How do I get an appointment at the Washington DMV? If you are a new resident of Washington, you may need to consider some of the processes and paperwork necessary to keep your vehicle’s documents in order, as well as the driver’s documents in order.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the office in charge of processing driver’s license, vehicle and related paperwork in the state of Washington.
You can schedule a DMV Washington appointment online, over the phone or in person at an office near you.
Request an appointment at DMV Washington
- Log in from the Washington DMV at https://www.dol.wa.gov/.
- Choose from Online Services, Driver’s License/ID, Vehicles, Renewals, CDL.
- You can schedule an appointment, test, renew your license, ID card, request a duplicate, make changes or payments.
- However, you can also check the hours of operation and access phone numbers.
- Some Washington DMV offices will be able to assist you in person, others from telephone services.
At DMV Washington, an appointment-only reservation system has been implemented for certain required in-person transactions that cannot be completed online, by phone or by mail.
Best times to visit the Washington DMV
Here are some tips on the best times to visit the Washington DMV.
- Afternoons tend to be busier than mornings
- The middle of the week tends to have shorter waits than Monday and Friday
- The Washington DMV office starts the lunch break around noon, which leaves fewer employees. Try to avoid the lunch hour if possible.
- Make sure you have enough time to finish your paperwork, especially if you are getting a permit or taking a road test.
What to do at DMV Washington
DMV Washington is adding more and more online services so you can get things done without having to visit a physical office for an appointment. You can renew your vehicle registration, replace your license and more online.
Here are some of the services you will be able to perform at DMV Washington online appointments.
Driver Services and Driver License
- Renew your driver’s license
- Update your driver’s license or identification card
- Renew your driver’s license while out of state
- Replace your license or instruction permit
- Replace your driver’s license while out of state
- Identity theft or fraud
Enhanced Driver’s License/Enhanced Identification Card (EDL/EID)
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Driving Record
- Copy your driving record
- Purchase someone else’s driving record
- Verify the status of a driver’s license or ID card
You will also be able to access services for vehicles, boats and professional licenses.
Real ID in Washington
The Real ID Act of 2005 establishes minimum security standards for issuing and producing licenses and identification cards in all states.
As of May 3, 2023, all individuals will be required to carry a REAL ID license to access certain federal buildings, enter nuclear facilities, and board commercial flights within the United States.
- To obtain your Washington Real ID, you can renew your license or ID card online for a new Real ID.
- If you have not previously been issued a Washington driver’s license or ID, go to a Washington DMV office.
- Schedule an appointment at a DMV service center to obtain your Washington Real ID.
What to bring to your Washington DMV appointment
If you are applying for a driver’s license or travel ID (a REAL ID-compliant license or ID) in Washington, you will need to bring some documents with you to your Washington DMV appointment. If you have all of your documents with you, your visit will go faster and smoother. Documents include:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, such as a passport or birth certificate
- Proof of social security number, such as a social security card or W-2 form
- Two documents proving your Washington residency, such as a utility bill or lease.
All documents must be originals and stamped if necessary.
Washington DMV Offices
As you may know, the Washington DMV is an office dedicated to serving anyone who wishes to process their vehicle, driver’s license or identification card documents throughout the state.
