Washington State driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person

You can renew your Washington driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Online renewal is fastest — you'll get your new license in about two weeks. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. In-person renewal at a local office takes about an hour and is the only option if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your photo, or if you're changing your legal name.

Washington allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your current license. You'll need your current license number, a Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card for online and mail; cash, check, or card in person).

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website takes about two weeks and costs $72 for an eight-year license.
  • You cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you're changing your legal name.
  • Mail renewal requires you to fill out Form DL 44 or DL 43, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form.
  • In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office is required for expired licenses, photo updates, or name changes, and you'll need your current license and proof of residency.
  • Your new license will have the same number as your current one unless you request a new number in person.

Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website

Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and ask you to confirm your current address or update it if you've moved. You cannot change your name, photo, or license class online.

The fee is $72 for a standard eight-year license. You'll pay by debit or credit card. After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks. During that time, you can print a temporary license from your confirmation email if you need proof of a valid license.

Online renewal is not available if your current license expired more than five years ago. If that's your situation, you must renew in person or by mail.

Mail renewal with Form DL 43

read Form DL 43 (Renewal process) from the Department of Licensing website or pick one up at any licensing office. Fill in your name, address, and license number. Do not sign the form yet — you'll sign it in front of a notary public or mail carrier. A notary public can be found at most banks, credit unions, and UPS stores; many charge $5 to $15 per signature.

Include a check or money order for $72 payable to "Department of Licensing." Do not send cash. Mail the signed form and payment to the address printed on the form (currently P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030). Your license will arrive in four to six weeks. Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.

Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: you cannot change your photo, name, or license class. If you need any of those changes, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office

Visit any Department of Licensing office in Washington. Bring your current driver's license and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you're changing your address, bring the new proof of residency. The office will take a new photo unless you request to keep your current one.

The fee is $72 for a standard eight-year license, payable by cash, check, or card. The process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You'll receive your new license on the spot or by mail within two weeks, depending on the office location. Call ahead to check wait times at your local office.

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you want to update your photo, if you're changing your legal name, or if you want to change your license class (such as adding a motorcycle endorsement). Bring a certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) if you're updating your name.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as a standard renewal. If your license expired five or more years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Washington, even if you've submitted a renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you can show your confirmation number or temporary license as proof that you've applied, but this does not may provide you'll avoid a citation. Renew as soon as possible to avoid this risk.

Changing your name, photo, or address during renewal

You can update your address online or by mail during renewal. You cannot change your name or photo online or by mail — those changes require an in-person visit. If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to the licensing office.

If you want a new photo but are not changing your name or address, you can still renew online or by mail and then visit an office later to update your photo for a $20 fee. However, it's more efficient to make all changes at once during in-person renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Washington allows you to renew up to one year before your expiration date. This is useful if you're planning to travel or want to avoid renewing during a busy season. Your new license will have a new expiration date one year from the renewal date.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You'll need to replace your license first by visiting a Department of Licensing office in person with proof of identity and residency. Once you have your replacement license, you can renew it using any method.

How long is my temporary license valid?

If you print a temporary license from your online renewal confirmation, it's valid for 60 days. This gives you proof of a valid license while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. The temporary license is not a physical card and may not be accepted by all businesses or law enforcement.

Do I need to take a new written or driving test to renew?

No. License renewal in Washington does not require a written test or driving test unless you're adding a new license class (such as a motorcycle endorsement) or if the Department of Licensing has flagged your record for a retest. Standard renewals are administrative only.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The Department of Licensing will not process a name change by mail or online. Bring your current license, the name change document, proof of residency, and payment.