Where and how to renew your Washington license

You can renew your Washington driver's license through the Department of Licensing (DOL) in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to an office. In-person renewal at a DOL office is necessary only if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.

Online renewal works only if your current license is valid (not expired more than 5 years ago), you have no medical conditions that need to be reported, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person. The DOL website at dol.wa.gov has a tool that tells you which method works for your situation before you start the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DOL website is available if your license is not expired more than 5 years and you have no medical or name changes to report.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DOL address — processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DOL office requires an appointment booked through the DOL website; walk-ins are not accepted.
  • Washington licenses are valid for 8 years for most adults, so plan to renew before the expiration date printed on your card.
  • You will need to pass a vision test for in-person renewal, but not for online or mail renewal.

Online renewal: fastest option if you may have access to

To renew online, go to dol.wa.gov and select the online renewal option. 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 fee is $72 for an 8-year renewal or $48 for a 5-year renewal. You choose the term when you pay. The system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file — update anything that has changed since your last renewal.

After you complete the online transaction, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Do not expect to use your license for driving until it arrives — your old license remains valid until the new one is delivered. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your current license is expired, you can print a temporary driving permit from the DOL website, though this is valid only in Washington.

Mail renewal: slower but no appointment needed

To renew by mail, read the Driver License Renewal process (form DL 44) from the DOL website or request one by phone at 360-902-3900. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $72 (8-year) or $48 (5-year) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of proof of residency if your address has changed — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.

Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DOL receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. Your old license remains valid for driving until your new one arrives. If you need to know the status of your process, call 360-902-3900 and have your license number ready.

In-person renewal: required if you cannot renew online or by mail

You must renew in person if your license has been expired more than 5 years, if you have a medical condition to report, if you have changed your name, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your address and cannot do so online or by mail. In-person renewal requires a vision test and takes about 15 minutes once you are called.

Book an appointment through the DOL website at dol.wa.gov — the site shows available times at offices near you. Walk-ins are not accepted. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days), and payment ($72 for 8-year or $48 for 5-year). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Your new license is printed on the spot and you can drive with it when ready.

What happens if your license has expired

If your license expired fewer than 5 years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license, which requires an in-person visit, a vision test, a written knowledge test, and a driving skills test. This is treated as a new process, not a renewal, and costs more.

If your license is currently expired and you need to drive before you can renew, you cannot legally drive in Washington. Do not drive with an expired license — the penalty is a traffic violation. If you need to drive urgently, schedule an in-person appointment as soon as possible or use a rideshare service until your renewal is processed.

Fees and payment methods

Washington driver's license renewal costs $72 for an 8-year license or $48 for a 5-year license. Online and in-person renewal accept debit cards, credit cards, and cash (in-person only). Mail renewal requires a check or money order — do not send cash through the mail. There are no additional fees for standard renewal. If you need your license faster than standard mail delivery, the DOL does not offer expedited mail service, but you can renew in person to get your license the same day.

If you are renewing with a name change, address change, or medical condition update, the fee is the same. If you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you may owe additional reinstatement fees beyond the renewal fee — contact the DOL to confirm what you owe before you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You must clear the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing required programs, or meeting other conditions set by the DOL. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew. Contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to find out what you need to do to clear your record.

What if I changed my name since my last renewal?

You must renew in person. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The fee is the same as a standard renewal. You will receive a new license with your updated name.

How long is a Washington driver's license valid?

Most adult licenses are valid for 8 years. Some people renew for 5 years instead, which costs less but requires renewal sooner. The expiration date is printed on your license. You can renew up to 6 months before it expires.

What if my address changed?

You can update your address online during online renewal or in person at a DOL office. If you are renewing by mail, include the new address on the process form and include proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 60 days). Your new license will be mailed to the new address.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my renewal?

If you renewed online or by mail and your old license has expired, you can print a temporary driving permit from the DOL website. It is valid only in Washington and only until your new license arrives. If you renewed in person, you receive your new license when ready and do not need a temporary permit.