How to Renew Your Washington State Driver's License

Renewing Your Washington License Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Washington driver's license through the Department of Licensing (DOL) online, by mail, or in person at a licensing office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at a DOL office is necessary only if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.

Your may be able to access to renew depends on your current license status, how long it has been expired, and whether your personal information has changed. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. If you've changed your name, address, or other identifying information since your last renewal, you may need to renew in person or provide additional documents.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DOL website is available if your license is not expired by more than five years and your personal information has not changed.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DOL; processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
In-person renewal at a DOL office is required if your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than five years.
Your new license will be mailed to your address on file; you cannot pick it up at the office unless you renew in person.
Washington licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration or up to five years after expiration.

Online Renewal Through the DOL Website

Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Washington driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information.

Review all the information on screen carefully — your name, date of birth, address, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. The renewal fee for a standard eight-year license is $72. Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

You are not may be able to access for online renewal if your license has been suspended or revoked, if it expired more than five years ago, if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal, or if you need to update your gender marker or other personal information. In any of these cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Mail Renewal: What to Send and How Long It Takes

To renew by mail, read and print the Driver License/Instruction Permit process (form DL 44) from the DOL website, or request a form by calling 360-902-3900. Complete the form with your current information. You will need to sign and date it in front of a notary public — the DOL does not accept unsigned forms or forms signed without a notary witness.

Place your completed, notarized form, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for $72 in an envelope. Mail it to: Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Do not send cash. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DOL receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address listed on your process.

Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but does not require a trip to a licensing office. It is the right choice if you cannot renew online, if you prefer not to provide payment information online, or if you are renewing from outside Washington state. Keep your confirmation receipt until your new license arrives.

In-Person Renewal at a DOL Licensing Office

Visit a DOL licensing office if your license has been suspended or revoked, if it expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your name or address, or if you prefer to renew face-to-face. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Visit the DOL website to find the licensing office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. You can book an appointment online or by calling 360-902-3900. Bring your payment ($72 for a standard eight-year license) as a check, money order, debit card, or credit card. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

What Happens If Your License Has Been Expired for More Than Five Years

If your Washington driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license instead. This means you will need to pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test, just as you would if you were getting your first license. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

Contact a DOL licensing office to schedule an appointment for the knowledge test. You can take the test at any office, but you will need to schedule a separate appointment at a testing facility to take the driving skills test. The entire process takes several weeks. If you have held a valid license in another state during the time your Washington license was expired, you may be able to transfer that license instead — ask the DOL office whether this option is available to you.

Changing Your Address, Name, or Other Information During Renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal will update your address automatically if you enter the correct information on the form. If you are renewing by mail or in person, provide your new address on the process form, and your new license will be mailed there.

If you have changed your name, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person and provide a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or other legal document. The same rule applies if you need to change your gender marker, correct your date of birth, or add or remove restrictions or endorsements. Call the DOL at 360-902-3900 if you are unsure whether your change requires in-person renewal.

Understanding Your Temporary License and When Your New License Arrives

If you renew in person at a DOL office, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Do not discard it — you may need to show it to a police officer or insurance company as proof that you have a valid license.

Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renewed online or in person, or within 4 to 6 weeks if you renewed by mail. If your license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 with your confirmation number. Once your new license arrives, destroy your temporary license and any old licenses you no longer need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired while I was out of state?

Yes. You can renew a license that expired while you were living or working outside Washington, as long as it has not been expired for more than five years. You will need to provide proof of your current Washington address when you renew. If you have been living out of state and do not have a Washington address, you cannot renew until you establish residency in Washington.

What if I lost my current license and cannot send it with my mail renewal?

Contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to report your lost license and ask about your renewal options. You may be able to renew by mail without sending your old license, or you may need to renew in person. The DOL will provide instructions based on your situation.

Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?

If you renew online or by mail, the DOL will use your photo from your current license. If you renew in person at a licensing office, you will have a new photo taken. You cannot request a new photo if you renew online or by mail.

How much does it cost to renew, and what payment methods does the DOL accept?

A standard eight-year Washington driver's license renewal costs $72. Online renewal accepts debit cards and credit cards. Mail renewal accepts checks and money orders only — do not send cash. In-person renewal accepts checks, money orders, debit cards, and credit cards.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your Washington license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not extend your license expiration date — your new license will expire eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from the date your old license would have expired.

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.