Renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation
Washington lets you renew your driver's license through three different routes: online at the Department of Licensing website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a licensing office. Which one you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how quickly you need the new card. Most people can renew online in about 10 minutes without leaving home.
Your current license must not be expired by more than five years, and you cannot have any suspensions, revocations, or holds on your driving record. If your license expired more than five years ago, or if you have any restrictions or flags on your account, you will need to renew in person at a licensing office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for an eight-year license; you can do it anytime from home if your license is not expired by more than five years.
- Mail renewal is available only if you do not need a new photo and meet specific conditions; you send in your current license and a check, and receive your new one in about two weeks.
- In-person renewal at a licensing office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have any suspensions or holds, or if you want to change your name or address on the same day.
- Washington charges $72 for an eight-year renewal; the fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks for online and mail renewals, or you can pick it up when ready if you renew in person.
Renewing online through the Department of Licensing website
Go to dol.wa.gov and click the "Renew Your License" button on the homepage. You will need your current Washington driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check). The system will ask you to confirm your name, address, and date of birth, then review your current license information.
You do not upload a new photo when you renew online — Washington will use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. The entire process takes about 10 minutes. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks; you can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal costs $72 for an eight-year license. This is the fastest and most convenient option if your current license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
Renewing by mail if you meet the requirements
Mail renewal is available only if you do not need a new photo and your address has not changed. To renew by mail, print the renewal form from dol.wa.gov (form DL 44), fill it out completely, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check for $72 payable to "Department of Licensing." Send everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes about two weeks from the date the Department of Licensing receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but requires no computer access and no electronic payment.
Renewing in person at a licensing office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have any suspensions or holds on your driving record, if you need a new photo, or if you want to change your name or address at the same time. Find your nearest licensing office at dol.wa.gov/offices, then call ahead or check online to see current wait times — some offices accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Pay $72 at the counter by cash, debit card, or credit card.
The office will take a new photo and issue your new license on the spot. You can drive home with your new license the same day. If you prefer not to wait, some offices mail the license to you instead, which takes about two weeks.
What happens if your license is expired by more than five years
If your Washington driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This is treated as a new process rather than a renewal, and the process is more involved. You will need to visit a licensing office in person, bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address, and pass a vision test and written knowledge test.
explore for a new license costs $72 and takes longer than a renewal appointment because of the testing requirements. If your license expired more than five years ago, contact your local licensing office to confirm what documents you need to bring.
Checking your renewal status and what to do if something goes wrong
After you renew online or by mail, you can check the status of your new license at dol.wa.gov by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. The status page will tell you whether your renewal has been processed and when your new license is expected to arrive.
If your renewal is rejected, you will receive a letter from the Department of Licensing explaining why. Common reasons include a suspension or hold on your record, an address that does not match state records, or a problem with your payment. If this happens, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to find out what you need to do next. You may need to renew in person or resolve the issue before you can renew by mail or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it is already expired?
Yes, as long as it expired within the last five years. If it expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing, which requires an in-person visit and a knowledge test.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
Not if you renew online or by mail — your current photo will be used. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a licensing office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks of submitting your online renewal. You can continue driving with your current license until the new one arrives.
What if I need my new license before two weeks?
If you renew in person at a licensing office, you can get your new license the same day. Some offices will issue it when ready; others will mail it to you. Ask at the office when you arrive.
Can I change my address or name when I renew?
You can change your address online or by mail during renewal. To change your name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).