You can renew your Washington driver's license online if your license is not expired more than five years and you meet a few other conditions
Washington's online renewal system lets you skip the trip to the Department of Licensing office for most routine renewals. You'll need a valid email address, your current driver's license number, and a payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Not every renewal works online. If your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you have certain medical conditions flagged on your record, you'll need to renew in person at a licensing office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no address or name changes to make.
- You'll need your current license number, a valid email address, and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee.
- The renewal fee for a standard five-year license is $72, and you pay it during the online process.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your old license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Department of Licensing office in person or use their mail-in renewal option.
Who can renew online and who cannot
Washington allows online renewal for drivers whose licenses expired within the past five years and who have no changes to their name, address, or medical information. If your license expired more than five years ago, the system will not let you complete an online renewal—you'll need to explore in person at a licensing office.
You also cannot renew online if you need to update your address, change your name, add or remove organ donor status, or if you have a medical condition that requires a hearing or vision test. Drivers with certain restrictions or endorsements on their license may also be required to renew in person. If you're unsure whether you may have access to, the Department of Licensing website has a tool that checks your may be able to access before you start.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online renewal process: your current Washington driver's license (you'll need the number), a valid email address where you can receive confirmation, and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. You do not need to print anything or prepare documents in advance.
Make sure the email address you use is one you check regularly. The Department of Licensing will send you a confirmation email with your transaction number and details about when to expect your new license in the mail.
The step-by-step renewal process
Go to the Department of Licensing's online renewal portal at dol.wa.gov. Click the link for driver's license renewal and select "Renew Online." 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.
Next, review your current information on file—name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If everything is correct, proceed to the payment screen. The standard renewal fee for a five-year license is $72. Enter your debit or credit card information and submit the payment. Once the payment processes, you'll receive a confirmation number and an email receipt.
Do not close your browser or navigate away from the page until you see the final confirmation screen. Take a screenshot or write down your confirmation number in case you need to check on your renewal status later.
How long it takes and what to expect
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete your online renewal. You can continue driving with your current license during this time—there is no gap in your driving authority. The Department of Licensing does not send a temporary license for online renewals.
If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, you can check the status of your renewal using your confirmation number on the Department of Licensing website. If there's a problem with your renewal, the department will contact you by email or phone using the information on file.
Renewal fees and payment methods
A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $72 in Washington. The Department of Licensing accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards for online renewals. You cannot pay by check, money order, or cash through the online system.
The fee covers only the license itself. If you want to add or change endorsements (such as a commercial driver's license endorsement), you may face additional fees or be required to renew in person. Ask the Department of Licensing about endorsement costs before you start your online renewal.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If the online system tells you that you don't may have access to for online renewal, you have two other options: renew by mail or renew in person at a Department of Licensing office.
To renew by mail, read the driver's license renewal form (DL 44) from the Department of Licensing website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Mail-in renewals take 4 to 6 weeks.
To renew in person, find your nearest Department of Licensing office on their website, check their hours, and bring your current license and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease). In-person renewals are processed when ready, and you can drive home with your new license the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it's already expired?
Yes, as long as it expired within the last five years. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. You can still drive legally while your renewal is being processed.
What if I moved and need to change my address?
You cannot change your address through the online renewal system. You'll need to renew in person at a Department of Licensing office or by mail. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
Most commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online. You'll need to renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. Some Class B or Class C licenses with limited endorsements may be may be able to access—the online system will tell you when you start the process.
What happens if my payment is declined?
If your card is declined, the system will ask you to try again with the same card or a different payment method. Your renewal will not be submitted until the payment goes through. If you continue to have trouble, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 for help.
Do I need to do anything when my new license arrives?
No. Your new license is ready to use as soon as it arrives. You can destroy your old license or keep it as a backup. Washington does not require you to return your old license.