Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Washington driver's license at any Department of Licensing (DOL) office, online through the DOL website, or by mail. The fastest route is online if your license is not expired and you have not had a major change to your vision, medical status, or address since your last renewal. If you renew online, the new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.

If you go to a DOL office in person, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DOL website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.

If you renew by mail, read the DL 44 form from the DOL website, include a copy of your current license and proof of address, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks, so plan ahead if your license is close to expiring.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is valid and nothing major has changed since your last renewal, with your new license arriving in about two weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DOL office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within the last 60 days.
  • Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and requires the DL 44 form, a copy of your current license, and proof of your address.
  • You cannot renew online if your license is expired, if you have had changes to your vision or medical status, or if you need to update your address or name.

When you must renew in person at a DOL office

Some situations require you to go to a DOL office instead of renewing online or by mail. If your license is already expired, you must renew in person. The same is true if you have had a significant change to your vision (such as a new glasses prescription), a change to your medical status that affects your ability to drive, or a change to your name or address that you did not report before your license expired.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person at a DOL office. You will also need to pass a medical examination and provide a Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5875 form) if your CDL is for interstate driving. Bring the same documents as for a standard license renewal, plus your current CDL and the medical certificate.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it—you must explore for a new license instead. This means you will need to take a written test and a driving test, and you will need to provide proof of your identity, Social Security number, and Washington residency. The process takes longer and costs more than a renewal.

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew it in person at a DOL office. Bring your expired license along with proof of your Social Security number and current address. You may be asked to retake your vision test or written test depending on how long the license has been expired and whether any of your medical information has changed.

Costs and how long renewal takes

The cost of renewing a standard driver's license in Washington is $72 for an eight-year renewal. If you are 65 or older, the cost is $36 for a five-year renewal. These fees cover the license itself and do not include any additional services such as address changes or name changes, which may have separate fees.

Online renewal takes about two weeks from the time you submit your process until your new license arrives in the mail. In-person renewal at a DOL office is when ready—you receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is your only option for getting a temporary license the same day.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The DOL recommends renewing at least two weeks before your expiration date if you are renewing online or by mail, so that your new license arrives before the old one expires. If you renew in person at a DOL office, you can do so at any time and receive a temporary license when ready.

Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renew (or five years if you are 65 or older). The expiration date does not extend from your old license's expiration date—it is calculated from the date of your renewal. This means if you renew early, your new license will expire later than your old one would have.

Changing your name or address during renewal

If you need to change your name or address, you must do so in person at a DOL office or by mail. You cannot make these changes online. For a name change, bring a certified copy of the document that shows your new name, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For an address change, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease.

If you are changing your name or address, the fee for renewal remains the same ($72 for a standard eight-year renewal). The process takes the same amount of time as a standard renewal—when ready if you go in person, or two to six weeks if you renew by mail.

What to do if you lose your license before renewal

If your license is lost or stolen before you renew it, you must report it to the DOL and explore for a replacement. You cannot straightforward renew a lost license. Go to a DOL office in person with proof of your identity and Social Security number. The replacement license costs $20 and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent replacement license arrives by mail within two weeks.

If your lost license was close to expiring anyway, you can ask the DOL office to renew it at the same time you explore for the replacement. This costs both the replacement fee ($20) and the renewal fee ($72), for a total of $92. You receive one temporary license that covers both the replacement and the renewal, and one permanent license arrives by mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I wear glasses?

Yes, as long as your current glasses prescription is the same as the one on your license. If you have a new glasses prescription, you must renew in person at a DOL office so they can verify your vision with the new prescription. Bring your current glasses or contact lenses with you.

What if I moved out of Washington but still have a Washington license?

You cannot renew a Washington license if you no longer live in Washington. You must explore for a license in your new state instead. If you are still a Washington resident but moved within the state, you can renew online or by mail as long as you provide proof of your new address.

Do I need to take a new photo for renewal?

If you renew online or by mail, the DOL uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person at a DOL office, they will take a new photo. You cannot request to keep your old photo if you renew in person.

How do I know when my license is about to expire?

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. The DOL does not send renewal reminders by mail or email. Check your license now to see when it expires, and plan to renew at least two weeks before that date if you are renewing online or by mail.

What if I have a medical condition that might affect my driving?

Tell the DOL office staff about any medical condition when you renew. Depending on the condition, you may need to provide a medical report from your doctor or take a driving test. Some conditions may result in restrictions on your license, such as driving only during daylight hours or only within a certain distance of your home.