DMV Appointment Help

[u/andytherobot666]

Ive been repeatedly checking the website trying to schedule an appointment to get my WA license (im a transplant) but every time I look it just says “no appointments available at this time” no other information. I need to get my WA license so i can get new tags. This has been tres frustrating. Anyone else have this experience? Any advice? Is there a best time to look?

[u/ATypicalJake]

They release same day appointments at 8 or 8:30 am, be logged in and refreshing the page. Otherwise, just show up around 1 pm and they will “make you an appointment” most days. Works for the enhanced license too.

[u/shakespearecat → u/ATypicalJake]

This. That's how my spouse got her appointment. Same online daily appointment release. Bellingham also posts appointments six weeks out on a rolling basis (if you aren't in a hurry and plan ahead).

[u/Flimsy-Switch-6256 → u/shakespearecat]

Me too

[u/Eddit13]

Live in Sedro - had to go to Oak Harbor - luckily a few days before my license expired. I would try a walk - in there.

[u/86753ohneigheine]

I scheduled an appointment online at 8:30 and got something a few days out. Then I showed up as a walk in and waited less than an hour. I cancelled my appointment when I got home.

[u/midsummerclassic90]

Go to oak harbor if you can. It was practically empty when we went. We had appointments but they took us early even.

[u/Lizzybizzy024]

I made an appointment for anacortes dmv. Walked in and out even before my appointment time lol

[u/Storms_and_Stars]

This was by far the most annoying aspect of moving to WA.  Best thing to do is check and refresh the DOL appointment page for a while starting around 8:27 every morning.  They release a few same-day appointments around opening time, so you can snag one.  It took me a couple weeks to find one that worked for my schedule.

[u/kaeatu]

Don't stand in line, just refresh the appointment screen about a minute or two before the office opens. It'll flood new openings for the whole day, but be quick and choose one and confirm it before someone else does. I just did this the other day, had an appointment an hour later when they were telling people it's weeks away.

[u/WaGinger]

I had to just show up when I moved here. Appointments were booked out for a month!

[u/hharmonikaa]

You have to go to the DOL and line up before they open. They will pass out QR codes to schedule appointments (they release same-day appointments right before they open). I did this down in Vancouver about a month ago and got in 45 minutes later

[u/CinKneph → u/hharmonikaa]

When I was at the Bellingham one in June they would barely talk to you without an appointment. They’d hand you the DOL website address and the phone number for Anacortes.

I got my appointment by going online at around 8 am that day before going in.

[u/Bhamlifer]

Usually they have some openings but I believe the Mount Vernon DMV is temporarily closed to train new employees so Bellingham may have people from Skagit County.

Best bet is to show up before they open. Get inline and get your appointment.

I had an appointment last month but talked to people who had shown up that morning to get an appointment and were back later in the day for the appointmen.

[u/Capt_Socrates]

As others have said wait outside prior to open but be constantly refreshing the page so it detects you as active. This is a lot like getting super desirable concert tickets, you gotta keep reloading until they release more appointments. Getting there super early isn’t a necessity either. The line doesn’t matter at all, just be there like 15-20 before opening and you should be able to get an appointment pretty quick

[u/Fellow_Citizen_1]

Try Anacortes DMV. If you need it urgently (like tomorrow), you could just go there and wait a bit. They obviously prioritize anyone holding an appointment but take walk ins. If you have time, looking for open appointment slots there. Really easy.

[u/ShopCharacter]

Smaller town DMV. Try Anacortes