Gov. Christine Gregoire’s proposal to save millions of state dollars by closing some of the state’s smaller driver licensing offices in the state will not affect the busy office in the Renton Highlands.

In fact, the office on Union Avenue Northeast will extend its hours next winter and hire some of the workers laid off at the licensing offices that are closing, according to Selena Davis, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Licensing.

The Renton office is considered a regional office and is one of the 10 busiest in the state, according to Davis. It will become what the state is calling a “supercenter,” where hours will expand to better serve the public, she said.

The extended hours and added staff are expected to result in shorter wait times, she said.

“We are expecting to see wait times go down,” she said.

The state will close 25 licensing offices over the next 18 months or so. The office in Auburn will close on March 27; it’s expected most of those customers will go to the supercenter in Kent.

To help make licensing more efficient, the state also is reacting to customer demand to add “new and innovative” ways to renew or obtain a license, she said. That means expanded online services and offering services over the phone. There are self-service kiosks.

Gregoire’s closure plan does not affect the private, vehicle-licensing offices where people can renew their license tabs in person, transfer title and obtain special permits and conduct other business related to their vehicles.

The closures statewide are part of Gregoire’s efforts to close a $6 billion gap in the state’s budget. For example, closure of the Auburn office is expected to save $150,315 in the 2009-2011 biennium.

Getting a driver’s license in Renton

The state Department of Licensing Renton Driver Licensing office is at 1314 Union Ave N.E., Suite 4. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday; 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, and closed on Sunday The phone number is 425-277-7230.