The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) today announced new actions it is taking to protect the health and safety of customers and employees during the coronavirus pandemic.
Starting Monday, March 23, more customers will be able to renew their driver licenses and identification cards online. Customers whose transactions require a visit to a driver licensing service office will be served on an appointment-only basis if their needs involve essential functions as outlined by the governor. This will significantly reduce the number of people in our offices at any given time, allowing us to better manage customer flow and ensure social distancing.
Expanded Online Renewals
If possible, as a first option please take advantage of the dozens of services offered online at dol.wa.gov.
Starting March 23, persons under age 24 and over 70 may renew online for the next 30 days, longer if deemed necessary. DOL is also suspending the requirement to visit a licensing office every other renewal.
Most vehicle registration renewals can be done online, by mail, or over the phone. Vehicle registration renewals that are not eligible to use an alternative service channel include:
- Outdated insurance information
- Registration expired for 90 days or more
- Recent transfer to the state
If You Can’t Complete Your Transaction Online
Those unable to complete their transaction online can make an appointment to visit a DOL office. Transactions servicing essential functions will be prioritized.
To make an appointment, call 360-902-3900. Customers who show up to an office without an appointment will be scheduled for a return visit or redirected to alternative service channels in order to complete their DOL business.
Please be patient when calling for an appointment. Call volumes are very high.
Examples of situations that require an office visit include:
- Applications for commercial driver licenses
- Applications for a new driver license or identification card (standard or enhanced)
- Certain complex transactions, such as reinstatements
- Inability to renew online due to not having a bank account or access to the internet
Vision tests in our offices are temporarily suspended due to lack of adequate cleaning supplies.
Drive tests will not be available. There is no way to create social distancing in a vehicle. In Washington, drive tests are required for young drivers and persons who require medical re-exams. Contact your local private driver training school to find out if tests are still being offered there.
Ten driver licensing offices reopen for appointments at 1 p.m. March 23, with more taking appointments starting 1 p.m. March 24. The following travel offices will not open until the week of April 6 at the earliest: Chelan, Clarkston, Coulee Dam, Davenport, Forks, Friday Harbor, Goldendale, Morton, Newport, Oroville, Republic, and South Bend.
Public Counters for Businesses, Professions, and Fuel Tax Remain Closed
In addition to driver licensing offices, all public counters for businesses, professions, and fuel tax payments will stay closed until further notice. All such services can be done online, over the phone, or by mail.
Social Distancing Measures in DOL Offices
In addition to limiting the number of people in our offices, seating is being reduced in all lobbies to create more space between seats, and licensing workers will work 6 feet apart.
Contact Us
The DOL call center is open during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday; Thursday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Please be patient, as call volume is high.
- Driver licensing/appointment scheduling: 360-902-3900
- Vehicle licensing: 360-902-3770
- Email: CustomerCare@dol.wa.gov
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