You can renew your Washington driver's license online if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical conditions or address changes to report
Washington's online renewal system, called Online Services, lets you renew without visiting a Department of Licensing office. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online system. You cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to update your address or medical information, if you're changing your name, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license. In those cases, you must visit a licensing office in person or mail in a paper renewal form.
Key Takeaways
- Washington's online renewal system works only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no address, name, or medical changes.
- You need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method to complete the online renewal.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online process.
- If you cannot renew online, you can mail a paper form or visit a Department of Licensing office in person.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how many years you renew for, so check the Department of Licensing website for current pricing.
Step-by-step process for online renewal
Go to the Washington Department of Licensing website and select "Renew Your License" under the Online Services section. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and show you what you're renewing.
Review your name, address, and other details on the screen. If anything is incorrect, you cannot fix it online—you'll need to visit an office or mail in a form instead. Once you confirm everything is correct, you'll choose how many years to renew for (typically three, five, or eight years) and see the fee for that option.
Enter your payment information. Washington accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After payment processes, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Print or save this number in case you need to check on your renewal status later.
What happens after you submit your renewal online
The Department of Licensing processes online renewals in the order they're received. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you submit. During busy periods, processing may take longer.
You can use your old license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before your new license comes, your old one remains valid. If your new license doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the Department of Licensing to check the status using your confirmation number.
When you cannot renew online and what to do instead
If your license expired more than five years ago, the online system will not let you proceed. You'll need to visit a Department of Licensing office and explore for a renewal in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment.
If you're changing your address, name, or medical information, or if you have a commercial driver's license, you must renew in person or by mail. The paper renewal form (DL 43) is available on the Department of Licensing website. Mail it with your current license, proof of residency, and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks longer than online renewal.
To find a Department of Licensing office near you, use the office locator on the state website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call ahead or check online to see if your local office is accepting visitors without an appointment.
Renewal fees and payment options
Washington charges different fees depending on how long you renew your license for. A three-year renewal costs less than a five-year or eight-year renewal. The Department of Licensing website shows the exact fee for each option before you pay, so you'll know the cost before you enter your payment information.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only—you cannot pay by check, money order, or cash online. If you prefer to pay by check or money order, you must renew by mail using the paper form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my license is expired more than five years?
Check the expiration date printed on your license. If today's date is more than five years after that date, you cannot use online renewal. For example, if your license expired on January 15, 2018, and today is January 16, 2023 or later, you must renew in person or by mail.
Can I renew my license online if I'm moving to a new address?
No. If you're changing your address, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office or by mail using the paper form. The online system does not allow address changes.
What if I lose my confirmation number after renewing online?
You can contact the Department of Licensing and provide your driver's license number and Social Security number to look up your renewal status. You don't need the confirmation number to track your license, but having it makes the process faster.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Department of Licensing office. You'll need to pass a vision test and provide medical certification if required.
What if my new license arrives with an error?
Contact the Department of Licensing when ready with your confirmation number and details about the error. They can issue a corrected license. Bring your incorrect license to a licensing office, or mail it back with a letter explaining the error.