Washington lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions
You can renew your Washington driver's license through the Department of Licensing website without visiting an office, but only if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical conditions or restrictions that need updating. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, costs the same as an in-person renewal, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you need to change your address, add restrictions, or update medical information, you must renew in person at a licensing office or through an authorized third-party provider.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years and you have no changes to medical conditions or restrictions.
- You will need your current or expired license number, Social Security number, and a payment method to complete the online process.
- The renewal fee is the same online or in person: $72 for an eight-year license or $48 for a four-year license.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive with your old license until the new one arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you can renew in person at any Department of Licensing office or at certain third-party providers like some car tab vendors.
Who can renew online and who cannot
You are may be able to access for online renewal if your Washington driver's license is expired but not more than five years past the expiration date. You must also have no changes to your medical information, no new restrictions to add, and no address change. If you are renewing before your license expires, you can renew online up to one year before the expiration date.
You cannot renew online if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your address, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if you are adding or removing restrictions such as corrective lenses or hearing aids. You also cannot renew online if you are a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder — CDL renewals must be done in person.
Steps to renew online through the Department of Licensing website
Go to the Washington Department of Licensing website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current or expired driver's license number, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address and verify that your medical information has not changed.
Review the renewal form on screen, then choose your license type: an eight-year license for $72 or a four-year license for $48. Enter your payment information — the site accepts credit cards and debit cards. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
You can drive with your current license until your new one arrives. If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact the Department of Licensing to check the status of your order.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If you do not meet the online renewal requirements, you have two options: renew in person at a Department of Licensing office, or renew at a third-party provider. Third-party providers include certain car tab vendors, some vehicle licensing agents, and other authorized locations. Not all third-party providers offer full renewal services, so call ahead to confirm they can process your type of renewal.
In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and requires your current or expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. If you are adding medical restrictions or updating medical information, bring documentation from your doctor. The cost is the same as online renewal: $72 for eight years or $48 for four years.
Address changes and other updates during renewal
If you need to change your address, you must renew in person or at a third-party provider — you cannot change your address through online renewal. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail sent to your new address within the last 60 days.
Medical restrictions, such as corrective lenses or hearing aids, also require in-person renewal. If your doctor has recommended new restrictions or if existing restrictions no longer explore, schedule an in-person appointment and bring a letter from your doctor or your medical records.
How long the process takes and when you can drive
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days and should arrive at your address on file. You can legally drive with your current license — even if it is expired — until your new license arrives in the mail.
If you are renewing before your license expires, your new license will arrive before the old one expires, so there is no gap in your driving privileges. If you are renewing an expired license, keep your old license with you while you wait for the new one, as it serves as proof that you have a valid renewal in process.
Fees and payment methods
Washington driver's license renewal costs $72 for an eight-year license or $48 for a four-year license. These fees are the same whether you renew online, in person, or through a third-party provider. The Department of Licensing accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover for online payments.
If you are renewing at a third-party provider, ask whether they charge an additional service fee. Some vendors add a small fee on top of the state renewal cost. In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office does not include an extra fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it expired more than five years ago?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses that expired within the last five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office or at an authorized third-party provider.
What happens if I drive with an expired license while waiting for my new one?
You can legally drive with your expired license while your renewal is in process, as long as you have submitted your online renewal and received a confirmation number. Keep your old license with you as proof of your pending renewal.
Can I change my address during online renewal?
No. Address changes must be done in person at a Department of Licensing office or third-party provider. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
What if I made a mistake on my online renewal form?
Contact the Department of Licensing as soon as possible with your confirmation number. They can tell you whether the error can be corrected before your license is printed or whether you need to submit a new renewal.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a Department of Licensing office. You will need to pass a vision test and medical examination as part of the CDL renewal process.