Washington driver's licenses expire every five years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office

Washington offers three renewal paths depending on your situation. The online renewal tool works for most people and takes about 10 minutes. Mail renewal is slower but requires no trip. In-person renewal at a DOL office is necessary if you need a new photo, have a name change, or your license has been suspended or revoked.

You do not need to renew before your expiration date, but driving on an expired license is illegal. Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 30 days before expiration. If you do not receive one, you can still renew — the notice is a reminder, not a requirement.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Washington Department of Licensing website works for most people and costs $72 for a five-year license.
  • You must renew in person if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your name.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit; you will need to include a check or money order.
  • Your license remains valid for 60 days after expiration if you are renewing it, so you have a grace period to complete the process.
  • Washington accepts both REAL ID and standard licenses; REAL ID costs $20 more and is required for federal building access and domestic flights after May 2025.

Online renewal through the DOL website

Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system checks your driving record and confirms you are not suspended or revoked.

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes. You cannot upload a new photo online, so your renewed license will use the photo from your current license. If your photo is more than 10 years old or you want a new one, you must renew in person. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

The cost is $72 for a standard five-year license. If you want a REAL ID (required for federal building access and domestic flights), add $20 to the total. You can choose which type during the online process.

In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office

Visit any DOL office if you need a new photo, have changed your name, or your license has been suspended or revoked. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current Washington address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will take a new photo and issue your license on the spot or within a few days, depending on the office's workload.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Check dol.wa.gov for office hours and current wait times before you go. Bring all documents with you; missing paperwork will delay your renewal.

Mail renewal for standard licenses

Request a mail renewal form by calling the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 or by visiting a DOL office. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $72 (or $92 for REAL ID), and mail it to the address on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. Your new license will arrive by mail. You cannot get a new photo through mail renewal, so your renewed license uses your current photo. If you need a new photo, renew in person instead.

Mail renewal is not available if your license has been suspended or revoked. If that applies to you, you must renew in person.

REAL ID versus standard license in Washington

Washington offers both REAL ID and standard driver's licenses. A REAL ID license meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings, military bases, and boarding domestic flights. A standard license does not meet these requirements as of May 2025.

REAL ID costs $20 more than a standard license ($92 instead of $72 for five years). You choose which type when you renew online or in person. If you renew by mail, specify which type on your form.

You do not need REAL ID if you have a passport or other federal ID. If you travel by air or visit federal buildings, check whether you need it before you renew.

What happens if your license expires

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Washington. If you are pulled over, you can be cited. However, your license remains valid for 60 days after expiration if you have started the renewal process. This grace period gives you time to complete your renewal without penalty.

If your license has been expired for more than 60 days and you have not renewed it, you will need to renew in person. The online and mail options are not available for licenses expired longer than 60 days.

Suspended or revoked licenses

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DOL office in person. The office will tell you whether you can renew or whether you must complete other steps first — such as paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving a court case.

Suspensions and revocations happen for reasons like unpaid traffic tickets, DUI convictions, or failure to pay child support. Contact the DOL before you visit an office to find out what you need to bring and whether you are may be able to access to renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at any time. There is no penalty for renewing early. Many people renew a few months before expiration to avoid the rush near the important date.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You will need to replace your lost license first, then renew. Visit a DOL office with proof of identity and address. The office will issue a replacement license and can renew it on the same visit if your current license is close to expiration.

How long does my new license take to arrive by mail?

Online renewals arrive in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the time the DOL receives your form. Check your mail carefully; some people miss their new license if it arrives in an unexpected envelope.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are not required, but you can schedule one online at dol.wa.gov to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Update your address during online renewal or tell the office staff when you renew in person. If you renew by mail, write your new address on the form. Your new license will show your current address.