Where the Benton County DMV is located
Benton County has one main Department of Motor Vehicles office. The address is 620 Market Street, Richland, WA 99352. This is the full-service location where you can handle most vehicle and driver license transactions in person.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Hours can change seasonally, so call ahead if you are planning a trip during a holiday week. There is street parking available near the building, though it can fill during mid-morning and early afternoon.
Key Takeaways
- The Benton County DMV is located at 620 Market Street in Richland and handles driver licenses, vehicle registration, and title work during regular business hours.
- You can reach the office by phone at (509) 736-3000 to ask about wait times, required documents, or whether you need an appointment.
- Many common transactions—renewing your license, registering a vehicle, or changing your address—can be done online through the Washington State Department of Licensing website instead of visiting in person.
- If you cannot visit during business hours, the online portal and phone line are your fastest options for information about what documents to bring.
What you can do at the Benton County office
The Richland DMV handles driver license renewals, replacements, and new applications. You can also explore for or renew vehicle registration, transfer a title, get a duplicate registration, and update your address on your license or vehicle records.
Not all services require an in-person visit. Washington State allows you to renew your driver license online if you meet certain conditions—your license must not be expired by more than five years, you cannot have any medical restrictions, and you must have a valid Social Security number on file. Vehicle registration renewals can also be completed online through the Department of Licensing website.
How to reach the Benton County DMV by phone
Call (509) 736-3000 during business hours to speak with staff. This line handles questions about what documents you need, current wait times, whether appointments are available, and whether a particular service can be done online instead.
The phone line is often busiest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays. If you reach a busy signal or long hold time, calling first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon typically connects you faster. You can also leave a voicemail with your question and a callback number, though responses may take one business day.
Online services through Washington State
The Washington State Department of Licensing website (dol.wa.gov) lets you handle many transactions without visiting the office. You can renew your driver license, renew vehicle registration, change your address on your license or vehicle records, and order a duplicate registration or title.
To use online services, you will need your driver license number or vehicle identification number (VIN), depending on the transaction. Payment is by credit or debit card. Transactions typically process within one to two business days, and documents are mailed to your address on file.
What documents to bring for common transactions
For a driver license renewal or replacement, bring your current license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
For vehicle registration or a title transfer, bring your current registration, proof of ownership (the title or bill of sale), proof of insurance, and proof of residency. If the vehicle is financed, bring the lien holder information. For a straightforward address change, you may only need your current registration and proof of your new address.
The staff at the Richland office can tell you exactly what you need for your specific situation if you call ahead. This saves a trip back home if you forget a document.
Wait times and how to plan your visit
Wait times at the Benton County DMV vary by day and time. Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier than mid-week visits. The office is usually quietest between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
You can call (509) 736-3000 to ask about current wait times before you leave home. Some transactions—like a straightforward address change or registration renewal—move faster than others, like a new driver license process. If you know your transaction will take time, plan to arrive early in the day or consider whether the online option would work for you instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my driver license by mail?
Washington State does not offer mail-in renewals. You can renew online if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical restrictions. Otherwise, you must visit the office in person or contact the Department of Licensing about your specific situation.
Do I need an appointment at the Benton County DMV?
Appointments are not required, but the office may ask you to schedule one during very busy periods. Call (509) 736-3000 to ask whether appointments are available for your transaction type. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis when appointments are not needed.
What if I cannot visit during business hours?
Use the online services at dol.wa.gov for transactions that can be completed that way—renewals, address changes, and duplicate documents. For services that require an in-person visit, you will need to come during the office's Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule.
How long does it take to get a new driver license after I explore?
A new driver license is mailed to your address on file and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the permanent card.
Can I change my address online?
Yes. You can update your address on your driver license or vehicle registration through the Department of Licensing website at dol.wa.gov. The change processes within one to two business days, and an updated document is mailed to your new address.