Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Washington driver's license in person at any Department of Licensing office, by mail, or online through the state's website — but not all renewal types work with every method. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. Online renewal, available only if you meet certain conditions, takes a few minutes but you'll still receive your new card by mail in about two weeks.

Before you choose a method, gather these documents: your current driver's license, proof of Washington residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. You do not need a new photo unless your current license photo is more than eight years old or you want to update it.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington offers three renewal paths: online (fastest if you may have access to), mail (two to three weeks), or in-person at a Department of Licensing office (same day).
  • Online renewal is only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal.
  • You must renew in person if your license is expired, your vision has changed, you have a new address, or you want a new photo.
  • Mail renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and a completed process for Driver License or Instruction Permit (form DL 44), mailed to the Department of Licensing in Olympia.

Online renewal through the Washington Department of Licensing website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements. Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your License Online." You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and check whether you're may be able to access to renew online.

You can renew online only if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions or vision corrections noted on your license, your address hasn't changed, and you're renewing a standard driver's license (not a commercial license). If any of these don't explore to you, you'll be directed to mail or in-person renewal instead. After you complete the online form and pay the fee (currently $72 for a five-year renewal), you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

Mail renewal with the Department of Licensing

To renew by mail, read or request form DL 44 (process for Driver License or Instruction Permit) from the Department of Licensing website or pick one up at any office. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and proof of residency to: Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030.

Include a check or money order for the renewal fee (currently $72 for a five-year renewal). Do not send cash. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the date the Department receives your packet. You can track your process status on the Department of Licensing website using your license number and date of birth. Your new license will arrive by mail once approved.

In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office

Walk-in renewal is available at any of Washington's Department of Licensing offices. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need an appointment, though some offices offer appointment scheduling on their website to reduce wait time. Processing takes about 30 minutes, and you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed.

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you need a new photo, if your address has changed, or if you have medical restrictions or vision corrections. You must also renew in person if you're renewing a commercial driver's license. The renewal fee is the same as mail or online ($72 for a five-year renewal), and most offices accept cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

When your license is expired

If your license has been expired for six months or less, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If it has been expired for more than six months, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office and may need to retake the written test and vision test, depending on how long it has been expired.

If your license expired more than three years ago, you will need to pass the written knowledge test and the vision test before you receive your new license. Bring your current (expired) license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The office staff will tell you what tests you need to take when you arrive.

Address changes and other updates

If you've moved since your last renewal, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. You cannot update your address online or by mail during renewal.

If you need to change information other than your address — such as your name, gender marker, or organ donor status — you can do some of these during renewal and others separately. Name changes require a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. Gender marker changes require a signed statement from a healthcare provider. Ask the office staff which documents you need before you visit.

Finding a Department of Licensing office near you

Washington has Department of Licensing offices in most counties. Find the office closest to you on dol.wa.gov by entering your city or zip code. The website shows office hours, phone numbers, and whether appointments are available. Some offices are open evenings or Saturdays, which may be more convenient than standard business hours.

If you live in a rural area far from an office, mail renewal or online renewal (if you may have access to) may be your best option. You can also call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 with questions about which renewal method works for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renew my Washington driver's license?

A five-year renewal costs $72. If you're renewing an expired license that has been expired for more than three years, you may pay additional fees for the written and vision tests. The exact cost depends on your specific situation; call 360-902-3900 to confirm.

Can I renew my license if I don't have proof of residency?

No, proof of residency is required for all renewal methods. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within 60 days. If you don't have one of these, contact the Department of Licensing to ask what other documents they accept.

What if I want a new photo on my license?

You can request a new photo during any renewal method. If you renew online or by mail, you'll keep your current photo. If you renew in person, you can ask the office staff to take a new photo for you at no extra cost.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you renew in person. Your permanent card will arrive by mail during that time. If it doesn't arrive within 30 days, contact the Department of Licensing to check the status.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online or by mail?

No, commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Department of Licensing office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and your medical certificate (MCSA-5875) if required by federal law.