Where to find the Burien Driver's License Office

The Burien Driver's License Office is located at 15220 1st Avenue South, Burien, WA 98148. This is a full-service Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) office that handles driver's licenses, ID cards, vehicle registration, and related transactions. The office serves the Burien area and surrounding communities in south King County.

You can reach the office by phone at (360) 902-3900 to confirm hours, ask about wait times, or get specific information about what documents you need to bring. The office is accessible by car and public transit — King County Metro buses serve the area if you prefer not to drive.

Key Takeaways

  • The Burien DOL office is at 15220 1st Avenue South and handles driver's licenses, ID cards, vehicle registration, and title work.
  • You can call (360) 902-3900 to check current hours and wait times before you go, since hours may vary by season or staffing.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and any existing Washington ID or license when you visit for a new or renewed license.
  • Vehicle registration and title transactions require your vehicle's current registration, proof of ownership, and proof of insurance.
  • If you cannot visit in person, Washington State offers online renewal for some driver's licenses and vehicle registrations through the DOL website.

What you can do at the Burien office

The Burien location is a full-service office, meaning you can handle most driver's license and vehicle-related tasks there. This includes getting a new driver's license, renewing an expiring license, replacing a lost or damaged license, obtaining a Washington State ID card, and updating your address on your license or ID.

For vehicle owners, the office handles vehicle registration renewals, new vehicle registration, title transfers, and address changes on your registration. You can also explore for special license plates, duplicate registration documents, and vehicle-related name or address corrections at this location.

The office does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing or certain specialized transactions — if you need CDL services, you may need to visit a different DOL office. Call ahead to confirm whether your specific transaction is handled at Burien.

Documents to bring for a driver's license or ID

For a new Washington driver's license or ID card, bring your Social Security number (or a document showing it), proof of your current address, and proof of your legal name and date of birth. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of legal name and birth date can be a birth certificate, passport, or certified court document.

If you already have a Washington driver's license or ID, bring that as well — it speeds up the process. If you are renewing an expiring license, you may be able to renew online or by mail instead of visiting in person, depending on your age and how long your license has been expired.

Bring your Social Security card or a tax return, W-2, or 1099 form if you do not have a Social Security card. The office staff can tell you over the phone which documents work best for your situation.

Documents to bring for vehicle registration and title

For vehicle registration, bring your current registration document, proof of vehicle ownership (title or bill of sale), and proof of current auto insurance. Washington requires all registered vehicles to carry liability insurance, and the office will ask to see proof before completing your registration.

If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Washington, bring the title from your previous state or a bill of sale, your proof of insurance, and proof of your Washington residency. If you are transferring a title between owners, both the seller and buyer typically need to sign the title document — the office can explain the exact process when you call.

Bring your driver's license or ID for identification. If someone else is handling the transaction on your behalf, bring a signed power of attorney document or notarized letter giving them permission to act for you.

Hours and wait times at Burien

The Burien office is open Monday through Friday, though specific hours vary. Call (360) 902-3900 to confirm the current schedule, as hours may change seasonally or due to staffing. Some DOL offices have reduced hours on certain days, so it is worth checking before you make the trip.

Wait times at the Burien location depend on the time of day and day of the week. Generally, mornings tend to be less crowded than afternoons, and mid-week visits are often faster than Mondays or Fridays. The office staff can tell you the current wait time when you call, which helps you plan your visit.

If you want to avoid a trip to the office entirely, check whether your transaction can be completed online or by mail through the Washington State DOL website. Many routine renewals and address changes can be handled without visiting in person.

Online and mail options instead of visiting Burien

Washington State allows you to renew your driver's license online if you meet certain requirements: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must be between 18 and 69 years old, and you must not need to change your name or address. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal. You can renew online through the DOL website.

Vehicle registration renewal can also be completed online or by mail if you have not had any changes to your vehicle, address, or insurance. The DOL sends renewal notices by mail, and you can often renew by following the instructions on the notice without visiting an office.

If you need to change your address on your driver's license or registration, you can do this online for both documents in many cases. Check the Washington State DOL website to see which transactions are available online, or call the Burien office to ask whether your specific need can be handled remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a new driver's license at the Burien office?

A new license is usually issued the same day you visit, though you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy the office is. If you need a temporary license to drive home, the office can issue one. Your permanent license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Can I renew my vehicle registration without going to the office?

Yes, if your vehicle information has not changed and your insurance is current, you can renew by mail or online. The DOL sends renewal notices with instructions. Check the notice or call (360) 902-3900 to see whether your registration is may be able to access for remote renewal.

What if I moved to Burien from another state?

You have 30 days to get a Washington driver's license and register your vehicle in Washington. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Washington residency, your vehicle title, and proof of insurance to the Burien office. The staff will walk you through the process.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Burien office?

The Burien office operates on a walk-in basis — you do not need an appointment. However, you can call (360) 902-3900 to ask about current wait times and plan your visit accordingly. Some DOL offices offer appointment scheduling; ask when you call to see if Burien does.

What if I lost my vehicle title?

You can request a duplicate title at the Burien office. Bring your driver's license, proof of vehicle ownership (registration or insurance), and a completed process for Title form. The office can provide the form or you can read it from the Washington State DOL website before you visit.