August 3, 2010

Driver licensing offices will be closed August 6 for temporary layoffs

OLYMPIA — Due to state budget cuts, Department of Licensing offices will be closed for business on Friday, August 6, as employees take the second of required temporary layoff days that must be taken over the next year. Licensing offices that are normally open Tuesday through Saturday will be open on Saturday, August 7.

“We want customers to be prepared for higher-than-normal wait times if they visit an office immediately following a closure,” said Director Liz Luce. “I encourage customers to check the DOL website to see if they can renew or replace a driver license or ID card, obtain a copy of their driving record, and renew their vehicle tabs from the comfort of their homes.”

If customers have to visit a licensing office, the department is currently featuring two new videos in its DOL’s Inside Track series. One video shows customers where to find office wait times online, and another video shares tips for when to visit. You can find the videos on the agency’s YouTube channel.

State temporary layoff days do not affect county or private vehicle licensing offices. A list of vehicle licensing offices is available on the department’s website.

Temporary layoff days for state employees were approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor in the face of a $2.8 billion shortfall in the state’s general fund.