How to renew your Washington driver's license
You can renew your Washington driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal is necessary if your vision has changed significantly, if you need to update your photo, or if you don't meet the online requirements.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Washington sends renewal notices about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website is available if your address hasn't changed, you have no medical restrictions, and your license isn't suspended or revoked.
- Mail renewal requires you to complete a form, include payment, and mail everything to the Department of Licensing — processing takes four to six weeks.
- In-person renewal at a licensing office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your vision has changed, you need a new photo, or you don't meet online requirements.
- The renewal fee is $72 for an eight-year license, and you'll need proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number regardless of which method you choose.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait for the renewal notice to arrive.
Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website
Online renewal is the quickest path if you meet the requirements. Go to dol.wa.gov, click "Renew Your License," and log in with your Washington ID number and date of birth. You'll answer questions about your address, medical conditions, and driving record. If everything is current and unchanged, you can pay the $72 fee by credit or debit card and finish in one session.
You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your address has changed, if you have new medical restrictions or conditions to report, if your license is suspended or revoked, or if you're renewing a commercial driver's license. You also cannot renew online if more than eight years have passed since your last license was issued. In any of these cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
After you complete online renewal, your new license is mailed to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 10 to 14 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal and what to send
Mail renewal works if you meet the same requirements as online renewal — no address change, no new medical conditions, no suspension or revocation. read the Driver License Renewal process (form DL 44) from the Department of Licensing website or request one by phone at 360-902-3900.
Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $72 to the Department of Licensing at P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Include a copy of your proof of residency — a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. Do not send your current license unless you're also requesting a name change.
Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the Department receives your process. Your new license is mailed to the address you provided on the form. If you need your renewal faster, mail is not the right choice — use online or in-person renewal instead.
In-person renewal at a licensing office
Visit a Department of Licensing office if you need a new photo, if your vision has changed, if you have new medical conditions to report, or if your address has changed. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage, or bank statement), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). You'll also need to pay $72.
Bring your documents in original form or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for proof of residency. If you wear corrective lenses, bring your glasses or contacts so the vision test can be done accurately. The office will take a new photo, test your vision, and process your renewal on the spot.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Most offices are busiest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays. You can check wait times and book an appointment online at dol.wa.gov before you go. Appointments are not required but reduce your wait time significantly.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a written knowledge test, and a driving skills test. Contact your local Department of Licensing office or visit dol.wa.gov for the full requirements and testing schedule.
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods above. There is no penalty for renewing a license that has been expired for less than two years, and you can drive legally while your renewal is being processed as long as you have proof that you applied.
Name changes and license updates
If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person or by mail — online renewal is not available. For in-person renewal, bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
For mail renewal with a name change, complete the Driver License Renewal process, attach a certified copy of your name change document, and mail everything with your $72 payment to the address listed above. Processing takes longer when a name change is involved — allow six to eight weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Department of Licensing before you can renew. Contact the Department at 360-902-3900 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps are required to clear it.
What if I moved out of state and still have a Washington license?
You cannot renew a Washington license if you no longer live in Washington. You must obtain a license from your new state instead. If you still own property or have other ties to Washington, contact the Department of Licensing to discuss your specific situation.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required, but they significantly reduce wait time. You can book an appointment online at dol.wa.gov or by phone at 360-902-3900. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour depending on the office and time of day.
What if I don't receive my renewed license within the expected timeframe?
Contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 with your process number or license number. They can track your renewal and tell you whether it's still in process or if there's a problem with your address or payment.
Can I renew my license if I'm out of the country?
Yes, you can renew by mail from outside the United States. Complete the Driver License Renewal process, include your $72 payment, and mail it to the Department of Licensing address. Allow extra time for international mail delivery — typically four to eight weeks total.