Renewing your Washington driver's license online, by mail, or in person

Washington State allows you to renew your driver's license through three routes: online at dol.wa.gov, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Which route you can use depends on your age, when your license expires, and whether you need a new photo. Most people under 62 can renew online in minutes without visiting an office. If you're 62 or older, or if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person.

The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for an eight-year license (as of 2024; fees may change). You'll need your current Washington driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you choose to renew by mail or in person, the process is similar in cost but takes longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington residents under 62 with licenses expired less than five years can renew online at dol.wa.gov without visiting an office or taking a new photo.
  • Online renewal costs $72 for an eight-year license and takes about 10 minutes; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you're 62 or older, your license has been expired more than five years, or you need a new photo, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office.
  • Washington does not require a vision test for online or mail renewal unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
  • You can check your license expiration date and renewal status on the Department of Licensing website before you start.

Online renewal: the fastest option for most people

The Department of Licensing online renewal system at dol.wa.gov is open 24 hours and requires no appointment. You'll need your current Washington driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a debit or credit card. The system verifies your identity using information from your existing license record, so you won't need to upload documents or take a new photo.

After you complete the online form and pay the $72 fee, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives. If your address has changed, update it during the renewal process; the new license will be mailed to your new address.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you're 62 or older, if you need to change your name or gender marker, or if you want to add or remove the Real ID star. In any of those cases, you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office

If you must renew in person, you can visit any Department of Licensing office in Washington. Offices are located in most counties; you can find the nearest one and check hours at dol.wa.gov. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though some locations offer appointment scheduling to reduce wait times. Walk-in service is available, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring your current Washington driver's license or ID card, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You'll take a new photo and pass a vision test during your visit.

In-person renewal costs $72 for an eight-year license. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license the same day, you can request a rush service for an additional fee, though this is rarely necessary since you can drive on the temporary license when ready.

Mail renewal: when you can use it

Washington allows mail renewal only if you meet specific conditions: your license must not be expired, you must be under 62, and you must not need a new photo. If your current license still has time remaining and you want to renew early, you can request a mail renewal form from the Department of Licensing by calling 360-902-3900 or visiting dol.wa.gov.

To renew by mail, you'll complete the renewal form, include a check or money order for $72, and mail both to the address provided on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the Department receives your form. Your new license arrives by mail after processing is complete. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and offers no advantage unless you prefer not to use the internet.

What happens if your license has expired

If your Washington driver's license has been expired for less than five years, you can still renew online or by mail without visiting an office. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. You'll need to take a new photo and pass a vision test.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Washington, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show your confirmation number from an online renewal or your temporary paper license from an in-person renewal to demonstrate that you have a pending renewal. Keep your confirmation number or temporary license with you while you wait for your new license to arrive.

Real ID and other license features

Washington driver's licenses can include a Real ID star in the upper right corner, which makes them acceptable for federal purposes such as boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. If your current license does not have the Real ID star and you want to add it during renewal, you must renew in person. You'll need to bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.

If you want to change your name or gender marker on your license, you must also renew in person. Bring a certified copy of the document that supports the change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or amended birth certificate). The Department of Licensing will update your record and issue a new license with the changes.

Checking your license status and expiration date

You can check your Washington driver's license expiration date and renewal status on the Department of Licensing website at dol.wa.gov. Enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to see when your license expires and whether you are may be able to access for online renewal. This tool also shows whether your license is suspended or has any holds.

If you cannot find your license number, you can call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to look it up. Customer service representatives can also answer questions about which renewal method you are may be able to access for and what documents you'll need if you must renew in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Washington driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. If you renew early online, your new license will have a new eight-year expiration date from the date of renewal. Early renewal by mail requires you to request a form from the Department of Licensing first.

What if I'm deployed or living outside Washington?

If you're a Washington resident living outside the state or deployed with the military, you can renew online as long as your license is not expired and you meet the other online renewal requirements. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address to an out-of-state location, do so during the renewal process.

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

Renewal costs $72 for an eight-year license as of 2024. If you renew in person and want a rush service to receive your license the same day, there is an additional fee. Mail renewal costs the same as online renewal. Fees may change; check dol.wa.gov for current rates.

What if my vision test fails at an in-person renewal?

If you fail the vision test, the Department of Licensing will not issue a license until you provide a vision correction certificate from an eye care professional. You can obtain this from an optometrist or ophthalmologist and return to the office with it. You will not need to retake the test if the certificate shows you meet Washington's vision standards.

Can I renew if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Washington does not prevent license renewal based on unpaid traffic fines or tickets alone. However, if your license has been suspended due to a court order or failure to pay a court-ordered fine, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court or the Department of Licensing to check whether your license has a hold.