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, or online through the DOL website — but not all renewal types work for all three methods. If your license is not expired and you have no address changes, suspensions, or medical restrictions, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license is already expired, you have an address change, or you need to update your photo, you must renew in person.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of Washington residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you are renewing by mail, you will mail your current license along with the renewal form (DL 44) and a check or money order. Online renewal requires you to log into your DOL account using your license number and date of birth.

Key Takeaways

  • Online and mail renewal work only if your license is not expired and you have no address changes or medical updates needed.
  • In-person renewal at a DOL office is required if your license is expired, you have moved, or you need a new photo.
  • Washington driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
  • The renewal fee is $72 for an eight-year license, and processing times vary by method: online is when ready, mail takes two to three weeks, and in-person is same-day.
  • You can find your nearest DOL office and check wait times on the Washington Department of Licensing website before you go.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

A standard eight-year Washington driver's license renewal costs $72. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $36 for a five-year license. Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals cost more — $142 for eight years — and have different requirements. You pay the fee at the time of renewal, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal (or five years if you are 65 or older). Washington does not issue licenses that expire on your birthday; instead, your expiration date is eight years from the renewal date. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.

Online renewal: fastest option if you are may be able to access

Online renewal through the DOL website takes about 10 minutes and your new license is issued when ready — you can read and print a temporary license to use right away while your physical card is mailed to you. Your new card arrives within one to two weeks. To use online renewal, your current license must not be expired, you must have no address change, and you must not have any medical restrictions or suspensions on your record.

You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer security questions. If the system cannot verify your identity or if you have any flags on your account, it will direct you to renew in person or by mail instead.

Mail renewal: slower but no office visit required

To renew by mail, read form DL 44 from the DOL website or request it by phone at 360-902-3900. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $72 (made out to "Department of Licensing"). Mail your packet to the address listed on the form — there is a separate address for renewals.

Processing takes two to three weeks from the date DOL receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license, so if you have moved, you must renew in person instead. Mail renewal is not available if your license is expired or if you need to update your photo.

In-person renewal at a DOL office

Visit any Washington Department of Licensing office with your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You will fill out form DL 44 at the office, have your photo taken, and pay the $72 fee. Your new license is issued the same day, though you will receive a temporary paper license to use when ready and your plastic card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, you have changed your address, you need a new photo, or you have medical restrictions or suspensions. Wait times at DOL offices vary by location and time of day. The DOL website shows current wait times for each office, and you can also make an appointment online to skip the walk-in line at many locations. Appointments typically reduce your wait to 15 to 30 minutes.

What happens if your license is already expired

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires passing a written test and a driving test. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it in person at a DOL office without retesting, but you cannot renew online or by mail. Bring the same documents as a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.

If you have been driving with an expired license, you may face a traffic citation. Renewing as soon as possible protects you from further penalties. The renewal fee is the same whether your license is current or expired within the five-year window.

Address changes and other updates during renewal

If you have moved, you must renew in person and bring proof of your new Washington address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days. You cannot update your address online or by mail — the system requires an in-person visit to verify your new residency.

If you need to update your name, add or remove medical restrictions, or change your gender marker, you must also renew in person. Bring supporting documents: a marriage certificate or court order for a name change, medical documentation for restrictions, or an updated birth certificate or court order for gender marker changes. The DOL website lists the specific documents needed for each type of update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You must clear the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the DOL to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take. This may involve paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or resolving a court case.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You must renew in person and bring proof of residency and Social Security number. Tell the DOL staff that your license is lost, and they will issue a replacement at the same time as your renewal. The total cost is $72 for the renewal plus $20 for the replacement, for a total of $92.

How do I make an appointment at a DOL office?

Go to the Washington Department of Licensing website, select your nearest office, and click "Make an Appointment." You will choose your preferred date and time. Appointments are free and typically available within one to two weeks. Walk-ins are also accepted but may have longer wait times.

What if I move out of Washington before my license expires?

You do not need to renew your Washington license if you move to another state. Your Washington license remains valid until it expires, even if you no longer live in Washington. However, you will need to obtain a license from your new state if you plan to drive there.

Can I renew my license if I am out of the country?

No. You must be in Washington to renew in person, and mail renewal requires you to mail your current license from a U.S. address. If you are abroad when your license expires, you can renew by mail before you leave, or wait until you return to the United States to renew in person.