Where to renew and what you need before you start

You can renew your Washington driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Mail and online are faster than visiting an office — mail takes about two weeks, online is when ready if you're renewing early — but you can only use those routes if your license is not expired and you meet a few other conditions. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person.

Before you choose a method, gather these documents: your current Washington driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you've changed your name since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. You'll also need to pay the renewal fee, which is $72 for an eight-year license or $36 for a four-year license as of 2024, though fees can change.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes minutes and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks, but only works if your license is not yet expired and you haven't changed your address or name.
  • Mail renewal requires you to fill out a form, include copies of your documents, and mail everything to the Department of Licensing; it takes about two weeks and costs the same as in-person renewal.
  • In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office is required if your license is expired, and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.
  • You must renew before your license expires to use online or mail options; once expired, only in-person renewal is available.

Renewing online through the Department of Licensing website

Online renewal is the fastest option if you're renewing early. Go to dol.wa.gov, find the "Renew Your License" section, and follow the prompts. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will ask whether your address and name are still correct; if either has changed, you cannot finish online and must mail or visit an office instead.

If everything matches, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card and receive a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within about two weeks. You can use your old license until the new one arrives. Online renewal does not work if your license is expired, if you need to change your address or name, or if you want to add a Real ID star to your license.

Mailing your renewal to the Department of Licensing

Mail renewal works whether your license is current or expired, and it's useful if you prefer not to visit an office or if you've changed your address or name. read the "Renew Your Driver's License" form from dol.wa.gov or call 360-902-3900 to request one by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and the new address if you've moved.

Make copies of your proof documents — your Social Security proof and address proof — and include them with the form. Do not send your original license. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee made out to "Department of Licensing." Mail everything to the address listed on the form (currently P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030, but confirm on the website). Processing takes about two weeks from the date they receive your envelope. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait.

Renewing in person at a Department of Licensing office

Visit a Department of Licensing office if your license is expired, if you've changed your name or address and want to update it when ready, or if you want to add a Real ID star to your license. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and payment for the renewal fee. If you've changed your name, bring the legal document showing the change.

You can find office locations and hours at dol.wa.gov. Most offices operate by appointment only; you can schedule one online or by calling 360-902-3900. Walk-in hours vary by location. When you arrive, check in and wait to be called. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which takes about two weeks.

What happens if your license is already expired

Once your license expires, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person. Bring the same documents you would for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and the renewal fee. You can still drive legally on your expired license while you're waiting for your appointment or while you're in the office, but you should not delay — an expired license can complicate traffic stops and other situations.

Schedule an appointment as soon as possible through dol.wa.gov or by calling 360-902-3900. Some offices have walk-in hours, but appointment slots often fill up weeks in advance, so calling ahead is faster. When you complete your renewal in person, you'll receive a temporary license valid for 30 days and your permanent license by mail within two weeks.

Real ID and what it means for your renewal

A Real ID is a federal security standard that makes your license acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Washington licenses issued after 2017 have a gold star in the upper right corner if they meet Real ID standards. If your current license has the star, your renewed license will automatically have it too. If your current license does not have the star and you want to add it, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office.

To add a Real ID star during renewal, bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and one additional document proving your identity or citizenship — a passport, passport card, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. The renewal fee is the same whether or not you add the star. If you're not sure whether your current license has a Real ID star, look at the upper right corner of the front side; the star is gold and about the size of a dime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes. Washington does not have a time limit on how long after expiration you can renew. You must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office, and you can legally drive on your expired license while you wait for your appointment. Bring your expired license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and the renewal fee.

What if I've moved and my address on my license is wrong?

If you're renewing online, the system will reject you if your address has changed; you'll need to mail or visit an office instead. If you're mailing your renewal, write your new address on the form and include proof of your new address. If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your new address and the office will update it during your renewal.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?

Online and mail renewals take about two weeks from the date the Department of Licensing processes your request. In-person renewals give you a temporary paper license when ready, valid for 30 days, and your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks. You can drive on the temporary license during that time.

Do I have to renew in person if I want to change my photo?

Yes. If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. The office will take a new photo during your appointment. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You'll need to replace your lost license first, then renew it. Call 360-902-3900 or visit dol.wa.gov to start a replacement. You can renew during the same visit if you're doing it in person, but you cannot replace and renew by mail or online in a single transaction.