Where the Kennewick Office Is and What It Handles

The Kennewick Drivers Licensing Office is located at 7506 W. Clearwater Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336. This is a Washington State Department of Licensing facility that issues and renews driver's licenses, ID cards, and commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) for Benton County residents and anyone else in the region. It is one of the busiest licensing offices in central Washington.

This office handles initial license applications, renewals, replacements, and corrections to existing licenses. You can also update your address, change your name on your license, or add endorsements (such as motorcycle or air brake) here. The office does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those services are at the county auditor's office.

Walk-in service is available, but the office operates on a first-come, first-served basis during peak hours. Wait times often exceed one hour, especially on Tuesdays through Thursdays and near month-end. You can check current wait times on the Washington State Department of Licensing website before you go.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kennewick office is at 7506 W. Clearwater Avenue and handles driver's licenses, ID cards, and CDLs for the region.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number; the specific documents depend on whether you are renewing, replacing, or explore for the first time.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and does not take appointments — service is first-come, first-served.
  • Vision tests, written tests, and driving tests are all administered at this location, so you can complete your entire license process in one visit if you are prepared.
  • Fees vary by license type and transaction; bring cash, debit, or credit card, as the office accepts all three.

Hours, Phone, and How to Prepare Before You Go

The Kennewick Drivers Licensing Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on weekends and state holidays. The phone number is (509) 736-2600. You can call to ask about specific documents you need or to confirm current wait times, but you cannot reserve a time slot — all service is walk-in only.

Arrive early if possible. The office typically reaches peak capacity between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. If you come before 9:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m., you are more likely to be seen quickly. Bring all required documents in one trip; going back to your car or home for a missing document will cost you your place in line.

Check the Washington State Department of Licensing website before you leave home. The site shows real-time wait times for the Kennewick office and tells you which documents you need based on your transaction type. This step takes five minutes and can save you an hour at the office.

Documents You Need for a New License

If you are explore for a driver's license for the first time in Washington, you must bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

Proof of identity can be a valid passport, a state ID card from another state, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a certified birth certificate. A school ID or work badge does not count. If you use a birth certificate, you must also bring a second form of ID that shows your name and signature.

Proof of residency must show your current Washington address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a property tax statement. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency (such as a tax notice or court document) also works. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency in Washington.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a pay stub. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Documents You Need for Renewal or Replacement

If you are renewing an expiring Washington license, the process is simpler. You need your current license and proof of residency (same documents as above — utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). You do not need to bring proof of identity or Social Security number again unless your license is more than five years expired.

If you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, bring your proof of residency and any form of ID that shows your name. You do not need to retake the vision or written test. The office will print a new license with the same information as your old one, unless you request changes.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the rules are stricter. You must bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and a current medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. The certificate must be dated within the last 24 months. You may also need to retake the written test if your CDL is more than one year expired or if you are adding or removing endorsements.

Vision Test, Written Test, and Driving Test at Kennewick

The Kennewick office administers all three tests on-site. You do not have to schedule them separately or go to a different location.

The vision test takes about five minutes. You will read letters on a chart from a set distance. You must see 20/40 or better in each eye, or 20/40 in one eye and 20/60 in the other. If you wear glasses or contacts, you must wear them during the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.

The written test covers Washington traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 30 minutes to answer 35 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. The test is offered in English and several other languages. If you fail, you can retake it the same day, but you must wait at least one hour between attempts. Each retake costs the same as the original test.

The driving test is scheduled separately and usually takes place within one to two weeks of your written test. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be registered and insured. The test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. If you fail, you can retake it, but there is a waiting period and an additional fee.

Fees and Payment Methods

Fees vary by license type and transaction. A new driver's license costs between $72 and $82, depending on whether you are under 21 or 21 and older. A renewal costs between $72 and $82. A replacement for a lost or damaged license costs $20. A commercial driver's license costs more — between $100 and $150 for a new license and between $100 and $150 for a renewal.

The office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. It does not accept checks. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself — you cannot pay by phone or online at the Kennewick office. Ask for a receipt before you leave.

If you are under 18, you may may have access to for a reduced fee. Ask the staff member at the counter whether you are may be able to access. Some discounts explore only to first-time applicants or to people renewing before their license expires.

What to Expect on the Day You Go

Arrive with all your documents in a folder or envelope so they are straightforward to find. When you enter, look for the ticket dispenser near the door. Take a number and wait for your number to be called on the display screen. Do not line up at a counter — the office uses a queue system, and staff will call you when a window is ready.

When you are called, go to the window and hand over your documents. The staff member will check them, ask you to confirm your information, and take your photo. If you are taking a written or vision test, you will be directed to a testing station. If you are renewing or replacing a license, your new license will be printed while you wait — usually within 10 to 15 minutes.

If any of your documents are missing or incorrect, the staff member will tell you what you need to bring back. You will lose your place in line and have to return another day. This is the most common reason for a second trip, so double-check your documents before you hand them over.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Washington allows online renewal for some licenses, but only if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes or name changes. You can renew online through the Washington State Department of Licensing website. If you cannot renew online, you must go to the Kennewick office or another licensing office in person.

How long does it take to get a new license after I pass the test?

If you pass the vision and written test on the same day, your license will be printed before you leave the office. You will have it in hand within 15 to 30 minutes of passing the test. The driving test is scheduled separately and usually happens within one to two weeks; once you pass it, your license is valid when ready.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day, but you must wait at least one hour between attempts. You will pay the test fee again. You have unlimited retakes, but each one costs money and takes time. The Kennewick office has study materials available, and the Washington State Department of Licensing website has a free practice test you can use at home before you return.

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

The Kennewick office does not take appointments. Service is first-come, first-served. You take a number when you arrive and wait for your number to be called. Arriving early (before 9:00 a.m.) or late (after 4:00 p.m.) usually means shorter waits than mid-day.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can still get a Washington driver's license. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. The Kennewick office will issue your license with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, if you have one, or with no number if you do not.