Washington driver's license renewal: in-person, online, and by mail
Washington lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license has expired by more than five years, you must renew in person.
The state charges $72 for an eight-year renewal (the standard term for most adults under 65). If you are 65 or older, the fee is $36 for an eight-year license. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check during online or mail renewal. In-person renewals accept cash, check, debit, and credit.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and is available if your license is not expired or expired less than five years ago.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment.
- In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, and you can walk in without an appointment at most offices.
- Washington does not require a new photo unless you request one, so online and mail renewal keep your current photo on file.
- Your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks of approval for online renewals, or two to three weeks after the office receives your mail packet.
Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current or recently expired
You can renew online at dol.wa.gov if your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes and you receive a confirmation number when ready.
After you submit online, the Department of Licensing mails your new license to the address on file. This usually takes one to two weeks. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. If you want to change your address, you can do that during the online renewal process.
Online renewal does not include a new photo — your current photo stays on your license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person instead.
Mail renewal: no office visit needed, but slower
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 one by phone at 360-902-3900. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order to the address listed on the form.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the department receives your packet. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the department to return your old license. Without it, your old license is destroyed after processing. Do not mail cash — use check or money order only.
Like online renewal, mail renewal does not include a new photo. Your current photo remains on your new license unless you request a new one in writing on the form itself, though requesting a photo by mail is uncommon and may delay processing.
In-person renewal: required if your license is expired more than five years
Visit any Department of Licensing office if your license expired more than five years ago, or if you want a new photo. You do not need an appointment — walk-in service is available at all offices. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
Processing at the office takes 15 to 30 minutes. You pay the renewal fee on the spot and receive a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. Your new license arrives within one to two weeks.
In-person renewal is also the only way to change your name, update your gender marker, or correct errors on your license. If you need any of these changes, bring the supporting documents (marriage certificate, court order, or corrected vital record) along with your proof of address and Social Security number.
What happens if your license is expired
You can still drive while your renewal is being processed if you have a confirmation number (from online renewal) or a temporary license (from in-person renewal). If you renewed by mail, you can drive on your old license until your new one arrives, as long as you mailed it before it expired.
If your license expired and you did not renew before it lapsed, you can still renew online or by mail as long as the expiration date is less than five years in the past. Once it has been expired five years or longer, you must renew in person.
Department of Licensing office locations and hours
Washington has Department of Licensing offices in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, and several smaller cities. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offering Saturday hours. Find your nearest office and current hours at dol.wa.gov.
Offices can be busy during lunch hours and on Fridays. If you want to avoid a wait, visit early in the morning or mid-week. Some offices have posted wait times on their websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Washington license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. You do not need to be a Washington resident to hold a Washington license, but your address on file must be current. If you have moved out of state, update your address during online renewal or include the new address on your mail renewal form.
What if my name changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Online and mail renewal cannot process name changes. Bring your proof of address and Social Security number as well.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
No — Washington keeps your current photo unless you request a new one. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. You cannot request a new photo during online or mail renewal.
How long is my new license valid?
Eight years for most adults under 65, and eight years for adults 65 and older (though the fee is lower). Your new license is valid from the date it is issued, not from your old expiration date.
What if I lost my license before renewal?
You need a replacement, not a renewal. Contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 or visit dol.wa.gov to report the loss and request a replacement. This is a separate process from renewal and has different requirements.