What the Burien DMV office handles

The Burien Driver and Vehicle Services office is located in south King County and serves the Burien, SeaTac, and surrounding communities. This office issues driver's licenses and ID cards, processes vehicle registration and title work, and handles commercial driver's license (CDL) testing and renewal. It does not process all services — some transactions require a visit to a full-service office or can be completed online through the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) website.

Burien is a limited-service location, meaning certain transactions like initial CDL applications or some specialty vehicle registrations must be handled elsewhere. Before you drive there, check what your specific transaction requires on the DOL website or call ahead to confirm the office can process your request.

Key Takeaways

  • The Burien office is located at 14707 1st Avenue South, Burien, WA 98148, and is open Monday through Friday with extended hours on some days.
  • You can renew your driver's license, obtain a standard ID card, register a vehicle, and handle most title transactions at this location.
  • Many transactions can be completed online through the DOL website before or instead of visiting in person, which often saves time.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction — requirements vary by service type.
  • If your transaction is not listed as available at Burien, you will need to visit a full-service DOL office in the Seattle area or another county location.

Hours and location for the Burien office

The Burien Driver and Vehicle Services office is located at 14707 1st Avenue South, Burien, WA 98148. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though some days may have extended evening hours. Hours can change seasonally or due to staffing, so confirm the current schedule on the DOL website or by calling 360-902-3900 before you go.

Parking is available on-site. The office is accessible by car from Interstate 5 and is near public transit options. If you are traveling from Seattle or Tacoma, allow extra time for traffic, particularly during rush hours.

Services available at the Burien location

The Burien office can process driver's license renewals, replacements, and address changes. You can also obtain a standard Washington ID card if you do not drive. Vehicle registration renewals, title transfers, and duplicate title requests are handled here for most vehicle types.

CDL renewals and some CDL-related transactions are available, but initial CDL applications and skills tests may require a visit to a full-service office. Boat registration and vessel title work are also processed at this location. If you need a service not listed here, the DOL website will direct you to the nearest office that handles it.

Documents to bring for common transactions

For a driver's license renewal or replacement, bring your current license or ID, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For vehicle registration renewal, bring your current registration, proof of insurance, and payment. For a title transfer, bring the signed title from the previous owner, proof of sale or bill of sale, proof of insurance, and payment. Exact requirements depend on the transaction type and vehicle classification, so review the DOL website for your specific situation before you arrive.

For an ID card, bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.

Online services that may save you a trip

Washington's DOL website allows you to renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must not have any medical or legal restrictions, and you cannot change your address or name online. Renewal by mail is also an option for some drivers.

Vehicle registration renewal can often be completed online as well, provided your vehicle has no outstanding violations and your insurance is current. You can also order a duplicate title online without visiting an office. Check the DOL website to see which services you can handle from home, as this can reduce wait times and eliminate a trip to Burien.

What to do if Burien cannot handle your transaction

If your transaction is not available at Burien, the nearest full-service DOL office is in Seattle at 1125 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98104. Other options include the Renton office at 3600 Lind Avenue Southwest, Renton, WA 98055, or offices in Tacoma and Olympia if those are more convenient. The DOL website has a complete list of all office locations and the services each one provides.

Before driving to another location, call ahead or check the website to confirm that office can process your specific request. Some transactions, like initial CDL applications or certain commercial vehicle registrations, are only handled at designated locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Wait times vary by day and time of day. Mornings and early afternoons are typically less busy than late afternoon. The office can usually issue a license the same day if you have all required documents. Call 360-902-3900 to ask about current wait times before you visit.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Washington allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before expiration. Renewing early can be done online, by mail, or in person at the Burien office.

Do I need an appointment at the Burien DMV?

The Burien office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require appointments for most transactions. However, you can check the DOL website for current wait times and plan your visit accordingly. During peak hours, wait times can exceed one hour.

What if I need to register a vehicle but do not have the title yet?

You cannot register a vehicle without a title or proof of ownership. If you are waiting for a title from a dealer or previous owner, contact the Burien office at 360-902-3900 to ask what documents you can bring in the meantime to hold your place in the registration process.

Is the Burien office accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, the office is ADA-accessible. If you need accommodations or have questions about accessibility, call 360-902-3900 before your visit.