Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Washington driver's license in person at any Department of Licensing (DOL) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the Washington State DOL website. The fastest route depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the renewed license in hand.
Before you choose a 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 are renewing in person, bring the originals. If you are renewing by mail, you will send copies.
Washington does not require a new photo every time you renew, but you will get one if you renew in person at a DOL office. If you renew by mail or online, your photo stays the same as your current license unless you specifically request a new one.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs $72 for a four-year license, but you must have a valid license and cannot change your address or name.
- In-person renewal at a DOL office includes a new photo, takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on wait times, and costs $72 for a four-year license.
- Mail renewal is an option only if your license is not expired and you do not need to change your address, photo, or name.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail within 10 to 15 business days after approval, and you can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
- Washington charges the same fee for all renewal methods, and you can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Renewing online through the Washington State DOL website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address, name, or photo. Go to dol.wa.gov, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
The system will show you your current information and ask you to confirm it is correct. If everything matches, you pay the $72 renewal fee by debit card or credit card. Washington will mail your new license to the address on file within 10 to 15 business days. You can continue driving your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal fails if your identity cannot be verified through the state's database. If that happens, you will see a message telling you to renew in person instead. This is common if you have recently moved, changed your name, or if there is a mismatch between your records and what you entered.
Renewing in person at a Department of Licensing office
In-person renewal is required if you need a new photo, want to change your address or name, or if online renewal did not work. Find your nearest DOL office at dol.wa.gov/offices. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. The fee is $72 for a four-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Wait times vary by office and time of day. Offices in larger cities often have longer waits during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you want to check wait times before you go, some DOL offices post them on their individual office pages at dol.wa.gov/offices. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal is an option only if your license is not expired, you do not need to change your address or name, and you do not want a new photo. read the Driver License Renewal by Mail form from dol.wa.gov, or call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to request one by mail.
Fill out the form completely and include a copy of your current license, a copy of proof of your Social Security number, and a check or money order for $72 payable to "Department of Licensing." Mail everything to the address shown on the form. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days after the DOL receives your packet, and your new license will arrive by mail afterward.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal and carries a small risk that the DOL will reject your packet if any document is missing or illegible. If that happens, they will return everything to you and you will have to resubmit or renew in person instead. For that reason, many people choose online renewal or in-person renewal even if mail renewal is an option.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Once your renewal is processed, Washington mails your new license to the address on file. The entire process from submission to arrival typically takes 10 to 15 business days for online and mail renewals, and 1 to 2 business days for in-person renewals (though you receive a temporary paper license when ready at the office).
You can drive legally on your current license until your new license arrives, even if your current license has expired. The temporary paper license you receive at an in-person renewal is also valid for 30 days. Do not drive on an expired license without one of these documents.
If your new license does not arrive within 20 business days, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to check the status. Bring your temporary paper license or current expired license when you drive during this waiting period.
Renewing early and what to do if your license is already expired
Washington allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you know you will be traveling or prefer not to wait until the last minute, you can renew now and your new license will have a new expiration date one year from the renewal date (or four years, depending on your license type).
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a DOL office. Bring the same documents you would for a regular renewal. There is no penalty for renewing after expiration, and the fee remains $72. However, you cannot legally drive until you have a valid license in hand, so plan to renew in person as soon as possible.
If you are unsure whether your license is expired, check the expiration date on the front of your card. It is printed in the lower right corner. If today's date is after that date, your license is expired and you must renew in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Washington does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines. However, if a court has suspended your license for non-payment or failure to appear, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out whether your license is suspended.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes. Bring your current license, the name change document, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address.
Do I need a new photo if I renew online or by mail?
No. Online and mail renewal keep your current photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DOL office. You can also request a new photo at any time by visiting a DOL office and paying a separate photo fee.
What if I moved to Washington from another state and need to convert my out-of-state license?
Converting an out-of-state license is not the same as renewing a Washington license. You must explore for a new Washington license in person at a DOL office. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your Washington address, and proof of your identity. This is a new process, not a renewal, and the process is different.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your license yourself, either online, by mail, or in person. A family member or representative cannot renew on your behalf. If you are unable to visit a DOL office due to a disability or medical condition, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to discuss options.