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 (DOL) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you need your license the same day, but you will wait in line at a local office.
Your current license must not be expired by more than 5 years to renew by mail or online. If it has been expired longer than that, or if you have had a name change, address change, or medical condition that affects your driving, you must renew in person. You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you are under 21.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DOL website is available if your license expired within the last 5 years and you have no address, name, or medical changes.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online or by mail.
- A renewed license is valid for 8 years if you are over 21, or until age 21 if you are under 21.
- In-person renewal at a DOL office is required if your license has been expired more than 5 years, or if you have had a name or address change.
- The renewal fee is $72 for an 8-year license, or $48 for a 4-year license if you choose the shorter term.
Online renewal through the DOL website
Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Washington driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a debit or credit card. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer a few security questions based on your driving record and personal history.
Online renewal is not available if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement, or a hazmat endorsement. If your license shows any of these, you must renew by mail or in person. You also cannot renew online if you are renewing a license that was suspended or revoked, or if you need to update your address or legal name.
After you complete the online form and pay the fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address before the license arrives, contact the DOL by phone at 360-902-3900 to update it.
Mail renewal by sending your documents
To renew by mail, read the Driver License/Identicard process (form DL 44) from the DOL website or pick one up at any DOL office. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $72 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Mail your renewal at least 3 weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license. The DOL processes mail renewals in the order they arrive, and processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after they receive your envelope. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you are still breaking the law by driving — renewal in progress does not give you legal permission to drive an expired license.
Keep a copy of your confirmation or receipt if you have one. If your renewal does not arrive within 4 weeks of mailing, call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to check the status. They can tell you whether your envelope was received and when your new license was mailed.
In-person renewal at a DOL office
Visit any Washington Department of Licensing office with your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a 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). Bring cash, a debit card, or a credit card to pay the $72 renewal fee.
You do not need an appointment for license renewal at most DOL offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DOL website for your local office's hours and current wait times before you go. Some offices are busier on certain days — calling ahead can tell you when traffic is lightest.
When you arrive, take a number at the front desk and wait to be called. The staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your payment. Your new license will be printed on the spot, and you can drive home with it that day. If the photo does not look right, ask to retake it before you leave — you cannot change it after you leave the office.
What happens if your license has been expired more than 5 years
If your Washington license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must go to a DOL office in person and explore for a new license, not a renewal. This is treated as a new process, not a renewal, even though you held a license before.
Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about Washington traffic laws. The DOL will give you the written test on a computer at the office — it covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You have 3 attempts to pass it within a 12-month period.
If you pass the vision and knowledge tests, you will get a new license the same day. If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the next day or schedule another appointment. The fee for a new license process is $72 for an 8-year license.
Address changes, name changes, and medical updates
If you have moved since your license was issued, you must update your address in person at a DOL office. You cannot change your address online or by mail during renewal. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee.
If you have changed your legal name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring proof of the name change. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DOL will issue a new license with your updated name the same day.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely — such as a seizure disorder, severe vision loss, or a condition that causes sudden loss of consciousness — you may need to report it to the DOL. Some conditions require an in-person medical evaluation or a letter from your doctor before you can renew. Call the DOL Medical Review Unit at 360-902-3900 to ask whether your condition requires reporting.
License validity and when you need to renew again
A renewed Washington driver's license is valid for 8 years if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, your license is valid only until your 21st birthday. When your license is about to expire, the DOL will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before the expiration date — this is a reminder, not a bill.
You can choose to renew for a 4-year term instead of 8 years if you prefer. The fee for a 4-year license is $48. This option is useful if you expect your address or name to change soon, or if you want to renew more frequently for other reasons. You can select the 4-year option when you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Your license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. Mark it on your calendar or set a phone reminder 2 months before it expires so you have time to renew before it becomes invalid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
No. Once your current license expires, you cannot legally drive, even if you have mailed in your renewal or submitted it online. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation. Renew before your expiration date, not after.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew a lost license online or by mail. Go to a DOL office in person with proof of your Social Security number and proof of your address. The staff will issue a replacement license and you can renew it at the same time. Bring payment for both the replacement fee and the renewal fee.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
Yes. A new photo is taken every time you renew, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you renew by mail or online, the DOL uses your existing photo on file until your new license arrives. When you renew in person, a new photo is taken before you leave the office.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew online?
Your new license is mailed within 1 to 2 business days of approval and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within 2 weeks, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to check the status of your renewal.
What if my address changes after I renew?
You must update your address in person at a DOL office within a reasonable time after you move. Driving with an outdated address on your license is not illegal, but it can cause problems if you are stopped by police or involved in an accident. Go to a DOL office with proof of your new address to update it.