Moving to Seattle: drivers license and registration (Kent, Lynnwood: DMV, law)

[semidevil]

Will be moving to Seattle soon and will need to switch my license over and also register my vehicle.

Is visiting the Seattle DMV as painful as other DMV(I,e 6 hour wait and whatnot), or is there a better way to manage? Any online services availabe for my specific needs? Any suggestions to make it as efficient as possible?

[homesinseattle]

Maybe it's just me but DMV seems to have gotten nicer over the years. Going outside of town can help, also of course showing up right at opening time. I've had good luck at this one in Lynnwood (about 15 minutes north of Seattle). DMV Seattle Guide

[VirtualErik]

depends where, when and at what time of day, here in Kent, every time I went by the line was out the door, other times, it seemed empty, short answer, yes.

[pikabike]

Make sure you provide your full name including middle name. WA only requires MI, but if you ever move out to a RealID compliant state, that lack of full name could really *******s things up. BTDT.

[Hemlock140]

We have found the one in North Bend to be the quickest. Keep in mind that by law you must change over the plates and your license within 30 days.

[Seacove]

Recommend getting Advanced ID, which also lets you into Canada.

[Hacker1234]

Yup I got out of Northbend very quick, just FYI you don't get your plates at the DMV. But you need your license first before you switch the plates over.

[pnwguy2]

Driver's license offices are different from registration/plates offices. The former are commonly closed on Mondays around the State.

Another tip: If you have a former WA drivers license (no matter from what year), you can bypass the written/computer test. Your previous driving experience in WA is archived.