Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Washington driver's license in person at any Department of Licensing (DOL) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's licensing portal. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the renewed license in hand.

If you renew in person, bring your current Washington driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing by mail, you'll need to mail in your current license along with the renewal form and a check or money order. Online renewal requires you to have a valid Washington license and to complete the transaction through the state's online system.

Your license must not be expired by more than five years to renew by mail or online. If it's expired beyond that, you'll need to renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington allows renewal by mail, online, or in person at a DOL office, depending on how long your license has been expired.
  • In-person renewal requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number.
  • Mail and online renewal are only available if your license expired within the last five years.
  • A standard renewal costs $72 for an eight-year license and takes two to four weeks by mail or one to two weeks in person.
  • If you need a new photo or your address has changed, you may need to renew in person rather than by mail.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no trip to a DOL office. You'll need to complete the Driver License/Identicard Renewal process (form DL 44) or the abbreviated renewal form, which you can read from the Washington DOL website or request by phone. Mail your current license, the completed form, and a check or money order for $72 to the address listed on the form.

Processing takes two to four weeks from the date the DOL receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on file. You can continue driving on your current license during this time as long as it has not expired.

Mail renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you've had a name change since your last renewal. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.

Renewing online

Online renewal through the Washington DOL's licensing portal is available only if your license expired within the last five years and you don't need a new photo. You'll log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, verify your information, and pay the $72 renewal fee by credit or debit card.

Your renewed license will be mailed to your address on file within two to four weeks. You can drive on your current license while you wait. Online renewal is the fastest way to complete the transaction itself, though the mailing time is the same as mail renewal.

If your address has changed, you can update it during online renewal. However, if you need a new photo or your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person.

Renewing in person at a DOL office

In-person renewal at a DOL office is the only option if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you've had a name change. It's also the fastest way to walk out with a temporary license you can use when ready.

Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. You'll have your photo taken and pay the $72 renewal fee. Processing takes one to two weeks, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Wait times at DOL offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times on the Washington DOL website before you go. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Scheduling an appointment online or by phone (360-902-3900) can save you time.

Cost and validity period

A standard Washington driver's license renewal costs $72 and is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. If you're over 65, the renewal fee is $36 and the license is valid for five years. Military members on active duty stationed outside Washington can renew for free.

The fee covers the license itself and the processing. There are no additional charges for mail or online renewal. If you renew in person and need a replacement license sooner than the standard mailing time, you can request a temporary paper license at no extra cost.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your Washington license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DOL office. You'll need to bring the same documents as a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.

You may also be required to retake the written knowledge test and vision screening, depending on how long your license has been expired and whether you've had any violations or suspensions. The DOL will tell you what tests are required when you arrive. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them for driving.

Address changes and name changes

If your address has changed, you can update it during any renewal method—mail, online, or in person. Bring proof of your new residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) if you renew in person. Online and mail renewal will ask you to confirm or update your address during the process.

If your name has changed since your last renewal, you must renew in person and bring legal documentation of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You cannot update your name by mail or online renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?

Yes. If you renew by mail or online, you can drive on your current license as long as it has not expired. If you renew in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, which you can use to drive while your permanent license is mailed to you.

What if I don't have proof of residency?

Proof of residency must be dated within 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or other official document showing your name and current address. If you don't have one of these, contact your local DOL office to ask what other documents they accept.

How long does it take to get my renewed license?

Mail and online renewal take two to four weeks from the date the DOL receives or processes your process. In-person renewal takes one to two weeks for the permanent license, but you'll get a temporary paper license when ready that's valid for 30 days.

What if my license is suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing required programs, or meeting other conditions set by the DOL. Contact the DOL or your local office to find out what you need to do.

Can I renew my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Washington issues driver's licenses to people regardless of immigration status. You'll need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Contact your local DOL office for the full list of acceptable documents.