Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Washington driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing (DOL) office. Online renewal is the fastest route if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at a DOL office is necessary only if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if your license has been suspended or expired for more than five years.

Before you choose a method, gather your current Washington driver's license, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card for online and mail; cash, check, or card in person). If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you'll also need a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing an ID card instead of a license, the same rules explore.

Washington does not require a new photo or medical exam for standard renewals unless your license has been expired for more than five years, you're over 65, or you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive. If any of those explore, you must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DOL website is available if your license is not suspended, expired for more than five years, or marked for medical review, and takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail renewal requires the same form and documents as in-person renewal but takes 3 to 4 weeks and costs the same as online renewal.
  • In-person renewal at a DOL office is mandatory if your license is suspended, expired for more than five years, or flagged for medical reasons.
  • The renewal fee in Washington is $72 for an eight-year license and $36 for a four-year license; military members and veterans may be charged differently.
  • Your new license is valid when ready upon issuance, even if you're still waiting for the physical card to arrive in the mail.

Online renewal through the DOL website

Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your License or ID" from the homepage. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address, name, and other information. If anything has changed, you can update it during this step.

Next, you'll choose the license type and term. Washington offers four-year and eight-year licenses; the eight-year license costs more but is valid longer. You'll then pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. Once payment is processed, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or subject to a medical review; if it expired more than five years ago; or if you need to change your address to a P.O. box or military address (those require mail or in-person renewal). If you're ineligible for online renewal, the system will tell you which method to use instead.

Mail renewal using the DOL form

read the "process for Driving License or Identicard" form (DL 44) from the DOL website, or call 360-902-3900 to request one by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and signature. If your name has changed, attach a certified copy of the document proving the change.

Mail the completed form, your current license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your old license back; otherwise, the DOL will destroy it. Mail renewal typically takes 3 to 4 weeks from the date the DOL receives your process, though processing times can vary during busy periods.

Mail renewal is useful if you prefer not to visit an office or if you're renewing a license that's about to expire but not yet expired. It's also the only option if you need to change your mailing address to a P.O. box or military address, since online renewal does not allow those changes.

In-person renewal at a DOL office

Bring your current Washington driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, tax return, or W-2), and payment. If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document proving the change. You do not need an appointment at most DOL offices, but you can schedule one online at dol.wa.gov to reduce wait time.

At the office, you'll complete the DL 44 form, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee. If you're over 65 or your license is flagged for medical review, the examiner may ask you questions about your health or driving ability. Your new license is issued on the spot and is valid when ready, though you'll receive a temporary paper license to carry until your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if it's suspended or revoked, or if you're over 65 and your license is marked for medical review. It's also the fastest way to get a valid license in your hands if you need to drive before your mail renewal would arrive.

Renewal fees and payment options

A standard eight-year Washington driver's license costs $72 to renew. A four-year license costs $36. These fees explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you're renewing an ID card instead of a license, the cost is the same.

Military members on active duty and veterans with a VA disability rating may be charged a reduced fee or no fee at all, depending on their status. Call 360-902-3900 to confirm your may be able to access before you renew. Online and mail renewal accept debit and credit cards only; in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

If you renew by mail and your check is rejected or payment fails, the DOL will return your process and you'll need to resubmit it with valid payment. If you renew online and your card is declined, the system will prompt you to try again when ready.

What happens after you renew

Your new license is valid the moment it's issued, even if you're still waiting for the physical card to arrive. If you renewed online or by mail, you can print your confirmation page and carry it as proof of renewal if you're stopped by law enforcement before your new license arrives. Most officers will accept this temporary proof.

Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives and is activated. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a DOL office if you prefer. Washington does not require you to return expired licenses, but destroying them prevents identity theft.

If your new license doesn't arrive within 14 business days of your renewal date, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900. Provide your confirmation number and the DOL will investigate. Replacement licenses due to lost mail are usually issued at no extra charge.

When you cannot renew by mail or online

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must contact the DOL to find out why it was suspended and what steps are required to restore it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or medical conditions. The DOL website lists the reason for your suspension, and you can pay fines or submit required documents online or by mail.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may be required to pass a written test and vision test. This is treated as a new license rather than a renewal. Bring the same documents you would for an in-person renewal, plus proof of your Social Security number.

If you're over 65, the DOL may flag your license for medical review during renewal. You'll be asked to complete a medical questionnaire or provide a doctor's statement. If the DOL has concerns about your ability to drive safely, they may require an in-person visit or a driving test. Contact the DOL if you receive a notice about medical review; they'll explain what documents you need to submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Washington allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early is useful if you're traveling or want to avoid a rush closer to your expiration date. Your new license will have a new expiration date based on the term you choose (four or eight years).

What if my address has changed since my last license?

You can update your address during online renewal. For mail renewal, write your new address on the DL 44 form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days. If you're changing to a P.O. box or military address, you must renew by mail or in person.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

No, unless your license expired more than five years ago, you're over 65, or your license is flagged for medical review. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you can request one during in-person renewal at no extra charge.

How long is my new license valid?

Washington driver's licenses are valid for either four or eight years, depending on which term you choose during renewal. You select the term when you renew, and the expiration date is printed on your new license. Military members may have different renewal terms.

What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

Contact the DOL when ready at 360-902-3900 or visit a DOL office to report it lost. You can request a replacement license, which costs $20. Bring your confirmation number from your renewal if you have it. Your new renewed license will still be mailed to you on schedule.