The Spokane Driver's License Office Location and Hours
Washington State's Spokane Driver's License Office is located at 1025 West Riverside Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201. This is the main office serving Spokane County and the surrounding region. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays and weekends.
You can reach the office by phone at (509) 334-6000 to confirm hours, ask about wait times, or get answers to specific questions about your transaction. The office does not take appointments; service is first-come, first-served. Arriving early in the day typically means shorter waits than mid-morning or afternoon.
If you cannot reach the main office, you can also contact the Washington State Department of Licensing customer service line at 1-360-902-3900 for general information about driver's license services statewide.
Key Takeaways
- The Spokane Driver's License Office is at 1025 West Riverside Avenue and operates Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no weekend or holiday hours.
- You do not need an appointment; arrive during business hours and wait your turn, though arriving early typically means a shorter wait.
- Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and the specific documents required for your transaction type (renewal, replacement, or new license).
- The office handles standard driver's license transactions, but some specialized services may require a visit to a different location or online processing.
- Call ahead at (509) 334-6000 if you have questions about what documents you need or whether your transaction can be completed at this location.
Documents You Need for a Standard Visit
What you bring depends on whether you are renewing, replacing, or obtaining a new license. For any transaction, bring a current form of ID and proof of your current Washington State address. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID such as a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license counts as your identity document.
If you are renewing a license that has not expired, bring your current license and proof of residency. If your license has expired, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired. If you are replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, bring a police report (if stolen) and proof of residency. For a new license, bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and your birth certificate or passport.
Bring originals or certified copies of documents—photocopies are not accepted. If any document is not in English, bring a certified translation along with the original.
Fees and Payment Methods
Driver's license fees in Washington State vary by license type and whether you are renewing, replacing, or obtaining a new license. A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $72. A replacement for a lost or damaged license costs $20. A new license for a first-time driver costs $72. These fees are subject to change, so confirm the current amount when you call or visit.
The Spokane office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you pay by check, make it payable to the Washington State Department of Licensing. Ask at the counter which payment methods are available on the day you visit, as procedures can vary.
What Happens During Your Visit
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait until your number is called. When you reach the counter, the staff member will review your documents, confirm your information, and ask you to sign the process. For renewals of a valid license, you typically will not need to retake tests. For new licenses or expired licenses, you will be directed to take a vision test and a written knowledge test at a testing station within the office.
After your process is processed and tests are passed (if required), you will pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 5 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid until your permanent card arrives. Keep this temporary license with you while you wait for the permanent one.
When You Cannot Complete Your Transaction at This Office
Some transactions require a visit to a different location or cannot be completed in person. If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must go to a designated CDL testing facility; the Spokane office can direct you to the nearest one. If you are explore for a hazmat endorsement, that also requires a separate appointment at a CDL facility.
Certain changes—such as correcting your legal name due to marriage, divorce, or court order—may require additional documentation and processing time. Call the office before you visit to confirm whether your specific situation can be handled at the Spokane location or whether you need to submit documents by mail or visit another office.
Parking and Accessibility
The Spokane Driver's License Office is located on West Riverside Avenue in downtown Spokane. Street parking is available in the area, though availability varies by time of day. The building has accessible parking spaces and is wheelchair accessible. If you have mobility concerns or need other accommodations, call ahead at (509) 334-6000 to let staff know you are coming.
Public transportation in Spokane is served by Spokane Transit Authority (STA). Multiple bus routes serve the downtown area near the office. Check the STA website or call 511 for route and schedule information.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Bringing incomplete or incorrect documents is the most common reason for delays. Verify exactly what you need before you go. If your name has changed, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you have moved recently, make sure your proof of residency is dated within the last 60 days—an older utility bill will not work.
Do not assume your out-of-state license can be renewed at the Spokane office if you have recently moved to Washington. You may need to surrender your old license and obtain a new Washington license instead. Bring all documents for a new license if this is your first time getting a Washington license, even if you held a valid license in another state.
If you are renewing online or by mail (which is an option for some renewals), do not show up at the office expecting to complete it in person on the same day. Check the Department of Licensing website to see whether your renewal can be done online before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a new license after I visit the office?
Your permanent license is mailed to your address on file within 5 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid when ready. If your license does not arrive within two weeks, call (509) 334-6000 to check the status.
Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?
Washington State offers online renewal for some driver's licenses. You are usually may be able to access if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you have no medical or legal holds. Visit the Department of Licensing website to check whether your renewal can be done online before you visit the Spokane office.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
A passport, passport card, or state ID card can substitute for a birth certificate as proof of identity for a new license. If you do not have any of these, contact the Department of Licensing at 1-360-902-3900 to learn what other documents are accepted.
Do I need to take a new written test if I am renewing my license?
No, if your current license is still valid, you do not retake the written test. You may need to pass a vision test. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, you may need to retake both tests—call the office to confirm based on how long your license has been expired.
What should I do if I lost my license while traveling out of state?
You can report it lost and request a replacement at the Spokane office when you return. Bring proof of residency and a police report if you filed one. If you need to drive before you can visit the office, you can request a temporary permit by calling (509) 334-6000 to ask about your options.