Where to renew and what you need
You can renew your Washington driver's license in person at any Department of Licensing (DOL) office, by mail, or online through the Washington State DOL website. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you need your license the same day.
To renew, you'll need your current Washington driver's license or ID card, proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of Washington residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing in person, bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies don't work.
The renewal fee is $72 for a standard 8-year license. If you're over 65, the fee is $36 for a 5-year license. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at an office, or by credit or debit card online and by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available if your license hasn't been suspended or revoked and you don't need to change your address, name, or photo.
- You must bring original documents or certified copies to an in-person appointment — photocopies are not accepted.
- Mail and online renewals take 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal is same-day.
- You can renew up to 6 months before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the expiration date.
Online renewal may be able to access and steps
Online renewal works only if your license is valid (not suspended or revoked), you don't need to change your address or legal name, and you don't want a new photo. If any of those explore to you, you must renew in person or by mail. You also cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than 5 years — in that case, you'll need to take a written test and vision test in person.
To renew online, go to dol.wa.gov, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. You'll answer questions about your current address, any name changes, and whether you want to update your organ donor status. Review your information, pay the fee with a debit or credit card, and submit. You'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to your current address on file.
Mail renewal process and timeline
Mail renewal uses the same documents as in-person renewal: your current license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Washington residency. You'll also need to complete the process for Driver's License or ID Card (form DL 44), which you can read from dol.wa.gov or request by calling the DOL at 360-902-3900.
Mail your completed form, documents, and payment to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Include a copy of your current license (front and back). Do not send original documents — send photocopies or certified copies. The DOL will process your process and mail your new license to you. The entire process takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time they receive your envelope.
In-person renewal at a DOL office
You can walk in to any DOL office during business hours, but wait times vary by location and time of day. To avoid a long wait, you can book an appointment online at dol.wa.gov. Appointments are usually available within a few days. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, and any documents showing a name change if applicable.
At the office, you'll have your photo taken (unless you're renewing online), pass a vision test, and answer questions about your driving record and medical history. If you pass, you'll pay the fee and receive your new license on the spot. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you fail the vision test, the DOL will tell you what you need to do next — usually a visit to an eye doctor.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than 5 years ago, you can renew it using the same process as a standard renewal — online, by mail, or in person. You do not need to retake the written or vision test. However, if your license expired more than 5 years ago, you must renew in person and you will need to pass a written test and vision test, just as if you were getting your first license.
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 them your confirmation number or receipt from your online or mail renewal, but that does not may provide you won't be cited. If your renewal is pending, renew in person at a DOL office to get your new license the same day.
Address changes and name changes during renewal
If you're moving within Washington, you can update your address during renewal. At an in-person appointment, tell the staff member your new address and they'll update it. If you're renewing by mail, write your new address on the process form. If you're renewing online, you cannot change your address — you'll need to renew in person or by mail instead.
If your legal name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person or by mail. Bring the original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order along with your other documents. Online renewal does not allow name changes. The DOL will update your name on your new license and in their system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Yes, you can renew your license even if you have an unpaid ticket or fine. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines or failure to appear in court, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court or the DOL to find out the status of your license before you attempt to renew.
What if I lost my Social Security card and don't have another proof of my Social Security number?
You can use a W-2 form, 1099 form, tax return, or bank statement that shows your Social Security number. If you don't have any of those, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request a replacement card or a letter showing your number. You'll need one of these documents to renew in person, by mail, or online.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew in person or by mail, you'll have a new photo taken. If you renew online, your photo from your current license will be used on your new license. If you want a new photo but are renewing online, you'll need to renew in person or by mail instead.
How long is my new license valid after I renew?
A standard Washington driver's license is valid for 8 years from the date it's issued. If you're 65 or older, your license is valid for 5 years. Your new license will show the expiration date on the front. You can renew up to 6 months before it expires.
What if I'm renewing while out of state?
You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. If you need your license sooner and you're out of state, you'll need to return to Washington to renew in person at a DOL office.