Spokane's DMV Locations and Hours
Spokane has one full-service Department of Licensing office that handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and title work. It is located at 1350 North Division Street in downtown Spokane, and it is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on state holidays. There is no Saturday or evening service at this location.
This is the only office in Spokane proper where you can renew a driver's license in person, take a written or driving test, or handle complex vehicle title issues. If you need a quick transaction — renewing a registration online or by mail, for instance — you do not need to visit the office. But if you need to sit for a test or resolve a title problem, you will need to go to North Division.
Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The office can be crowded during mid-morning and mid-afternoon, particularly on Thursdays and Fridays. Arriving early in the week or just after the office opens tends to mean shorter waits.
Key Takeaways
- Spokane's single Department of Licensing office is at 1350 North Division Street, open weekdays 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no weekend or evening hours.
- You can renew your driver's license online or by mail without visiting the office if you do not need a new photo or have no medical restrictions.
- Vehicle registration renewals can be completed online through the Washington Department of Licensing website or by mail, saving a trip to the office.
- If you need a written or driving test, a duplicate license, or help with a vehicle title issue, you must visit the North Division office in person.
- Waits are typically shorter on Monday and Tuesday mornings and just after 8:15 a.m., and longer on Thursday and Friday afternoons.
What You Can Do Online or by Mail Instead
Washington's Department of Licensing lets you handle many transactions without visiting Spokane's office. You can renew your driver's license online if you are between 18 and 70, have no medical conditions that require a doctor's note, and do not need a new photo. The renewal takes about a week to arrive by mail and costs the same as renewing in person.
Vehicle registration renewals are also available online through the Department of Licensing website. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), current registration number, and a payment method. Registration renewals by mail take longer — typically two to three weeks — so online is faster if you want to avoid the office.
Title transfers and address changes on your registration can sometimes be done by mail, depending on the situation. If the previous owner is deceased, if there is a lien on the vehicle, or if you are transferring a title out of state, you may need to visit the office or submit documents by mail with specific forms. The Department of Licensing website lists which transactions require in-person service.
Documents to Bring for Common Transactions
| Transaction | Documents Needed | In Person Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's license renewal (with photo) | Current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number | Yes |
| Driver's license renewal (no photo) | Current license, payment | No — online or mail |
| New driver's license (first-time or after suspension) | Proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, medical form if required | Yes |
| Vehicle registration renewal | Current registration, VIN, payment | No — online or mail |
| Vehicle title transfer | Signed title from seller, bill of sale, proof of residency, proof of ownership | Usually yes |
| Address change on license or registration | Current license or registration, proof of new residency | Depends on method |
How to Prepare for Your Visit
Before you go to the North Division office, check the Department of Licensing website to confirm which documents you need for your specific transaction. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are usually not accepted for proof of identity or residency. If you are renewing your license with a new photo, bring a current photo ID and be prepared to have a new photo taken at the office.
If you are taking a written or driving test, bring your learner's permit or current license, proof of residency, and any required medical forms. The office does not schedule driving tests in advance; you take the written test first, and if you pass, you can schedule a driving test for a later date. Driving tests are typically available within one to two weeks of passing the written exam.
Bring payment in cash, debit card, or credit card. The office does not accept checks. If you are unsure whether your documents are acceptable, call the office at 509-329-2400 before you visit.
Vehicle Title and Registration Issues Specific to Spokane
Spokane County has no separate county assessor's office for vehicle titles; all title work goes through the state Department of Licensing. If you bought a vehicle from a private seller in Spokane County and the title has a lien or is held by a bank, you will need to bring the lien release or payoff letter to the North Division office. The office cannot process a title transfer without proof that any lien has been satisfied.
If you are registering a vehicle that was previously registered in another state, bring the out-of-state title, a bill of sale, and proof of a Washington safety inspection. Spokane has several inspection stations; the Department of Licensing website lists them by ZIP code. You must have the inspection completed before you can register the vehicle in Washington.
Vehicles registered in Spokane are subject to Washington's annual safety and emissions inspection requirement. You can have the inspection done at any licensed station in the state, not just in Spokane, and you do not need to return to the DMV office to renew your registration after the inspection — you can renew online or by mail.
Nearby DMV Offices If You Cannot Visit Spokane
If you live in a Spokane suburb or nearby area and the North Division office is inconvenient, the next closest Department of Licensing office is in Colville, about 50 miles north. Colville's office is smaller and has limited hours — typically Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — so call ahead at 509-684-7575 before making the drive.
Cheney, about 15 miles southwest of Spokane, does not have a Department of Licensing office. Spokane Valley, east of Spokane, also does not have a dedicated office; residents use the North Division location. If you are in the Tri-Cities area (Richland, Kennewick, Pasco), the nearest office is in Yakima, about 80 miles away.
For most transactions, mailing documents or using the online system is faster and cheaper than driving to a distant office. The Department of Licensing website shows which transactions can be completed by mail and provides the mailing address and required forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my vehicle registration without going to the DMV?
Yes. You can renew online through the Department of Licensing website or by mail. Online renewal is when ready; by mail it takes two to three weeks. You will need your current registration number, VIN, and a payment method. The office is only necessary if your registration has been suspended or if you have unpaid violations.
How long does it take to get a new driver's license after I pass the test?
Your temporary license is issued when ready after you pass the written and driving tests. Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. You can use the temporary license to drive during that time.
Do I need an appointment at the Spokane DMV office?
No. The North Division office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You can walk in during business hours, but waits can be 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times. Arriving early in the week or just after 8:15 a.m. usually means a shorter wait.
What if I need to transfer a vehicle title but the seller lives out of state?
You will need the signed title from the seller and a bill of sale. If the seller cannot come to Spokane, they can sign the title and mail it to you, and you can bring it to the North Division office with your proof of residency and payment. Some out-of-state titles require notarization; check the Department of Licensing website or call 509-329-2400 to confirm before the seller signs.
Can I take my driving test at a location other than the Spokane office?
No. All driving tests in Spokane County are administered at the North Division Street office. You must pass the written test there first, then schedule a driving test appointment for a later date at the same location.