Where to get your license in Tacoma

The Department of Licensing (DOL) office in Tacoma is located at 1125 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402. This is where you take your written test, vision test, and driving exam. You can also renew or replace a license here, though you may be able to renew online or by mail depending on your situation.

The Tacoma office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week — mornings and early in the week tend to be shorter. You do not need an appointment; the office operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you cannot visit Tacoma, Washington has other DOL offices in nearby cities like Olympia, Seattle, and Lakewood. You can also check the DOL website to see if any services you need are available online or by mail, which can save you a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • The Tacoma DOL office is at 1125 Broadway and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no appointment needed.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or a statement that you do not have one.
  • Washington requires you to pass a written test, vision test, and driving exam before you receive your first license.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver training course and hold a learner's permit for a set period before taking your driving exam.
  • License fees in Washington vary based on the type of license and how long it is valid, but a standard five-year license costs around $72.

Documents you need to bring

Washington requires you to bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can sign a statement saying so, and Washington will issue you a license with a different number.

For proof of identity, bring a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a utility bill or lease, you can bring a letter from a government agency, employer, or school on official letterhead.

If you are under 18, you will also need to show proof that you have completed a Washington State-approved driver training course. Bring the certificate or completion letter from the course provider.

The written test and what it covers

Washington's written test has 35 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 28 questions correctly to pass. The test is based on the Washington Driver Guide, which you can read online or pick up at the DOL office.

The test covers road signs and what they mean, right-of-way rules, speed limits, parking rules, and what to do in bad weather or emergencies. You can take the test in English or in other languages — the DOL office can tell you which languages are available. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.

You are allowed to take notes or highlight the Driver Guide while you study, but you cannot use it during the test itself. Many people study for a few weeks before taking the test, though some pass on their first try.

Vision test requirements

Washington requires you to pass a vision test showing that you can see well enough to drive safely. The standard is that you must see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without glasses or contacts. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the vision test and while driving.

If you fail the vision test, the DOL will tell you to see an eye doctor and come back with a form signed by the doctor saying you can drive safely. You do not have to wait a set amount of time — you can return as soon as you have the doctor's form. If you wear glasses or contacts, your license will have a restriction code saying you must wear them while driving.

The driving exam and how it works

The driving exam lasts about 30 minutes and tests your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You will drive on city streets and possibly highways, depending on which DOL office you test at. The examiner will ask you to do things like parallel park, make turns, stop smoothly, and merge into traffic.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you start driving. If anything is broken or missing, you will not be allowed to test that day.

You must pass the driving exam to get your license. If you fail, you can retake it, but you may have to wait a few days or longer depending on how busy the office is. Most people pass on their second or third try.

Fees and how long your license lasts

A standard five-year driver's license in Washington costs around $72. A eight-year license costs more. The exact fee depends on whether you are renewing, replacing, or getting your first license, and whether you want a Real ID-compliant license (which costs extra but is required for federal purposes like flying).

Washington licenses are valid for five or eight years from the date they are issued. You can renew online or by mail before your license expires, which is faster than going to the office in person. The DOL will send you a notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires.

If you lose your license or it is stolen, you can get a replacement at the Tacoma office. A replacement costs less than a new license and takes about the same amount of time.

Special rules if you are under 18

Washington has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. You must first get a learner's permit, hold it for at least six months, and complete a driver training course before you can take the driving exam for a full license.

To get a learner's permit, you must be at least 15 and a half years old, pass the written test, and pass the vision test. You do not take a driving exam for the permit. Once you have the permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult 21 or older in the vehicle. You cannot drive alone.

After six months with the permit and after completing the driver training course, you can take the driving exam. If you pass, you get a full license, but with restrictions until you turn 18 — for example, you may not drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless it is for work or school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the Tacoma office?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes like a new address or name change. You can renew online through the Washington DOL website. If you need to change your address or name, or if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must go to the office in person.

What if I have a license from another state?

You can use an out-of-state license in Washington for a limited time, but you must get a Washington license once you become a resident. Washington considers you a resident if you live here and intend to stay. You will need to pass the written test and vision test, but you may not need to take the driving exam if your out-of-state license is valid and you have held it for a certain period.

Do I need a Real ID license to fly or enter federal buildings?

Yes. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or passport to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. A Real ID license costs extra and requires additional documents like a birth certificate or passport. You can get one at the Tacoma DOL office.

What if I fail the driving exam?

You can retake it, but you may have to wait a few days or longer depending on how busy the office is. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Many people pass on their second or third try. You do not have to retake the written or vision tests unless they have expired.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The Washington DOL offers the written test in several languages. Call the Tacoma office or check the DOL website to see which languages are available and whether you need to schedule ahead.