Where to renew your license in Bellevue
Bellevue has one Department of Licensing office located at 14405 Bel Red Road, Bellevue, WA 98007. This is the only full-service office in the city where you can renew in person. You can also renew by mail or online, depending on your situation — those options work from anywhere in Washington state and don't require a trip to Bellevue.
The Bellevue office is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; mornings and mid-week tend to be shorter. You do not need an appointment — the office operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online at dol.wa.gov if your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and costs the same as in-person renewal, but you must submit your current license and a completed process form.
- In-person renewal at the Bellevue office on Bel Red Road requires your current license, proof of Washington residency, and payment by cash, check, or card.
- Standard renewal costs $72 for an eight-year license; the fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
Online renewal: when it works and when it doesn't
Online renewal through the Washington Department of Licensing website is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your current license is not yet expired, your address has not changed, you do not need a new photo, and you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past three years. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If any of those conditions do not explore to you — for example, if your address changed or your license is already expired — you must renew either by mail or in person. Online renewal also does not work if you need to update your name, gender marker, or organ donor status; those changes require an in-person visit or a mail process with supporting documents.
Mail renewal: what you need and how long it takes
To renew by mail, read and print the process for Driver License or Identicard (form DL 44) from the Department of Licensing website, or request a form by calling 360-902-3900. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and payment to the address listed on the form. The Department of Licensing processes mail applications in the order they arrive, and your new license typically arrives within two to three weeks of receipt.
Mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal — $72 for an eight-year license — and you can pay by check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail. Include a return address on your envelope so the Department can contact you if there is a problem with your process. If your current license is expired, you may still renew by mail, but the process takes longer because your process goes through additional review.
In-person renewal at the Bellevue office
Bring your current driver's license, proof that you live in Washington state, and payment. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government document with your current address. If your address on your license is outdated, bring a document showing your new address.
Payment is $72 for a standard eight-year license. The Bellevue office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. You will have your photo taken at the office, and your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner — for example, for travel — ask the staff about a temporary paper license, though availability varies.
What happens if your license is already expired
You can still renew if your license has been expired for less than five years. The process is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, except that mail and in-person renewals take longer because the Department reviews expired licenses more carefully. Online renewal is not available if your license is expired.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. A new process requires a visit to the Bellevue office, a written knowledge test, and a driving skills test. Contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to find out what documents you need to bring.
Timing: when to renew and how far ahead you can go
Your license expiration date is printed on the front. You can renew up to one year before that date, so you do not have to wait until the last week. Many people renew several months early to avoid the rush near the expiration date.
If you renew early, your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your old expiration date. For example, if your license expires in June 2025 and you renew in January 2025, your new license will expire in January 2033. Plan accordingly if you want your renewal to align with a particular time of year.
Fees and payment methods
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $72 in Washington state. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person at the Bellevue office. The fee does not change based on your age or how long you have held your license.
Online and mail renewals accept payment by check or money order (mail only) or debit or credit card (online only). The Bellevue office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you pay by check, write it to the Department of Licensing. There are no additional fees for processing or shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
No. The Department of Licensing will not renew your license if you have outstanding traffic violations, unpaid fines, or a suspended license. Contact the court or the Department to resolve the issue before you attempt to renew. You can call 360-902-3900 to check your status.
What if I lost my current license?
You can still renew by mail or in person if you have lost your license, but you will need to explain what happened. Bring any documents you have that show your identity and Washington residency. If you cannot locate your license, the Department may issue a replacement instead of a renewal, which costs the same but requires an in-person visit.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew in person?
Your new license is mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days. You should not expect to receive it when ready after your visit to the Bellevue office. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, ask the staff whether a temporary paper license is available.
Can I renew my license if I changed my name?
You can renew your license with a name change, but you must do it in person or by mail with supporting documents such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online renewal does not allow name changes. Bring the document that shows your legal name change to the Bellevue office, or include a copy with your mail process.
What if I moved out of Washington state?
You cannot renew a Washington driver's license if you no longer live in Washington. You must obtain a license from your new state instead. If you still live in Washington but your mailing address is temporarily out of state, contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to discuss your options.