Washington State Driver's License Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Washington driver's license online through the Department of Licensing website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a licensing office. Online renewal is the fastest option and available to most drivers whose licenses are not expired or suspended. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $72 for an eight-year renewal, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Washington allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your current license. If your license is already expired, you cannot renew online — you must go to a licensing office in person or renew by mail if you meet the mail renewal requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Washington Department of Licensing website takes 10 minutes and costs $72 for an eight-year license, with delivery in 7 to 10 business days.
- You can renew online only if your license is not expired, suspended, or revoked, and you have not changed your name, address, or vision correction needs since your last renewal.
- Mail renewal is available only if you are 62 or older, have a valid passport or passport card, and meet the same restrictions as online renewal.
- In-person renewal at a licensing office is required if your license is expired, suspended, or if you have changed your name, address, or vision needs.
- You will need your current Washington driver's license, a Social Security number, and proof of Washington residency to renew in any method.
Online Renewal Through the Department of Licensing Website
Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the main menu. You will need your current Washington driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information.
During the online process, you will confirm or update your address, confirm your vision correction status (whether you wear glasses or contacts), and review your photo. You cannot change your photo online — if you want a new photo, you must renew in person. Once you submit the form and pay the $72 fee by debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked; if you have changed your name since your last renewal; if you have changed your address and cannot confirm it through the system; or if your vision correction status has changed. In any of these cases, you must renew in person.
Mail Renewal for Drivers 62 and Older
If you are 62 or older, you may renew by mail without visiting a licensing office. You must have a valid U.S. passport or passport card to use this method. read the "Renew Your Driver's License by Mail" form from dol.wa.gov, fill it out completely, and mail it with a copy of the photo page of your passport to the Department of Licensing address listed on the form.
Mail renewal costs $72 for an eight-year license. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Department receives your form, plus mail delivery time both ways. You cannot use mail renewal if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked; if you have changed your name or address; or if your vision correction needs have changed. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.
In-Person Renewal at a Licensing Office
Visit any Washington Department of Licensing office with your current driver's license, proof of Washington residency, and your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on office traffic. You will have a new photo taken, confirm your address and vision status, and pay the $72 fee. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked; if you have changed your name, address, or vision correction needs; or if you want a new photo.
You can find your nearest licensing office and check current wait times on the Department of Licensing website. Some offices are busier than others — visiting early in the morning or on weekday afternoons often means shorter waits than midday or Friday afternoons.
What Happens If Your License Expires Before Your New One Arrives
If you renew online or by mail and your new license has not arrived by your expiration date, you can still drive legally while waiting. Keep your renewal confirmation number with you. If you are stopped by police, show them your old license and the confirmation number — this proves you have a pending renewal. The confirmation number is valid proof that you have renewed.
If your license expires and you have not yet renewed, you cannot legally drive. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic citation and a fine. If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days of renewal, contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to check the status.
License Renewal Fees and What You Get
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $72. This is the fee for all renewal methods — online, mail, and in person. You cannot renew for a shorter period; Washington issues licenses for eight years only. The fee covers the license itself and the cost of mailing it to you.
Your new license will have the same number as your current license. Your photo will be the same unless you renew in person, in which case a new photo will be taken. The license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal, and your new expiration date will be printed on the front.
Name Changes and Address Changes During Renewal
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate. The Department will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.
If you have changed your address, you can update it during online renewal as long as the system can verify your new address. If the system cannot verify it, you will be directed to renew in person. Address changes made in person are processed when ready. If you move after you renew online but before your new license arrives, you can update your address at any licensing office or online through your Department of Licensing account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew through any method.
What if I wear glasses or contacts and my vision has changed?
If your vision correction needs have changed, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person. Bring your current glasses or contacts with you so the licensing office can verify that your vision is corrected to the legal standard. You do not need an eye exam from an optometrist — the office will test your vision on site.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and in-person renewals take 7 to 10 business days for mail delivery. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks for processing plus mail delivery time. If your new license does not arrive within these timeframes, contact the Department of Licensing to check the status.
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
If you are a Washington resident living out of state temporarily, you can renew online as long as your license is not expired and you meet all other online renewal requirements. If you are moving out of state permanently, you should renew your Washington license before you move, or contact the Department of Licensing about your options.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license. You must go to a licensing office in person and request a replacement license. Bring your Social Security number and proof of Washington residency. A replacement license costs $20, and you can renew it at the same time for the standard $72 renewal fee.