How to Renew Your Washington Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Washington driver's license in person at any Department of Licensing (DOL) office, or online through the Washington State DOL website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route works for almost everyone; the online route is faster but only available if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.

If you go in person, bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current Washington address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You do not need to bring proof of citizenship or residency again unless your license is expired by more than five years or you are renewing after a suspension or revocation.

If you renew online, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records and send your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $72, but only works if your license is current and you have not changed your name or address.
In-person renewal at a DOL office requires your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you renew, whether you renew online or in person.
Washington driver's licenses are valid for eight years, so you will renew again eight years after your current renewal date.

How to renew online through the Washington State DOL

Go to the Washington State Department of Licensing website and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the homepage. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system checks these details against your record and tells you within seconds whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

If you are may be able to access, you will review your current information and confirm that your name, address, and medical restrictions have not changed. You then pay the renewal fee of $72 by debit card or credit card. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your current license to drive until the new one arrives.

If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DOL office in person. This usually means your license is expired, you have changed your name or address, or you have medical restrictions that need to be reviewed by a licensing examiner.

Renewing in person at a Department of Licensing office

Find your nearest DOL office on the Washington State DOL website. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to book an appointment online first. Check your local office's page to see whether appointments are required or recommended. During busy seasons, wait times at walk-in offices can be 30 minutes to two hours.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current Washington address. The examiner will check your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You pay the renewal fee of $72 by cash, debit card, or credit card. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail in a renewal process. read the process for Renewal of Driver's License (form DL 44) from the DOL website, complete it, and mail it with copies of your proof documents and a check or money order for $72 to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks by mail.

What happens if your license is expired

If your license has been expired for five years or less, you can renew it using the same process as a current license — online if you are may be able to access, or in person at a DOL office. Bring the same documents: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to explore for a new license rather than renew. This requires you to visit a DOL office in person, pass a vision test, and provide proof of citizenship and Washington residency (a birth certificate or passport, plus documents showing your name and current address). You will also need to pass the written knowledge test and the driving test unless you are over 70 years old.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL)

Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a DOL office. You cannot renew a CDL online. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current Washington address, and your medical certification form (MCSA-5875) if your CDL includes hazmat or passenger endorsements.

The examiner will review your medical certification, check your driving record, and process your renewal. You pay $72 for the license renewal plus any endorsement fees. Your new CDL is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If your medical certification has expired or is about to expire, you must renew it before or at the same time as your license.

Fees and how long renewal takes

The renewal fee for a standard Washington driver's license is $72, whether you renew online or in person. This fee covers an eight-year license. You pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at a DOL office, or by debit card or credit card online.

If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew in person at an office, your new license also arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days — you do not receive it on the spot. If you mail in your process, processing takes 2 to 3 weeks. You can drive using your current license until your new one arrives.

What to do if you need your license before the new one arrives

If you need to drive before your new license arrives by mail, you can request a temporary paper license at a DOL office. The examiner will print a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. This gives you time to receive your permanent license in the mail. You can also use your expired license to drive for up to 60 days after it expires, as long as you have submitted a renewal process.

If you are traveling out of state or internationally and need your new license before it arrives, contact the DOL office where you renewed to ask whether they can expedite your license or issue a replacement. Expedited processing is not standard, but some offices can help in urgent situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or DOL. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license. Contact the DOL or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do.

What if I changed my name since my last renewal?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must visit a DOL office in person and bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a document showing your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The examiner will update your name and issue a new license.

Do I need a new photo every time I renew?

Yes. A new photo is taken every time you renew, whether you renew online or in person. If you renew online, the system uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the examiner takes a new photo at the office.

What if my address changed but I have not updated my license yet?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. Visit a DOL office in person and bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your new Washington address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The examiner will update your address and process your renewal.

How do I know when my license expires?

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your driver's license. Washington licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you have time to plan ahead.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.