Tips to Renewing your WA Drivers License

It's no wonder drivers license photos have most of us looking insane or criminal. That's pretty much how you feel by the time you make it in front of the camera. A few weeks ago on a Monday morning, my sister called from the parking lot of the Bellevue DOL; her license already expired by one day and they were closed. I got online to find her another location and hours of operation and learned a few surprising things. Also got to thinking there are some strategies I use that might also be helpful to those with fewer birthdays and therefore less experience with "The System".

1. It is now possible in some cases to renew your drivers license online! If you are eligible to do so, you will recieve a letter from DOL with a code and instructions.


2. Different locations have different hours, be sure to check before you go. In the Seattle area there is Downtown Seattle, Shoreline, Bellevue, Renton, Kent and Federal Way. Further out there is Lynnwood, Everett, Tacoma and Puyallup. Most of them are closed Mondays; closing time is between 4:30-6pm depending on location and a few locations have Saturday hours. Busiest times to avoid if possible; first thing in the morning, lunchtime, after 3pm and Saturdays.


3. Go online to check the current wait time. You'll find it on each locations specific page listing hours and address. Look for this;


4. Go on a day when you have plenty of patience and time! Be prepared to wait. The problem starts in the parking lot. Even the outlying offices seem to have shortage of parking and cars are circling, waiting for someone to leave. I usually take one pass and then go park elsewhere down the street and walk.


5. Take a number ASAP. If you have someone with you, drop them off at the door to get you a number while you park.


6. Bring food and something to do, seriously! Don't know if you can blatantly set up a picnic and eat inside but if you're way past due for a meal, your stress level will double.


7. If your number and wait time is in the distant future, spend some of the time in the comfort of your car. Believe me, it will be more comfortable than standing room only or a molded plastic chair permanently adjoined to more molded plastic chairs with an inch of personal space in between.
8. Have cash or check with you. I typically carry neither but in many cases, those are the only forms of payment accepted.

Regarding vehicle license / car tab renewals, most of this information applys. However, you can most likely renew tabs online and it is soooo much better! If you're in a pinch, you can order online and then head out to the office to pick them up. They have a special desk for internet renewals. You get to walk straight past the desperate looking people in plastic molded chairs, holding a number torn from the little red dispenser of doom and be immediately handed your tabs.

For just that moment, you'll feel like a VIP, rock star, visiting dignitary or royalty (whichever you most fantasize about).

May you enjoy your next experience at the DOL, at least more than your previous one!