straightforward reserves your place in line.

To book online, visit the Washington State Department of Licensing website, select your preferred location (North Division or Spokane Valley), and choose the service you need (new license, renewal, test, etc.). The system will show available times for the next several weeks. If all slots are full, you can still walk in without an appointment, but you may wait two to three hours during peak times.

Walk-in customers are served after appointment holders, so booking ahead is worth the five minutes it takes. If you book an appointment and cannot make it, cancel online so the slot opens for someone else.

Knowledge and Driving Tests in Spokane

Both Spokane DOL offices administer the written knowledge test and the behind-the-wheel driving test. The knowledge test covers Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or in one of several other languages; ask the staff which languages are available at your location.

The driving test is conducted by a DOL examiner using your own vehicle or a vehicle you bring with you. Your vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test begins. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, lane changes, turns, parking, and response to traffic signals.

Test appointments fill early, especially between 9:00 a.m. and noon. If you need to test, book your appointment online or arrive at the office when it opens at 8:15 a.m. Walk-in test requests are accepted only if slots remain after appointment holders are scheduled.

Fees and Payment Methods at Spokane Offices

Washington's DOL charges different fees depending on the service. A new driver's license costs one amount; a renewal costs less. An endorsement (motorcycle, commercial, hazmat) adds to the base fee. The knowledge test and driving test each have separate fees. Exact amounts change annually and vary slightly by license type, so check the DOL website or call the office before you visit to confirm the current fee for your specific transaction.

Both Spokane offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks, but call ahead to confirm. If you pay by card, bring the card you will use; the office cannot process payment from a card in someone else's name.

What to Do If You Cannot Visit During Business Hours

If you work standard weekday hours and cannot take time off, you have limited options in Spokane. The DOL does not offer evening or weekend appointments at either location. Some transactions — license renewal, address change, name change — can be completed by mail if you meet certain conditions. Check the DOL website to see whether your specific transaction qualifies for mail renewal.

If your transaction cannot be done by mail, you will need to request time off work or school to visit during business hours. Some employers allow employees to take a few hours for DMV appointments; it is worth asking. Alternatively, you can visit during a lunch break if your workplace is close to one of the two offices.

Plan ahead: do not wait until your license expires to visit. If you renew before expiration, you have more flexibility in scheduling. If you wait until after expiration, you may face longer waits and additional requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail instead of visiting an office?

Yes, if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have no medical restrictions, and you must not have any outstanding violations or suspensions. If you may have access to, you can renew by mail through the DOL website. Check the may be able to access requirements before you assume mail renewal is an option for you.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test. There is a waiting period between attempts (usually a few days), and you pay the test fee each time you take it. Book your next test appointment online or by phone. You do not need to bring all your documents again, only your ID and the test fee.

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

You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times are often one to three hours during business hours. Booking an appointment online takes five minutes and reserves your spot. Walk-in customers are served after appointment holders, so booking ahead is strongly recommended.

Which Spokane office should I visit?

Both offices offer the same services and accept the same documents. Choose based on location: the North Division office is closer to downtown Spokane, and the Spokane Valley office is closer to the east side. Check wait times on the DOL website before you decide.

What if my documents are expired or damaged?

You cannot complete your transaction at the DMV with expired or damaged documents. You will need to obtain replacements first. For a birth certificate, contact the county or state where you were born. For other documents, contact the issuing agency. Plan extra time for this process before your license expires.