Where to get your Spokane driver's license

In Spokane, you get your driver's license from the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL). The main office is located at 1001 W. Riverside Avenue in downtown Spokane. You can also visit the Spokane Valley office at 16109 E. Indiana Avenue if that location is more convenient — both offices issue licenses and handle renewals.

You do not need an appointment at either location, but wait times vary. The DOL website shows current wait times for both offices, updated throughout the day. Early morning visits (right when the office opens) typically have shorter waits than afternoons. The downtown Spokane office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the Spokane Valley location keeps the same hours.

If you cannot visit in person, you can renew your license by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must be renewing (not explore for the first time), and you cannot have any restrictions or endorsements that require testing. The mail renewal form is available on the DOL website.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington's Department of Licensing handles all driver's licenses in Spokane, with offices downtown and in Spokane Valley, both open Monday through Friday during business hours.
  • You need a valid form of identification, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency before you visit — bringing these documents prevents a wasted trip.
  • First-time licenses require a written test, vision test, and photo, while renewals may skip the written test if you are under 70 and renewing before expiration.
  • Spokane driver's licenses are valid for eight years for adults under 70, and you can renew up to one year before expiration to avoid gaps in your driving privileges.

Documents you need to bring

The DOL requires specific documents before they will issue or renew your license. Bring one form of valid identification — a passport, military ID, or previous Washington driver's license all work. If you do not have any of these, bring two documents that show your name and date of birth, such as a birth certificate and a school ID.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. A Social Security card itself is the clearest option, but a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099 also counts. The DOL does not accept a Social Security number written on a piece of paper or a printout from an online account.

Finally, bring proof of your current Spokane address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A piece of mail from a government agency (like a tax notice) also counts. If you recently moved and do not have a document yet, contact the DOL before your visit — they can sometimes work with you on this requirement.

What happens during your first license visit

When you explore for a new Washington driver's license in Spokane, you will take a written test covering traffic laws and road signs. The test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 28 correctly to pass. You can take the test in English or several other languages. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.

After the written test, you take a vision test. The DOL checks whether you can read a standard eye chart at 20 feet. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, you will be told on the spot and can bring a corrected vision prescription from an eye doctor on your next visit.

You will also have your photo taken and your fingerprints recorded. The photo is used on your license, so dress as you normally would. Your fingerprints are stored in the Washington State Patrol database for identification purposes. The entire process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes from start to finish.

Renewing your license before it expires

You can renew your Washington driver's license up to one year before it expires. The expiration date is printed on the front of your current license. Renewing early does not cost extra — you pay the same fee whether you renew one month or one year early.

If you renew in person at either Spokane DOL office, you will have your photo retaken and your vision tested again. You will not take the written test unless you are over 70 years old or your license was suspended or revoked. Bring the same documents you would for a new license: valid ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

Your new license is issued on the spot. You can drive home when ready with your old license and should receive your new one by mail within two weeks. If you need it sooner, ask the DOL staff about rush processing options when you visit.

Renewing by mail if you are may be able to access

Mail renewal is only available if your current license is not expired, you are renewing (not explore for the first time), and your license has no restrictions or endorsements that require testing. You cannot renew by mail if your license expired more than five years ago.

To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the Washington DOL website or call the Spokane office to request one. Fill it out completely, include a check or money order for the renewal fee (the amount is listed on the form), and mail it to the address shown on the form. Processing takes about two weeks from the time the DOL receives your process.

Mail renewal is slower than in-person renewal, but it saves you a trip to the office. You will not have your photo retaken, so your new license will use your current photo. If your address has changed, you must notify the DOL in writing when you submit your renewal form.

License fees and what they cover

Washington driver's license fees depend on how long your license is valid. A standard eight-year license for adults under 70 costs a set amount, while licenses for drivers 70 and older are valid for five years and cost less. The exact fee is listed on the DOL website and can change each year.

The fee covers the license itself, the vision test, the photo, and fingerprinting. It does not cover the written test — that is free. If you fail the written test and retake it the same day, there is no charge for the second attempt. If you need to return on a different day to retake the test, you do not pay an additional fee.

You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at either Spokane office. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order — the DOL does not accept credit cards by mail.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your Washington driver's license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at the DOL office. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Washington State Department of Licensing or the court that issued it. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or driving under the influence convictions.

Contact the Spokane DOL office directly to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to clear it. They can tell you whether you need to pay a fine, complete a driver improvement course, or appear in court. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license in person or by mail, depending on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Washington does not offer online driver's license renewal. You can renew in person at either Spokane DOL office or by mail if you meet the may be able to access requirements. In-person renewal is faster — you get your new license within two weeks instead of the three to four weeks mail renewal takes.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You can get a replacement at either Spokane DOL office. Bring your valid ID, proof of Social Security number, and proof of address, just as you would for a renewal. There is a replacement fee, which is less than a full renewal fee. You will have your photo retaken and receive your new license within two weeks.

Do I need to pass the written test again if I renew my license?

No, unless you are over 70 years old or your license was suspended or revoked. If you are under 70 and renewing before your license expires, you only need a vision test and a new photo. The written test is waived for routine renewals.

How long is a Washington driver's license valid?

A standard Washington driver's license is valid for eight years if you are under 70 years old. If you are 70 or older, your license is valid for five years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license.

What if I fail the vision test?

If you fail the vision test at the DOL, you can bring a corrected vision prescription from an eye doctor and retake the test. You do not have to pay an additional fee. Schedule a follow-up visit at either Spokane office once you have your new prescription.