How to renew your Washington driver license
You can renew your Washington driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing (DOL) office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a DOL office is when ready if you need your license the same day, though wait times vary by location.
You're may be able to access for online or mail renewal if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical conditions that need to be re-evaluated, and your name and address haven't changed since your last renewal. If any of those don't explore, you must renew in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the DOL website is the fastest method and works if your license expired within the last five years and nothing about your health or identity has changed.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and costs the same as online, but requires you to print and mail a form to Olympia.
- In-person renewal at a DOL office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, your name changed, or you have a new medical condition affecting your driving.
- Your new license arrives by mail after online or mail renewal; you cannot pick it up at an office.
- Washington licenses are valid for eight years, so plan your renewal before the expiration date on your current license.
Online renewal through the DOL website
Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew your driver license" from the homepage. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The renewal fee is $72 for an eight-year license as of 2024, though this amount can change. You'll answer questions about your address, medical history, and whether you've had any violations since your last renewal.
After you submit, you'll 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 continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you don't receive your license within two weeks, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to check the status.
Mail renewal using the paper form
read the Driver License Renewal process (form DL 44) from dol.wa.gov or pick one up at any DOL office. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and signature. Mail it with a check or money order for $72 to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030.
Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DOL receives your form. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan accordingly if your license is expiring soon. Include a return address on the envelope so the DOL can send your new license back to you. Do not send cash through the mail.
In-person renewal at a DOL office
Visit any Washington Department of Licensing office with your current driver license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if your name has changed since your last renewal. The fee is $72 for an eight-year license.
You'll take a new photo, answer medical history questions, and may be asked to take a vision test depending on your age and when you last renewed. If you pass, you'll receive your new license on the spot. Wait times vary by office and time of day; the DOL website shows current wait times for each location. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings.
When you must renew in person
You cannot use online or mail renewal if your license expired more than five years ago. You also must renew in person if your name has changed since your last renewal, if you have a new medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, or if you've been convicted of certain traffic violations. If you're unsure whether you're may be able to access for online renewal, call the DOL at 360-902-3900 before you try.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you'll need to complete the reinstatement process before you can renew. Contact the DOL to find out what steps are required for your specific situation.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your license has been expired for five years or less, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process. If it's been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a DOL office. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Washington, even if you've submitted a renewal process.
If your license expired while you were out of state or unable to renew for a documented reason, bring documentation of that circumstance to your in-person appointment. The DOL may waive certain requirements, but this is decided on a case-by-case basis.
Replacing a lost or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you need a replacement rather than a renewal. You must go in person to a DOL office with proof of identity and residency. The replacement fee is $20. You'll receive your new license when ready. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police, though this is not required to get a replacement.
A replacement license has the same expiration date as your original license. If your original license was expiring soon anyway, you can renew at the same time for the full renewal fee instead of paying both the replacement and renewal fees separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Washington driver license valid?
Washington driver licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You should begin the renewal process at least two weeks before that date to avoid driving with an expired license.
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Washington DOL office in person. If you've moved out of state permanently, contact the DOL to update your address before renewing.
What if my name changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a DOL office. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The renewal fee is still $72.
Do I need a new photo for renewal?
For online and mail renewal, your photo from your current license is used again. For in-person renewal, you'll have a new photo taken. You cannot use your own photo or submit one in advance.
What if I haven't received my renewed license after two weeks?
Contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 with your confirmation number or process date. They can check whether your license was mailed and provide a tracking update. If it was lost in the mail, they can issue a replacement.