Washington driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long you want it to last

A standard Washington driver's license costs $72 for an eight-year license, or $36 for a four-year license. If you are under 21, a four-year license costs $36 and an eight-year license costs $72 (the price is the same as for adults, but the card itself looks different). These prices cover the license itself; additional services like rush processing or replacement cards cost extra.

Washington charges separately for certain endorsements and restrictions. If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee structure is different and higher. Duplicate licenses, name changes, and address corrections each have their own fees, usually between $20 and $30.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Washington driver's license costs $72; a four-year license costs $36.
  • Licenses for people under 21 cost the same as adult licenses but have a different appearance on the card.
  • Commercial driver's licenses, duplicate cards, and endorsements are priced separately and cost more.
  • You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office, and the fee does not change based on how you renew.

What's included in the standard license fee

The $72 or $36 you pay covers the physical card, the background check, and the processing of your process. It does not cover any optional services. Washington's Department of Licensing sets these prices, and they have not changed recently, though the state legislature can adjust them.

When you renew an existing license, you pay the same fee as a new license. The renewal fee does not depend on whether you renew online, by mail, or in person at a licensing office.

Additional costs you might encounter

If you need your license faster than the standard processing time, Washington offers rush processing for an extra fee. The exact cost varies depending on how quickly you need the card, so you should check the Department of Licensing website or call your local office for current rush fees.

A duplicate or replacement license (if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged) costs around $20 to $30. If you change your name through marriage, divorce, or legal petition, you will need to update your license; this also costs around $20 to $30 depending on whether you are replacing the card or just updating the record.

Endorsements like motorcycle (M), hazmat (H), or passenger (P) endorsements add to the cost. A commercial driver's license is significantly more expensive than a standard license and requires additional testing and medical certification.

How to pay and where to renew

You can renew your Washington license online through the Department of Licensing website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must be at least 18 years old, and you cannot have any medical or legal restrictions that require an in-person visit. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal.

If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail or visit a Department of Licensing office in person. Mail renewal takes longer but costs the same. In-person renewal at a licensing office is the fastest option if you need your license quickly (though rush processing is separate).

Washington accepts payment by credit card, debit card, and check. If you renew by mail, you must include a check or money order. Online renewal requires a credit or debit card.

When your license expires and renewal important date

Your Washington driver's license is valid for either four or eight years from the date it is issued, depending on which length you chose. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which gives you plenty of time to avoid driving with an expired license.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it online and must visit a Department of Licensing office in person. You will also need to retake the written test and vision test.

Licenses for people under 21

Washington issues a different-looking license to people under 21, but the cost is the same as an adult license: $72 for eight years or $36 for four years. The card itself is vertical instead of horizontal, and it is marked clearly as a license for someone under 21.

When you turn 21, you can exchange your under-21 license for a standard adult license. This exchange usually costs around $20 to $30 for a replacement card, though you should confirm the current fee with your local licensing office.

Commercial driver's licenses and endorsements

A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more than a standard license and requires additional steps. You must pass a medical examination, pass a written knowledge test specific to the type of commercial driving you will do, and pass a skills test. The total cost for a CDL is higher than the standard license fee, and you should contact the Department of Licensing directly for the exact amount.

If you want to add an endorsement to a standard license (such as a motorcycle endorsement), you will pay an additional fee beyond the license fee. The endorsement fee depends on the type of endorsement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Washington license online if it is expired?

You can renew online if your license expired less than five years ago. If it has been expired for five years or longer, you must visit a Department of Licensing office in person and retake the written and vision tests.

Do I have to pay the full license fee again when I renew?

Yes. Renewal costs the same as a new license: $72 for eight years or $36 for four years. There is no discount for renewing an existing license.

What is the difference between a four-year and eight-year license?

The only difference is how long the license is valid and the price you pay upfront. A four-year license costs $36 and expires after four years. An eight-year license costs $72 and expires after eight years. Both are equally valid forms of identification.

How long does it take to get a Washington driver's license?

Standard processing takes about two to three weeks if you explore in person or by mail. Online renewal is faster. Rush processing is available for an extra fee if you need your license sooner, though you should check current rush processing times with your local office.

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

No, you do not need to retake the written or vision test when you renew a license that is still valid or expired less than five years. If your license has been expired for five years or more, you will need to retake both tests.