What you need to do to renew in Washington
Washington renews driver's licenses by mail, online, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office at all.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Washington sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for an eight-year license if you do not need a new photo.
- By-mail renewal uses the notice you receive in the mail and takes two to three weeks; you mail a check or money order, not a credit card.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office is required only if your license has been expired for more than five years, you need a new photo, or you are changing your legal name.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and proof of Washington residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) for any renewal method.
- If your license is already expired, you can still renew by mail or online, but you cannot legally drive until the new one arrives.
Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. Go to dol.wa.gov, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the steps. You will enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system checks your information against state records and tells you when ready whether you can renew online.
The fee is $72 for an eight-year license. You pay by credit card or debit card during the transaction. Once approved, your new license is mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if it expires during that time.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your photo, or if you are updating your legal name. In those cases, you must renew in person.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
When you receive your renewal notice in the mail, you can send it back with payment instead of going online or to an office. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $72 (made payable to "Department of Licensing"). Do not send cash. Include the notice itself—it has a barcode that speeds up processing.
Mail your completed form to the address printed on the notice. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Department receives it, so mail it at least three weeks before your license expires if you need it by a specific date. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file.
By-mail renewal works the same way whether your license is current or expired. However, you cannot legally drive while your process is being processed if your license has already expired. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must renew in person or online instead.
In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you are changing your legal name. You will also need to go in person if you want to update your address and do not have proof of residency available to mail or upload online.
Find your nearest office at dol.wa.gov/offices. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online first. Check your local office's page to see whether appointments are required. Bring your current license, proof of Washington residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $72.
Processing at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will have your photo taken, and your new license is typically mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Some offices offer a temporary paper license you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
What happens if your license is already expired
You can renew a license that has already expired, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before then, you have two options: renew in person at a Department of Licensing office (which may issue a temporary license on the spot), or renew online or by mail and ask someone else to drive you until the new license arrives.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, online renewal is not available. You must renew by mail or in person. By-mail renewal still takes two to three weeks, so in-person renewal is faster if you need to drive soon.
Updating your address or legal name during renewal
If you are moving within Washington, you can update your address during online or by-mail renewal without visiting an office. During online renewal, enter your new address in the form. For by-mail renewal, write your new address on the renewal notice before mailing it back.
If you are changing your legal name, you must renew in person. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The office will take a new photo and issue a license with your updated name.
If you are moving out of Washington, you cannot renew your Washington license. You must obtain a license from your new state instead.
Costs and payment methods
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $72 in Washington. This is the only fee; there are no additional charges for processing or mailing.
Payment methods depend on how you renew. Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards. By-mail renewal requires a check or money order (payable to "Department of Licensing"). In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Do not send cash by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Washington does not suspend license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. You can renew your license regardless of outstanding tickets. However, if your license has been suspended for other reasons (such as unpaid child support or a DUI conviction), you must resolve that suspension before you can renew.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You do not need the renewal notice to renew online or in person. You can go directly to dol.wa.gov to renew online, or visit a Department of Licensing office with your current license and proof of residency. By-mail renewal is harder without the notice because it has a barcode that speeds processing, but you can call the Department at 360-902-3900 to request a replacement notice.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and by-mail renewals typically take 7 to 10 business days for mailing after approval. By-mail renewal adds two to three weeks for the Department to process your form before mailing begins. In-person renewal at an office usually results in mailing within 7 to 10 business days, though some offices issue a temporary paper license you can use when ready.
Can I renew online if I wear glasses or contacts?
Yes. Online renewal does not require a new photo, so you can renew without visiting an office. Your current photo remains on your license. If you want a new photo that shows you wearing your glasses or contacts, you must renew in person.
What if my name or address changed since my last license was issued?
You can update your address during any renewal method. For a legal name change, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree).