How to Renew Your Driver's License in Spokane, Washington

Where to renew your license in Spokane

In Spokane, you renew your driver's license at the Department of Licensing (DOL) office located at 1001 W. Riverside Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201. This is the main office serving Spokane County. You can also renew by mail or online, depending on your situation — not all renewal types work through every channel.

The in-person office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no appointment required for most renewals. However, wait times vary. You can check current wait times on the Washington State Department of Licensing website before you go. If you prefer to avoid the office, the mail and online options may work for you, though they have restrictions based on your license type and how long it has been expired.

Key Takeaways

You can renew in person at the Spokane DOL office on W. Riverside Avenue, by mail, or online through the Washington State Department of Licensing website.
Standard renewals cost $72 for an eight-year license; the fee is higher if you add a Real ID or upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license.
You need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your current license or ID; the exact documents depend on whether you are renewing a standard license or upgrading to REAL ID.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; online renewal is when ready if you are renewing a standard license that has not expired more than five years ago.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to the office in person.

What documents you need to bring

For a standard renewal, bring your current driver's license or ID, proof of identity, and proof of Washington State residency. Proof of identity can be a passport, passport card, tribal ID, military ID, or other state ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

If you are upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license, the requirements are stricter. You still need proof of identity and residency, but you also need to bring proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form) and proof of your legal name change if applicable. REAL ID licenses cost $72 for eight years, the same as a standard renewal, but some people choose to upgrade because REAL ID is required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting in 2025.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If any of your documents are not in English, bring a certified translation along with the original.

Renewing online or by mail

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are renewing a standard (non-REAL ID) license. You go to the Washington State Department of Licensing website, log in or create an account, and complete the renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license is mailed to you within two to three weeks. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you are upgrading to REAL ID, or if you need to change your name or address.

Mail renewal works for standard licenses that have not been expired for more than five years. You request a renewal form from the DOL website or call 360-902-3900, fill it out, and mail it back with a copy of your current license and proof of residency. Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DOL receives your envelope. Mail renewal does not work for REAL ID upgrades or if your license has been expired longer than five years.

Both online and mail renewal skip the office visit, but neither lets you change your address or name on the spot. If you need to update your address, you can do that online after you receive your new license, or you can go to the office in person.

Renewing in person at the Spokane office

Walk into the DOL office at 1001 W. Riverside Avenue with your documents, take a number, and wait your turn. The staff will verify your identity and residency, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. Your temporary license is printed when ready; your permanent license arrives by mail in two to three weeks.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you are upgrading to REAL ID, or if you need to change your name or address at the same time. It is also the only option if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a motorcycle endorsement. Wait times at the Spokane office typically range from 15 to 45 minutes depending on the time of day and day of the week; mornings on weekdays are usually shorter.

Renewal fees and what they cover

A standard eight-year driver's license renewal costs $72. If you are renewing a four-year license (sometimes issued to people under 21 or with certain visa statuses), the cost is $36. REAL ID upgrades cost the same as a standard renewal — $72 for eight years — so there is no extra charge to switch to REAL ID at renewal time.

The fee covers the license itself and processing. It does not cover replacement if you lose your new license after you receive it; a replacement costs $20. Payment is accepted in cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. Online and mail renewals accept credit and debit cards only.

Timeline and what to expect after you renew

If you renew online, your new license is mailed within two to three weeks. If you renew by mail, add another week for postal delivery time before the DOL receives your envelope, so total time is three to four weeks. If you renew in person, you get a temporary printed license when ready and your permanent license arrives by mail in two to three weeks.

Your old license is no longer valid once your new one arrives. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, the temporary license issued at the office is valid for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, you can continue using your old license until your new one arrives, as long as your old license has not expired.

Check the status of your renewal online through the Washington State Department of Licensing website. You can look up your process using your driver's license number and date of birth. If your new license does not arrive within four weeks of renewal, contact the DOL office or call 360-902-3900.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you must renew in person at the office. Expired licenses cannot be renewed by mail or online, no matter how long they have been expired. Bring the same documents you would for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency.

Do I need a REAL ID to renew my license in Washington?

No. You can renew a standard license without upgrading to REAL ID. However, REAL ID will be required for domestic air travel and federal building access starting in 2025. If you want to upgrade at renewal time, the cost is the same as a standard renewal.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

Bring proof of your legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate — along with your other documents. You must renew in person at the office; you cannot renew by mail or online if your name has changed.

How long is my new license valid?

A standard Washington driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Some licenses are issued for four years depending on your age or visa status. Your new license will show the expiration date on the front.

What if I move out of Washington after I renew?

Your Washington license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. You are not required to get a new state's license when ready, but most states require you to get a local license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency. Check the rules for your new state.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.