How to Renew Your DC Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your DC driver's license in person at any DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location, or online through the DC DMV website if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is always available; the online route works only if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed.

For an in-person renewal, bring your current DC driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring two documents showing your new address. You do not need to bring your birth certificate or passport unless your name has changed since your license was issued.

For an online renewal, you will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The DC DMV will mail your new license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days after approval.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs less than in-person renewal, but only works if your license expired less than a year ago and you have no medical restrictions.
In-person renewal at a DC DMV office is when ready — you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day and receive your plastic card by mail within two weeks.
You must bring your current license and proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease) to renew in person; no birth certificate is required unless your name changed.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.

In-person renewal at a DC DMV office

Walk-ins are accepted at all DC DMV locations, but you can also schedule an appointment online through the DC DMV website to reduce wait time. Appointments typically fill up one to two weeks in advance, especially at the downtown location on 50 L Street NW. If you walk in without an appointment, expect to wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the time of day and location.

When you arrive, bring your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The DMV will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days. The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $100; a ten-year renewal costs $150.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, the DMV may require you to pass a vision screening and retake the written knowledge test before issuing a new license. Call the DC DMV at 202-727-5000 before you go to confirm whether you will need to test.

Online renewal through the DC DMV website

Start at the DC DMV website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card. The system will verify your information against DMV records and ask you to confirm your address and any changes to your height, weight, or organ donor status.

Once you submit your renewal, the DC DMV will process it within one business day and mail your new license to the address on file. Total time from submission to receiving your card is usually 7 to 10 business days. The fee for online renewal is $70 for a five-year license or $105 for a ten-year license — less than the in-person fee because you do not use a DMV office.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than one year ago, if you have medical restrictions noted on your license, or if your address has changed since your last renewal. If any of these explore, you must renew in person.

What happens if your license has expired

A license that expired fewer than 30 days ago can be renewed using the same process as a current license — no penalty, no retesting. Between 30 days and one year expired, you can still renew online or in person without retaking the written test, but you must bring proof of residency showing your current address.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, DC treats it as a new license process. You will need to pass the vision screening and written knowledge test, even if you have held a DC license before. You must renew in person at a DMV office; online renewal is not available. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address.

Renewing by mail or through a third-party service

DC does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either online through the DC DMV website or in person at a DMV office. Some third-party services advertise DC license renewal, but they do not speed up the process — the DC DMV still processes your renewal on its own timeline, and you pay an extra fee to the third-party vendor. The official DC DMV website and in-person offices are the only routes that do not add cost or delay.

If you are unable to visit a DMV office in person and your license is not yet expired by more than one year, online renewal is your fastest and cheapest option. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you have no choice but to go in person.

Fees and payment methods

In-person renewal costs $100 for a five-year license or $150 for a ten-year license. Online renewal costs $70 for five years or $105 for ten years. At a DMV office, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Online, you must use a credit or debit card.

If you are 65 or older, you may be may be able to access for a reduced fee. Call the DC DMV at 202-727-5000 to confirm your may be able to access before you renew. Military members on active duty and their spouses may also may have access to for fee reductions or waivers; bring your military ID or spouse's military ID to the DMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my DC license if I moved out of state?

No. DC licenses are only for DC residents. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state. You can keep your DC license as an ID until it expires, but you cannot renew it. Contact your new state's DMV to begin the licensing process there.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

Bring a document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current license and proof of residency. You can renew in person at any DC DMV office. Online renewal is not available if your name has changed; you must go in person so the DMV can verify the name-change document.

How long does the temporary paper license last?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date the DMV issues it. Your permanent plastic license should arrive by mail within 10 to 14 business days, so the paper license is a backup in case the plastic card is delayed. Once your plastic license arrives, the paper license is no longer valid.

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

Yes. DC does not suspend or deny license renewal based on unpaid traffic fines or tickets. However, if your license has been suspended for a separate reason — such as a DUI conviction or failure to pay child support — you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DC DMV to check your suspension status before you attempt to renew.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You will need to replace your lost license before you can renew. Go to a DC DMV office with proof of residency and your Social Security number. The DMV will issue a replacement license, and you can renew it at the same time if your original license is close to expiration. Bring your Social Security card or another document showing your Social Security number.

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.