What Washington charges for a driver's license

Washington's driver's license costs depend on the type of license you need and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year driver's license costs $72. If you want an eight-year license (available to drivers 62 and older), the fee is $96. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs $100 for five years or $160 for eight years. These are the base fees the Washington Department of Licensing charges; local licensing offices do not add extra fees on top.

The fee covers the card itself, the background check, and the processing of your process. If you need your license replaced because it was lost, stolen, or damaged, the replacement fee is $20. A name change also costs $20. These fees have not changed since 2015, though the state legislature can adjust them at any time.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard five-year Washington driver's license costs $72; an eight-year license costs $96.
  • Commercial driver's licenses cost $100 for five years or $160 for eight years.
  • Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $20, as does a name change.
  • You can renew by mail, online, or in person at any Washington Department of Licensing office.
  • Payment methods include cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most locations.

How to pay and where to renew

You can renew your Washington driver's license at any Department of Licensing office, by mail, or online through the state's website. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are renewing before your current license expires and you have not had any address changes. The online system accepts debit and credit cards only.

If you renew in person at a licensing office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card — payment methods vary slightly by location, so call ahead if you have a specific preference. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order; the Department of Licensing does not accept credit cards by mail. Processing time for mail renewal is typically two to three weeks from the date they receive your process.

When your license expires and renewal important date

Your Washington driver's license expires on your birthday in the year it is set to expire. You can renew up to one year before the expiration date without penalty. If you renew after your license has expired, you may be required to take a new written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Washington, even if you have submitted a renewal process. The state does not grant a grace period. If you are caught driving with an expired license, you can be cited and fined. If your license expired more than two years ago, you will need to reapply as a new driver, which includes taking the written test, vision test, and road test.

Additional fees you might encounter

If you need a duplicate license (an extra copy of your current license), the fee is $20. If you want to add an endorsement — such as a motorcycle endorsement or hazmat endorsement — you will pay an additional fee on top of your renewal fee. Motorcycle endorsements cost $20; hazmat endorsements cost $35. These are added to your license at the time of renewal or replacement.

If you need to change your address on your license without renewing it, you can do so for free at any Department of Licensing office. However, if you are renewing at the same time, the address change is included in the renewal fee. Changing your name requires a $20 fee and proof of the name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).

Real ID compliance and enhanced licenses

Washington offers an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) that costs $72 for five years or $96 for eight years — the same price as a standard license. An EDL allows you to cross the U.S. border into Canada and Mexico by land without a passport. It includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip and a special marking on the card.

All Washington driver's licenses issued since 2018 are compliant with federal Real ID standards, which means they can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You do not pay extra for Real ID compliance; it is included in the standard license fee. If you have an older license issued before 2018, you can upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license at your next renewal for the standard renewal fee.

Payment methods and what to bring

At Department of Licensing offices, payment methods typically include cash, debit card, and credit card. Some offices also accept checks. If you are renewing online, you must use a debit or credit card. For mail-in renewal, send a check or money order made out to the Department of Licensing.

When you renew in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing by mail, include a completed process form (DL 44 or DL 43, depending on whether you are renewing or replacing), a copy of your current license, and proof of residency. The Department of Licensing website lists the exact documents needed for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Washington license online if I have moved?

No. Online renewal is only available if your address has not changed. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office or by mail. You will need to provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.

What happens if I let my license expire?

Driving on an expired license is illegal. If you are caught, you can be fined. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you will need to reapply as a new driver, which means taking the written test, vision test, and road test again. Renewing within one year of expiration avoids these requirements.

Is there a senior discount on Washington driver's licenses?

No discount exists, but drivers 62 and older can choose an eight-year license for $96 instead of renewing every five years for $72 each time. Over 16 years, an eight-year license saves money if you renew twice during that period.

Can I pay for my license renewal with a credit card by mail?

No. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order. Credit and debit cards are accepted only for online renewal or in-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office.

Do I need to take a new test when I renew my Washington license?

No, unless your license has been expired for more than two years. If you renew before or within two years of expiration, you only need to submit your process and pay the fee. No written or vision test is required.