How to Renew Your Washington Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Washington driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing (DOL) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a DOL office is necessary only if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if you need a Real ID-compliant license.

For any renewal method, you'll need your current Washington driver's license or ID card. If you're renewing online, you'll also need to provide your Social Security number and answer security questions based on your credit history. If you're renewing by mail, send your current license, a completed process for Driver License or ID Card (form DL 44), and the renewal fee to the address shown on the form.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal is available if your license is not expired more than five years, you have no medical conditions on file, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
The renewal fee is $72 for an eight-year license or $48 for a five-year license, and you can pay online, by mail, or in person.
If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel starting May 7, 2025), you must renew in person and bring proof of citizenship and residency.
Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks, while online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after you complete the transaction.
If your license is expired more than five years or you have changed your name, you cannot use online or mail renewal and must visit a DOL office.

Online renewal: fastest option if you're may be able to access

Start at the Washington Department of Licensing website and select "Renew Your License Online." You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask security questions based on your credit file to verify your identity — these questions have nothing to do with your driving record and are designed to confirm you are who you say you are.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have a medical condition notation on your license, if you've changed your name since your last renewal, or if your address has changed. If any of these explore to you, use mail renewal or visit a DOL office instead.

After you complete the online form and pay the fee with a debit or credit card, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal: no office visit required

read or request form DL 44 (process for Driver License or ID Card) from the Washington Department of Licensing website. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and the renewal fee ($72 for eight years or $48 for five years) to the address printed on the form. Include a check or money order — the DOL does not accept credit cards by mail.

Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DOL receives your envelope. If you need your license sooner, this method is slower than online renewal. You can drive on your current license while your renewal is being processed.

In-person renewal at a DOL office

Visit any Washington Department of Licensing office with your current license, completed form DL 44, and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The office will take a new photo and issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office location and current volume.

In-person renewal is required if you need a Real ID-compliant license. Real ID is a federal standard required for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. To get a Real ID license, bring your current license, proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and proof of Washington residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

Wait times at DOL offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the DOL website before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check your local office's policy online or call ahead.

License expiration and driving with an expired license

Washington driver's licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving with an expired license, you can be cited.

If your license expired more than five years ago, online and mail renewal are not available. You must visit a DOL office in person. Bring your expired license, form DL 44, and payment.

Real ID compliance and what it means for you

A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star or circle in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight. A standard Washington driver's license without the Real ID mark will not be accepted at airport security.

If your current license does not have the Real ID mark and you plan to fly, you must renew in person at a DOL office and bring proof of citizenship and residency. You cannot upgrade to Real ID online or by mail. The fee is the same as a standard renewal, and the process takes the same amount of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I've moved to a different address?

If you've moved within Washington, you can renew by mail or in person, but not online. You'll need to provide your new address on form DL 44. If you've moved out of Washington, you cannot renew a Washington license — you must obtain a license from your new state.

What happens if I renew online but my identity verification fails?

If the security questions cannot verify your identity, the online system will tell you when ready and you can try again. If you fail verification a second time, you'll need to renew by mail or in person at a DOL office instead.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

For online and mail renewal, the DOL uses your photo from your current license. For in-person renewal, the office will take a new photo. If you want a new photo during online or mail renewal, you must renew in person.

How long can I drive after my license expires while waiting for my renewal?

You cannot legally drive on an expired license. Once your license expires, you must stop driving until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, visit a DOL office in person to get a temporary license while you wait.

What if I lost my current license before I could renew it?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Visit a DOL office in person with proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and request a replacement license. You can renew at the same time.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.