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 office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — you'll finish in minutes and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal is necessary only if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your photo, or if you have certain medical conditions that require an eye exam.

Before you choose your 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're renewing in person, you'll also need to bring proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last license — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a written test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website is available if your license expires within the next six months and you have not had any violations or medical suspensions.
  • Mail renewal takes four to six weeks total and costs the same as in-person renewal, but you avoid a trip to an office.
  • Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.
  • Washington renews licenses for eight years, and you can renew up to six months before your expiration date.

Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website

Go to dol.wa.gov and click the "Renew Your License" button on 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 emergency contact information. If any of this information is wrong, you can correct it on the same screen.

Next, you'll answer health and vision questions — the same ones you answered on your original process. These questions ask whether you have conditions like diabetes, seizures, or vision problems that might affect your driving. Answer honestly; the Department of Licensing uses these answers to decide whether you need an in-person exam. If you answer yes to any question, the system may require you to visit an office or provide a medical form from your doctor.

Once you've confirmed your information and answered the health questions, you'll pay the renewal fee by debit card or credit card. Washington's renewal fee is $72 for an eight-year license as of 2024, though this amount can change. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks. You can use your old license to drive until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal if you prefer not to go online

Request a mail renewal form by calling the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 or by visiting any office in person and asking for the form. You can also read the form from dol.wa.gov if you prefer. Fill out the form completely, including your current address, and sign it. Attach a copy of your proof of address (the utility bill or bank statement) and a check or money order for the renewal fee made out to "Department of Licensing."

Mail the completed form and documents to the address listed on the form — this varies by region, so check the form itself rather than using a general address. Mail renewal typically takes four to six weeks from the date the Department receives your form. You can continue driving on your current license while you wait. If you don't receive your new license within eight weeks, call 360-902-3900 to check the status of your renewal.

In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office

Find your nearest office at dol.wa.gov/offices. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. You do not need an appointment for license renewal at most offices, but some locations now use an online check-in system — check your local office's page before you go. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and the renewal fee in cash, check, or card.

At the office, tell the staff member you're renewing your license. They'll verify your documents, ask you to confirm your information, and have you sign a form. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you'll take a new photo and pass a vision screening. If you answered yes to any health questions on the renewal form, the staff may ask you to provide a medical form from your doctor or may schedule you for an eye exam. Once everything is complete, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks.

What to do if your address has changed

Update your address before you renew, not after. If you renew online or by mail, you'll see a field for your current address — enter your new address there. If you're renewing in person, tell the staff member at the office about your address change and they'll update it in the system. Your new license will be mailed to whichever address is on file when your renewal is processed, so if you don't update it first, your license will go to your old address and you'll have to request a replacement.

If you've already renewed and your new license was mailed to the wrong address, contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900. They can issue a replacement license with your correct address, though you'll pay another fee.

Renewing if your license has been expired for more than five years

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must go to a Department of Licensing office in person. You'll need to bring all the documents listed above, plus proof of your legal name if it has changed. At the office, you'll take a new photo, pass a vision screening, and answer health questions again. You may also be asked to pass a written test on traffic laws — ask the office staff when you arrive whether this is required for your situation.

The process takes about 30 minutes to an hour. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within two weeks. The fee is the same as a standard renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail if your license expired within the last five years. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at an office. There is no penalty for renewing late, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

How long does each renewal method take?

Online renewal is fastest — your new license arrives within two weeks. Mail renewal takes four to six weeks total. In-person renewal is when ready for the temporary license, with your permanent license arriving within two weeks.

What if I need to change my name on my license?

If you're renewing in person, bring proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) and the staff will update it. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes — you must visit an office in person.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Not unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you request one. If you want a new photo during a standard renewal, you must renew in person at an office.

What happens if my renewal is rejected?

If you answered yes to health questions during online renewal, the system may ask you to provide a medical form from your doctor or visit an office for an exam. Contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 if you're unsure what's needed.