What you need to do to renew in Washington
Washington lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Which method you can use depends on whether your license is expired, how close you are to your renewal date, and whether you need to update your photo. Most people renew online through the state's website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $82 for an eight-year license.
Your license renewal notice arrives in the mail about 30 days before your expiration date. That notice contains a renewal code you'll need if you renew online. If you don't receive one, you can still renew, but you'll need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number instead.
Washington sends your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the renewal. You can drive on your expired license until the new one arrives, as long as you have proof that you've renewed — either the confirmation email or the renewal notice itself.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through dol.wa.gov takes 10 minutes, costs $82 for eight years, and works if your license is not expired and you don't need a new photo.
- You'll need your renewal code (from the notice mailed to you), your driver's license number, or your Social Security number to start the process online.
- If your license is already expired, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office or by mail, not online.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your expired license during that time if you have your renewal confirmation.
- In-person renewal at a DOL office takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity.
Renewing online through the Department of Licensing 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, date of birth, and either your renewal code or the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm it's correct.
Online renewal works only if your license is not expired and you don't need to change your photo. If either of those is true, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead. The system will tell you when ready if you're not may be able to access for online renewal.
After you submit your information and payment, you'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Save this email or take a screenshot — it's your proof of renewal while you wait for your new license to arrive. Washington accepts this confirmation as valid ID for driving purposes.
Renewing by mail if your license is expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online. Instead, mail your current license, a completed process for Washington State Driver License or Instruction Permit (form DL 44), and a check or money order for $82 to the Department of Licensing at P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030.
You can read form DL 44 from dol.wa.gov or request it by phone at 360-902-3900. The form asks for your current address, any name changes, and whether you want to register as an organ donor. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks, so plan ahead if your license is already expired.
Include a copy of your proof of residency with your mailed process — a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works. Without it, the Department of Licensing will mail the form back to you and you'll have to resubmit.
Renewing in person at a Department of Licensing office
Walk-in renewals are available at any Department of Licensing office across Washington. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card). The process takes about 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
You'll fill out form DL 44 in the office, have your photo taken, and pay $82. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Some offices offer appointments through their website; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Check dol.wa.gov for your nearest office location and current wait times.
In-person renewal is your only option if your license is expired and you need a new photo, or if you've had a name change that you need to update on your license.
What happens if your license expires before your new one arrives
If you renewed online or by mail and your new license hasn't arrived yet, you can drive on your expired license as long as you have your renewal confirmation. Keep either the confirmation email or the original renewal notice with you while driving.
If your license expires and you have not yet renewed, you cannot legally drive. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic ticket, even if you were in the process of renewing. If you're close to your expiration date, renew as soon as you receive your renewal notice rather than waiting.
Updating your address or other information during renewal
If you're renewing online, you can update your address before you submit. The online form shows your current address and lets you change it if you've moved. If you're renewing by mail or in person, you'll update your address on form DL 44.
If you need to change your name on your license during renewal, you must renew in person and bring legal proof of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal cannot process name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. You'll need a new photo taken, and the process takes about 30 minutes.
What if I don't receive my renewal notice in the mail?
You can still renew online without the renewal code. Use your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number instead. If you've moved recently, update your address with the Department of Licensing before renewing so your new license reaches you.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Not if you renew online or by mail — your current photo stays on file. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken automatically. You can also request a new photo during online renewal, but you'll have to complete the renewal in person at a DOL office instead.
How much does it cost to renew, and what payment methods does Washington accept?
A standard eight-year renewal costs $82. Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards.
What if I'm active military or stationed outside Washington?
You can renew by mail or online using the same process. If you're deployed or stationed overseas, mail your process to the Department of Licensing address listed above. Online renewal works as long as your license is not expired.