What you pay for a Washington driver's license

A Washington driver's license costs $72 for an eight-year license if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, the cost is $37 for a license that expires on your 18th birthday. These are the standard fees charged by the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) when you first get a license or renew it.

The fee covers the card itself, the background check, and the processing of your process. You pay this fee whether you renew in person at a DOL office, by mail, or through an online renewal if you are renewing an existing license.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard Washington driver's license for adults costs $72 for an eight-year license.
  • Licenses for people under 18 cost $37 and expire on your 18th birthday.
  • You pay the same fee whether you renew by mail, online, or in person at a DOL office.
  • If you need a replacement card because yours was lost or damaged, you pay $20 instead of the full renewal fee.
  • Enhanced licenses and Real ID cards cost more than a standard license.

Replacement cards and duplicate licenses

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement card without paying the full renewal fee. A replacement costs $20. You will need to report a lost or stolen license to the DOL, and you can do this online, by phone, or in person.

A duplicate license — an extra copy of your current license with the same expiration date — also costs $20. Some people order a duplicate to keep at home while carrying the original.

Enhanced licenses and Real ID cards

Washington offers two types of licenses that cost more than a standard license. An Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) costs $172 for eight years and allows you to cross the Canadian border by land or sea without a passport. A Real ID compliant license costs $72 — the same as a standard license — but meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights.

The Real ID card looks like a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. Starting in May 2025, you will need either a Real ID, a passport, a military ID, or another federal document to board a domestic flight. If you already have a standard Washington license, you can renew it as a Real ID at no extra cost.

What documents you need to bring

When you renew or get a new license, you will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable documents include a birth certificate or passport for identity, a recent utility bill or lease for residency, and a Social Security card or tax return for your SSN.

If you are renewing online or by mail and your information has not changed, you may not need to bring documents — the DOL will tell you what is required when you start the process. If you are renewing in person, bring originals or certified copies; the DOL does not accept photocopies.

How to renew your license

Washington offers three ways to renew: online, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are renewing a standard license and your address and other information have not changed. You can renew online at the DOL website up to one year before your license expires.

By-mail renewal takes about two weeks. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires; follow the instructions on the notice to send in your process and fee. In-person renewal at a DOL office is when ready — you walk out with your new license the same day, though you may wait in line. You can find your nearest DOL office and check wait times on the Washington DOL website.

When your license expires and grace periods

Your Washington driver's license expires on your birthday eight years after you renew it. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may be asked to retake the written test or vision test depending on how long it has been expired.

Washington does not have a formal grace period that lets you drive on an expired license. If you are pulled over, an expired license can result in a traffic citation. Renew before your expiration date to avoid this.

Additional fees and services

If you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license between renewals, you can request a corrected license. The fee for a correction is $20. If you need a new photo because you have changed your appearance significantly, you can pay $20 for a new photo without renewing the entire license.

If you fail the written or vision test and need to retake it, there is no additional fee — you can retake the test at your next visit to a DOL office. However, if you need to schedule a driving test with an examiner, that costs $30.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I moved to a new address?

No. Online renewal is only for people whose address and other information have not changed. If you moved, you must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.

What if I turn 18 before my license expires?

Your license will still expire on the date printed on the card, even after you turn 18. When you renew, you will pay the full $72 fee for an eight-year adult license. You do not pay an extra fee to upgrade from a minor license to an adult license.

Do I need a Real ID to drive in Washington?

No. A standard driver's license is legal for driving anywhere in Washington and the United States. You only need a Real ID if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building that requires it. A standard license is fine for driving.

How long does it take to get a replacement license if mine was stolen?

If you order a replacement by mail, it takes about two weeks. If you go to a DOL office in person, you can get a replacement the same day. You can report a stolen license online and then visit an office to pick up your replacement card.

What happens if I renew my license but the card never arrives?

Contact the Washington DOL to report the missing card. They can check the status of your renewal and reissue the card if needed. You may be charged a $20 replacement fee if the card was lost in the mail.