Renewing your Washington driver's license online, by mail, or in person
Washington lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or at a licensing office — and which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your license is a standard or enhanced version. Online renewal is fastest and costs nothing to submit, but you can only use it if your license expires more than 60 days away. If you're closer to expiration or prefer not to renew online, you can mail in your renewal or walk into a licensing office with your documents and payment.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 30 to 45 days before your license expires. That notice contains a barcode and instructions for online renewal. You do not need to wait for the notice to renew — you can start the process anytime your license is not yet expired — but the notice makes the online process simpler because it has your renewal code on it.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website is free to submit and takes about 10 minutes if your license expires more than 60 days away.
- Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the Department receives your documents, and you pay the renewal fee by check or money order.
- In-person renewal at a licensing office is the only option if your license has already expired or expires within 60 days.
- Standard driver's licenses renew for five years; enhanced licenses and ID cards have different renewal periods that appear on your card.
- You must bring proof of identity and Washington residency to any in-person renewal, and your new photo will be taken at the office.
Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website
Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew your driver's license or ID" from the homepage. You'll need your driver's license number, the renewal code from your notice (or your Social Security number if you don't have the notice), and a payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The system will ask you to confirm your address, vision test results, and whether anything on your license has changed. If you've moved, changed your name, or have new medical conditions to report, you can update that information during renewal.
Once you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. The renewal fee for a standard five-year license is $72 as of 2024, though fees can change — check the Department of Licensing website for the current amount.
You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if it expires within 60 days, or if you hold an enhanced driver's license or enhanced ID card. Enhanced licenses have a different renewal process and longer validity period; the Department will send you specific instructions if you hold one.
Mail renewal when you prefer not to go online
Your renewal notice includes a mail-in form. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address on the form. Include a copy of proof of identity and proof of Washington residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works for residency. Do not send cash.
The Department processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. After they receive your envelope, processing takes 7 to 10 business days, and your new license arrives by mail afterward. Total time from mailing to receiving your new license is usually 2 to 3 weeks. You can continue driving on your old license while you wait.
If you don't have your renewal notice, you can request a mail-in form by calling the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 or visiting a licensing office. Mail renewal is not an option if your license has already expired.
In-person renewal at a licensing office
Visit any Washington Department of Licensing office with your current driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of Washington residency. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. You'll have your photo taken and can walk out with a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired or expires within 60 days. It's also the only option for enhanced licenses and ID cards. You must renew in person if you've had a name change, medical condition change, or other updates that require verification. Bring documents showing any changes — a marriage certificate for a name change, for example.
Find your nearest licensing office and check hours at dol.wa.gov. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. Call ahead or check online before you go. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
What happens if your license has already expired
You cannot legally drive on an expired license. You must renew in person at a licensing office — online and mail renewal are not available once your license has expired. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
If your license expired more than five years ago, the Department may require you to retake the written knowledge test and vision test, and you may need to provide a new medical certificate if you have one on file. Call the Department at 360-902-3900 before you go to the office to confirm what documents you need.
Renewal fees and what they cover
A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $72 as of 2024. Enhanced licenses and ID cards have different fees and renewal periods. Check dol.wa.gov for the current fee schedule, as amounts change periodically. The fee covers your new license card and the processing of your renewal.
If you're renewing by mail or in person, you pay at the time of renewal. Online renewal charges your card or bank account when ready when you submit. If you pay by check or money order in the mail, make it out to "Department of Licensing."
Updating information during renewal
Renewal is the time to update your address, name, or other details on your license. If you've moved within Washington, you can update your address during online renewal or tell the licensing officer when you renew in person. If you've changed your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — vision problems, seizure disorder, or other conditions — you can report it during renewal. The Department may ask for a medical certificate from your doctor. If you're unsure whether to report something, call 360-902-3900 and ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before the renewal notice arrives?
Yes. You can renew online anytime your license is not yet expired and expires more than 60 days away. You'll need your driver's license number and Social Security number if you don't have the renewal notice. The notice just makes it easier because it includes your renewal code.
What if I move out of state before my license expires?
You should get a driver's license in your new state instead of renewing in Washington. If you're moving temporarily and plan to return, you can renew your Washington license by mail or online before you leave. Once you move, you're no longer a Washington resident and should not renew a Washington license.
How long does a renewed license take to arrive?
Your new license arrives 7 to 10 business days after the Department processes your renewal. If you renew in person, you get a temporary license valid for 30 days the same day. If you renew online or by mail, you can use your old license until the new one arrives.
What if my renewal is rejected or delayed?
The Department will contact you by mail or phone if there's a problem with your renewal. Common issues include a mismatch in your address, an expired proof of residency document, or a missing signature. Check your email and mail for any messages from the Department, and call 360-902-3900 if you're unsure why your renewal didn't go through.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, your old photo stays on your license. If you renew in person, the licensing office takes a new photo. You can request a new photo during online or mail renewal by visiting a licensing office and paying a small fee.