Where to renew and what you'll need

You can renew your Washington driver's license through the Department of Licensing (DOL) website, by mail, or in person at a licensing office. The online route is fastest — you can complete it in about 10 minutes if you meet the requirements. By mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at a licensing office takes about 30 minutes once you're called, though wait times vary by location.

Before you start, gather your current driver's license and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check). If you're renewing online, you'll also need to be able to take a new photo with your phone or computer. If you're renewing by mail or in person, you don't need a new photo unless your license has expired for more than 5 years.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through dol.wa.gov takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for a standard 8-year license, with no office visit required.
  • You can renew by mail by requesting a renewal form from DOL, completing it, and mailing it with payment and your current license.
  • In-person renewal at a licensing office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment, and is necessary if you've had a name change or your license expired more than 5 years ago.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online or by mail, or you can pick it up when ready if you renew in person.
  • Washington licenses are valid for 8 years, and you can renew up to 1 year before expiration or up to 5 years after expiration without additional requirements.

Renewing online through the DOL website

Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to confirm your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and show you what will appear on your new one.

Next, you'll take a new photo using your phone, tablet, or computer camera. The photo must show your face clearly, straight on, with a plain background and no sunglasses or hats. If the photo doesn't meet requirements, you can retake it when ready. Once the photo is accepted, you'll review your address and other details, choose your license type (standard or enhanced), and pay the fee. Standard renewal costs $72. An enhanced license, which allows you to cross into Canada by land, costs $82.

After payment, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail

Call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 and request a renewal form, or visit a licensing office in person to pick one up. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $72 (standard license) or $82 (enhanced license) to the address provided on the form.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date DOL receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to you, and your old license will be returned in the same envelope. If you need your license sooner, switch to online or in-person renewal instead.

Renewing in person at a licensing office

Find your nearest licensing office at dol.wa.gov/offices. You can make an appointment online or walk in during office hours. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment in cash, debit, credit card, or check.

A staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal on the spot. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is being printed. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, or you can pick it up at the office if you prefer.

In-person renewal is required if your name has changed since your last license was issued, if your license expired more than 5 years ago, or if you need to update your address or other information that can't be changed online.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired fewer than 5 years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods above with no additional steps. The system treats it the same as a standard renewal.

If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you must renew in person at a licensing office. You'll need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment. The office staff will verify your identity and issue your new license on the spot.

Costs and payment methods

A standard 8-year Washington driver's license costs $72 to renew. An enhanced license, which allows you to cross the Canadian border by land without a passport, costs $82. Both prices are the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Online and in-person renewal accept debit cards, credit cards, and electronic checks. Mail-in renewal requires a check or money order. Washington does not accept cash by mail.

Tracking your new license

If you renewed online or by mail, you can track your license at dol.wa.gov by entering your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will show you whether your license has been mailed and an estimated delivery date.

If you renewed in person, you received a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within that window, contact DOL at 360-902-3900 to report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The DOL system will flag your record if you have unpaid traffic violations or criminal fines. You must resolve these before you can renew. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out what you owe and how to pay it.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

If you're renewing online, the system will ask you to confirm or update your address before you pay. If you're renewing by mail or in person, bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and update it during the process.

Do I need a new photo if my license is still valid?

Online renewal requires a new photo. Mail-in and in-person renewal do not require a new photo unless your license expired more than 5 years ago. If you want a new photo on a mail-in renewal, you can request one when you call DOL, though there may be an additional fee.

What if I lost my current license?

You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. You'll need to replace your license first by visiting a licensing office in person with proof of identity and residency. Once you have a replacement license, you can renew it using any method.

How long is my new license valid?

Washington driver's licenses are valid for 8 years from the date of issue. Your new license will expire 8 years after the date you renew it, not 8 years from your previous expiration date.