Where to renew and what you'll need
You can renew your Washington driver's license in person at any Department of Licensing (DOL) office, by mail, or online through the DOL website — but not all renewal types work for all three methods. If your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago, you may be able to renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person.
Before you start, gather these documents: your current Washington driver's license (or ID card), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Acceptable address proofs include a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
You do not need a new photo if you are renewing by mail or online and your license photo is still acceptable to you. If you renew in person, the DOL will take a new photo unless you request otherwise and meet specific conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mail renewal are available only if your license expired less than five years ago; licenses expired longer than that require an in-person visit.
- Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address dated within 60 days.
- The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, though online and mail renewals may process faster.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewals, or 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewals.
- If you need a new photo or your license was lost or stolen, you must renew in person at a DOL office.
Renewing online through the DOL website
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. Go to the Washington Department of Licensing website, 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 confirm whether you can renew online based on your license status.
During the online process, you will upload a photo of yourself or use your existing license photo. You will also confirm your address and answer questions about any changes to your medical history or driving record. The fee is charged to a debit or credit card at the time you submit. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal works only if your license expired less than five years ago and you have not had any suspensions, revocations, or other restrictions on your driving record during the renewal period.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal uses the same may be able to access rules as online renewal — your license must have expired less than five years ago. Request a renewal form by calling the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900, or read the form from their website. Fill out the form completely, including your current address and any name changes.
Mail your completed form along with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address shown on the form. Include a copy of your proof of address. Do not send your current license in the mail; keep it until your new one arrives. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DOL receives your form, and your new license will be mailed to you after that.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but requires no trip to an office. If you are renewing by mail and want a new photo on your license, you cannot do that through the mail process — you would need to renew in person instead.
Renewing in person at a DOL office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if your license was lost or stolen. Bring your documents to any Department of Licensing office. You can find office locations and hours on the DOL website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others operate by appointment only — check ahead to see whether you need to book a time slot.
At the office, a staff member will verify your identity, take a new photo (unless you decline), confirm your address, and process your payment. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you, which takes 7 to 10 business days.
If you are renewing in person and your license has been expired for a long time, the DOL may require you to pass a vision test or answer additional questions about your medical history. Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them.
Renewal fees and what they cover
The renewal fee for a standard five-year driver's license is the same regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. The fee amount depends on your age and the type of license you hold. Washington does not charge extra for online or mail renewal compared to in-person renewal.
If you are renewing an enhanced driver's license or an ID card instead of a standard license, the fee may differ. You can find the current fee schedule on the Department of Licensing website, as fees are updated periodically and may vary based on your specific situation.
Payment methods differ by renewal method: online renewal accepts debit or credit cards, mail renewal accepts checks or money orders, and in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card at most offices.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Once you have submitted your renewal — whether online, by mail, or in person — you can track the status of your new license on the DOL website. Enter your driver's license number and date of birth to see whether your renewal has been received, is being processed, or has been mailed.
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided during renewal. If you move before your new license arrives, you can update your address on the DOL website, and the license will be forwarded to your new address. If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DOL to confirm it was mailed and ask whether it may have been lost in transit.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a DOL office if you prefer. You can begin using your new license when ready upon receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than five years?
No, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office if your license has been expired for more than five years. The DOL treats very old expirations as a new license process rather than a renewal, so you will need to bring all required documents and may need to pass a vision test.
What if I have moved since my last license and do not have a utility bill in my new address?
You can use other documents as proof of address, such as a lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy dated within the last 60 days. If none of these are available, contact the DOL to ask about alternative documents they will accept.
Do I have to get a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, you can use your existing photo. If you renew in person, the DOL will take a new photo by default, but you can request to keep your old photo if it still looks like you and meets their standards.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Online renewals are processed within 7 to 10 business days, and your new license is mailed after that. Mail renewals take 2 to 3 weeks to process, plus mailing time. In-person renewals give you a temporary paper license on the spot, with your permanent license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
What should I do if my new license does not arrive?
Check the status of your renewal on the DOL website using your driver's license number and date of birth. If it shows as mailed but you have not received it after two weeks, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to report it and ask whether it can be reissued or traced.