Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Washington driver's license at any Department of Licensing (DOL) office in the state, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The fastest option is usually an in-person visit to your local DOL office, which takes about 30 minutes. Mail renewal works only if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions on file, and your name and address match your current records — if any of those things changed, you must go in person.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. You do not need an appointment at most DOL offices, but you can schedule one online at dol.wa.gov to skip the wait.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew in person at any DOL office without an appointment, or schedule one online to reduce wait time.
  • Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired and your name and address have not changed.
  • Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within 60 days.
  • A standard renewal costs $72 and is valid for eight years; you will receive your new license by mail within two weeks.
  • If your license is expired by more than five years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is the simplest path if you are may be able to access. You can read the renewal form from dol.wa.gov or request one by phone at 360-902-3900. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $72 made out to the Department of Licensing, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks.

You are not may be able to access for mail renewal if your license has expired, if you have any medical conditions or restrictions on file, or if your name or address has changed. You also cannot renew by mail if you are under 21 or if your license was suspended or revoked. If any of these explore, you must visit a DOL office in person.

Renewing in person at a DOL office

Walk into any DOL office during business hours with your documents and your $72 fee. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can find your nearest office and its hours at dol.wa.gov. If you want to avoid a wait, schedule an appointment online — most offices have same-day or next-day slots available.

The staff will check your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. Your new license should arrive within two weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, the temporary license is valid for all purposes.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can renew it through the normal process — in person or by mail, depending on your situation. The cost is still $72, and the timeline is the same. You can legally drive with an expired license only if you are actively renewing it; once you have submitted your renewal process or visited a DOL office, you are covered.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail and you must visit a DOL office in person. You will also need to retake the written knowledge test and the driving test. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal, plus $72 for the renewal fee and an additional $20 for the knowledge test. The driving test fee varies but is typically $15 to $20.

Cost and how long your new license lasts

A standard driver's license renewal costs $72 and is valid for eight years from the date of issue. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for five years instead, and the cost is $72 for the five-year term. If you renew online through the DOL website (available only if you meet all mail renewal conditions), the fee is the same.

You will receive your new license by mail within two weeks of renewal. The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for 30 days and covers all driving purposes while you wait for the permanent card. If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to check on it.

Renewing online

Washington does not currently offer full online renewal through a state website. However, some third-party services offer to process your renewal paperwork for you — these are not affiliated with the Department of Licensing and charge a fee on top of the $72 state fee. The fastest and cheapest option remains either visiting a DOL office in person or using mail renewal if you are may be able to access.

If you see an online renewal option that claims to be from the state, verify it by checking dol.wa.gov directly. The official DOL website will never ask you to pay through a third-party service or provide your Social Security number through an unsecured form.

What to do if your name or address changed

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DOL office. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and the document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The staff will update your records and issue a new license with your current name.

If only your address has changed but your name is the same, you can still use mail renewal if your license is not expired and you have no medical conditions on file. Include proof of your new address with your mail renewal form. If you renew in person, bring the proof of address with you — the staff will update your records before issuing your new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You must contact the Department of Licensing to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Call 360-902-3900 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

Yes. A new photo is taken every time you renew in person. If you renew by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license unless you request a new photo when you submit your form.

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

You must visit a DOL office in person. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your address. The staff will issue a replacement license and process your renewal together. The cost is $72 for the renewal plus $20 for the replacement.

How do I know if I am may be able to access for mail renewal?

You are may be able to access if your license is not expired, your name and address have not changed, you have no medical conditions on file, and you are 21 or older. If you are unsure, call 360-902-3900 and provide your license number — the staff can confirm your may be able to access in one call.

What if my new license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?

Contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 with your license number. They will issue a replacement at no charge if the error was made by the state. If the damage happened after you received it, a replacement costs $20.