This page has the following resources to help you with Transportation Service in King County
Driver Licensing and Car Registration
You can use this link to find licensing offices that offer testing, car registration, license/ID distribution, and other important services. After you choose a city, you’ll find the contact information, address, and operating hours of each location along with other updates on service availability.
Wait times for walk-ins can be very long and some offices may currently be closed, so making an appointment at the office you want to visit is strongly encouraged. To schedule an appointment with a DOL office, you will need to provide:
- The reason for your visit
- The service you need
- The location you will visit
- Your appointment date and time
- Your name, phone number, email address, and additional notes if you require accessibility accommodations including translation services
Here are some tips for visiting a DOL office and guidance for reaching out to DOL customer service if you require additional assistance.
Licensing Offices in King County
Federal Way
- 1617 S 324th St Federal Way, WA 98003-6004
- Phone: 253-661-5001
- Fax: 253-661-5003
Kent
- 25410 74th Ave S Kent, WA 98032-6011
- Phone: 253-872-2782
- Fax: 253-872-6348
North Bend
- 402 Main Ave S, Ste 11 North Bend, WA 98045
- Phone: 425-888-4036
- Fax: 425-888-4039
Redmond
- 7225 170th Ave NE Redmond, WA 98052
- Phone: 425-649-4281
- Fax: 425-453-3032
Renton
- 1314 Union Ave NE Ste 4 Renton, WA 98059-3959
- Phone: 425-277-7230
- Fax: 425-277-7110
Seattle (Queen Anne)
- 450 3rd Ave W Suite 100 Seattle, WA 98119
- Phone: 206-464-6845
- Fax: 206-352-4390
Seattle (West Seattle)
- 8830 25th Ave SW Seattle, WA 98106-3237
- Phone: 206-764-4144
- Fax: 206-764-4146
Shoreline
- 15809 Westminster Way N Shoreline, WA 98133
- Phone: 425-670-8375
- Fax: 206-366-7807
Driver Training Schools
Licensed driver training programs will offer instruction that meets the State of Washington requirements. Some locations even offer testing services so you don’t have to schedule an appointment at a DOL office. A complete course must include:
- 30 hours of classroom instruction (maximum 2 hours per day)
- At least 6 hours of practice driving (maximum 1 hour per day)
- At least 1 hour of behind-the-wheel observation
Links for some driver training schools and services in King County:
Buying and Insuring Personal Vehicles
The link above takes you to the primer breakdown for finding and purchasing the right car. As long as you purchase a car from a dealership in Washington State, they can take care of transferring the title for you. You can even look for cars in different cities to see if you can find better or more affordable deals.
Links for buying cars in King County:
In-Person
- Find Local Car Dealers (Autotrader)
- This site allows you to search for local dealerships based on their zip code. This is a great resource for researching the price and availability of cars. Some cars may not be listed, so you can call or visit a dealership to find out what they have available.
Online
Tip: When buying cars online, be cautious about ones being sold by private sellers through things like Craigslist. There are fewer policies in place to guarantee the quality of the car.
The link above takes you to the primer breakdown for car insurance and some agencies that provide it. Local insurance agencies sometimes work directly with specific insurance companies, but some provide the service of shopping for auto insurance for you. Searching for highly rated insurance companies in your area and asking for a quote is a great place to start. Remember: you must carry your proof of insurance with you while driving!
Links for finding car insurance in King County:
In-Person
Lowest Average Rates
Orca Cards
Orca Cards are reloadable transit cards that allow you to pay for transit from participating agencies with a single tap! There are different card options depending on your age and income that can offer reduced fares if you qualify. Once you have an Orca account you can add funds to your card online or at kiosks to pay for buses, trains, or even water taxis. When you use an Orca Card, you tap the card at a kiosk to begin your trip and then again once you reach your destination.
How to pay with an Orca Card:
- Bus: Tap your card on the reader at the front of the bus and wait for fare confirmation.
- Light Rail: Tap your card on a yellow card reader before you enter the station. After you have reached your stop and left the train, tap your card on the yellow card reader at your final station to complete your ride.
Other Transit: Tap your card on the readers presented to you by a transit attendant.
Links for Orca Card services:
- Getting Started with an Orca Card
- Create an Orca Account
- Provide your first and last name, a valid email address, and choose a memorable password.
- This account will be used for any actions related to your Orca Card, including adding funds or ordering a replacement.
- Get a Card In Person or Online
- Anyone over the age of 19 can buy an Adult card that allows them to ride transit and manage the funds on their card.
- With a Youth card, children 6-18 years old can ride transit that accepts Orca Cards for free!
- The Reduced Fare Application allows you to apply for an Orca Card with more affordable fares. These cards are available to low-income households, those with disabilities/medicare, or seniors.
- Reload Your Card
- Login to your Orca Account and add a valid credit card to reload your Orca Card.
- Orca Apps: IOS Store, Google Play Store
Buses
King County Metro operates over 100 different bus routes and services across the region. Using a trip planner or route map will help you figure out the best route for you.
Links for King County Metro’s bus services:
- Full King County Metro System Map
- Clicking this button
in the top right corner will provide a legend for the lines and icons used on this map.
- Clicking this button
- Schedules and Maps
- Click “System Maps” for maps of the different metro regions in King County
- Trip Planner
- After typing in your location and destination into the trip planner, make sure to check for this symbol to see service interruptions or cancelations.
Sound Transit offers Express bus service on over 28 routes between major cities and connections to Sounder and Link Light Rail stations.
Links for Sound Transit’s bus services:
These bus routes offer public transportation around Seattle and connect more rural parts of the state, including routes from Kettle Falls to Spokane, and Pasco to Walla Walla.
Links for Travel Washington’s bus services and rail connections:
Trains
King Street Station (Seattle)
- 303 S Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104
- Phone: (206) 382-4124
Tukwila Station
- 7301 Longacres Way, Tukwila, WA 98188
- Phone: (888) 889-6368
Seattle Light Rail
Sound Transit offers Sounder rail service from Everett to Lakewood and Link Light Rail service in the Seattle area.
Links for Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail and Sounder train services:
Amtrak maintains nationwide rail lines from coast to coast. The Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight, and Empire Builder lines all offer service directly in King County. You can also connect to other lines and travel to many destinations across the country.
Links for Amtrak’s train services:
The Seattle Monorail is a small train system that offers service from Seattle Center to Westlake Center. People often use this option as a way to commute into a number of Seattle landmark exhibits without having to find parking in the areas nearby.
Links for the Seattle Center Monorail:
The Seattle Streetcar offers service into downtown from the Lake Union and Capitol Hill areas.
Links for the Seattle Streetcar:
Vanpools
Vanpool programs can be very cost-effective for groups of people commuting to work in the same area. Starting a vanpool requires an application process, licensed driver, bookkeeper, and communication channels between riders to schedule rides. If you are interested in these programs, talk to your neighbors and others who are interested to learn about the program together!
Links for King County Metro’s vanpool services:
Ferries and Water Taxis
There are a number of ferry routes that provide transportation across and throughout the Puget Sound. You can ride these ferries on foot or board with your vehicle if there is room. Vehicle space fills up fast, so it is recommended that you show up at least 20-30 minutes before your departure time. These operate on a first-come first-served basis, so boarding with your vehicle is not guaranteed. Space for pedestrians is nearly always available.
Links for WSDOT’s ferry services:
There are two water taxi routes connecting Seattle to Vashon Island and West Seattle. These trips are eligible for Orca Cards or you can buy tickets at the terminals.
Links for King County Metro’s water taxi services:
Rideshare Apps
These apps allow you to schedule rides to your destination from your phone! Taxi service that allows you to call for a ride is also included below.
Links for various rideshare services operating in King County:
- Lyft (IOS) (Google Play)
- Uber (IOS) (Google Play)
- Moovn (IOS) (Google Play)
- Via (IOS) (Google Play)
- Taxi
- Curb (IOS) (Google Play)
- Flywheel (IOS) (Google Play)
- Seattle Yellow Cab
- Seattle Orange Cab
Bikes and Scooters
Many areas maintain designated bike lanes for commuters to use on roadways. Motorized bike and scooter rentals can also be used in these lanes for short trips (while obeying road safety laws). Always wear a helmet and stay aware of your surroundings.
Links for bicycle routes, trip planning, and rental programs in King County:
Walking
As a pedestrian, you will have access to public trails, paved sidewalks, and the numerous public transit options available throughout the county. Walking with a group of two or more is a good way to keep yourself safe when traveling. Stay aware of traffic to keep yourself and those around you safe when crossing or walking near roadways.
Links for pedestrian trails and safety in King County:
- Basic Pedestrian Laws
- You must use a sidewalk when they are available.
- You must obey traffic signals and use crosswalk signals when they are available.
- If these are not available, you must walk on the left side of the roadway facing traffic.
- Walking Maps and Resources
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