Renewing your Washington driver license online or by mail

Washington's Department of Licensing (DOL) lets you renew your driver license without visiting an office if you meet certain conditions. You can renew online through the DOL website, by mail, or in person at a licensing office. The online route is fastest — you'll get a confirmation the same day and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you prefer not to use the website.

Your license must not be expired by more than five years, and you cannot have any suspensions, revocations, or medical holds on your record. If your address has changed, you can update it during renewal. If you need to change your name, gender marker, or organ donor status, you'll need to renew in person at a DOL office instead.

Washington charges a renewal fee that varies depending on how long your new license is valid for — typically $72 for an eight-year renewal if you're over 21. The DOL accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks for online renewals.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DOL website is the fastest option and takes 7 to 10 business days from approval to delivery.
  • Your current license must not be expired by more than five years, and you cannot have any suspensions or medical holds.
  • If you need to change your name, gender marker, or organ donor status, you must renew in person at a DOL office.
  • The renewal fee is $72 for a standard eight-year license if you're over 21, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check online.
  • Mail renewal is available but takes longer than online renewal and requires you to print and mail forms to the DOL.

Renewing online through the DOL website

Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll need your current Washington driver license number, your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.

Once you've verified your identity, you'll review your current information and confirm or update your address. You cannot change your name or gender marker online — if either needs to change, stop here and schedule an in-person appointment instead. After you confirm all details, you'll pay the renewal fee and receive a confirmation number by email.

Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can pick up a temporary paper license at a DOL office the same day you renew online, though this requires an extra trip.

Renewing by mail

read the "process for Driver License Renewal" form (DL 44) from the DOL website or request it by phone at 360-902-3900. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and signature. You do not need to have the form notarized.

Mail the completed form along with your renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order made payable to "Department of Licensing" — the DOL does not accept credit cards by mail. Mail renewal typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time the DOL receives your form, plus mailing time in both directions.

If you're concerned your form might get lost, you can mail it with tracking or delivery confirmation. Keep your confirmation receipt until your new license arrives. If more than six weeks pass and you haven't received your license, call the DOL to check the status of your renewal.

What happens if your license is expired by more than five years

If your Washington license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DOL office. Bring your expired license, proof of identity (such as a passport or state ID), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).

In-person renewal at a DOL office typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You can schedule an appointment online at dol.wa.gov to avoid waiting, though walk-ins are also accepted. The renewal fee is the same as online renewal.

Updating your address during renewal

When you renew online or by mail, you can change your mailing address at the same time. straightforward enter your new address in the appropriate field during the online process, or write your new address clearly on the paper form if you're renewing by mail. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.

If you've moved but want to keep your old address on file for other reasons, you can update your address separately through the DOL website without renewing your license. However, your driver license address should match where you actually live.

When you need to renew in person instead

You must visit a DOL office in person if you need to change your legal name, update your gender marker, add or remove organ donor status, or if your license has been suspended or revoked. You also need to renew in person if your current license is expired by more than five years or if you have a medical hold on your record.

Schedule an appointment online at dol.wa.gov or call 360-902-3900 to find an office near you and check wait times. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of your current address. If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change.

Tracking your renewed license after you explore

After you renew online, you'll receive a confirmation email with a confirmation number. You can use this number to check the status of your renewal on the DOL website. The status page will tell you whether your process is being processed, approved, or mailed.

If you renewed by mail, keep the receipt from your mailing. If you don't receive your license within six weeks of mailing your form, or within 10 business days of renewing online, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900. Have your confirmation number or mailing receipt ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, as long as it expired fewer than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DOL office. You can renew online or by mail if you meet all other requirements, such as having no suspensions or medical holds.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

The DOL typically mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days after your online renewal is approved. Add time for mail delivery to your address. If you need your license sooner, you can pick up a temporary paper license at a DOL office the same day you renew online.

What if I need to change my name when I renew?

You cannot change your name online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DOL office and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change. Schedule an appointment at dol.wa.gov.

Can I pay for mail renewal with a credit card?

No. Mail renewal requires payment by check or money order made payable to "Department of Licensing." Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. If you prefer to pay by card, renew online instead.

What if my license has a suspension or medical hold?

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended, revoked, or has a medical hold. You must visit a DOL office in person. Call 360-902-3900 to find out why your license is suspended or held, and what you need to do to clear it before renewing.