Where to renew your Washington driver's license
You can renew your Washington driver's license in three ways: online through the Department of Licensing website, by mail, or in person at a licensing office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you meet the requirements — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have certain medical conditions or restrictions that require an in-person visit. Mail renewal takes longer but works from home. In-person renewal at a licensing office is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you have had a name change.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Washington Department of Licensing website is available if your license expired within the last five years and you have no medical restrictions.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and the renewal fee to the address provided by the Department of Licensing.
- In-person renewal at a licensing office is necessary if your license has been expired for more than five years, you need a new photo, or you have changed your name.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks after approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- Washington charges a renewal fee that varies based on the type of license and how many years you are renewing for — typically $72 to $82 for a standard four-year renewal.
Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website
To renew online, go to the Washington Department of Licensing website and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your existing information.
Review your name, address, and other details. If everything is correct, you can proceed to payment. Washington accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. After you pay the renewal fee, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have a medical condition that requires periodic review, if you have certain driving restrictions, or if you need to update your photo. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
Mail renewal and what documents to send
To renew by mail, contact the Washington Department of Licensing or read the renewal form from their website. The form is typically Form DL 44 or a renewal-specific form — the website will specify which one applies to your situation.
Fill out the form completely and sign it. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to the Department of Licensing, and the completed form. Mail everything to the address listed on the form or the Department of Licensing website. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically two to four weeks from the time the Department receives your materials. If you are close to your expiration date, online renewal is faster. Keep a copy of your form and the tracking number if you mail it, so you can follow up if your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe.
In-person renewal at a licensing office
Visit any Washington Department of Licensing office to renew in person. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). 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.
Arrive during office hours and check in at the counter. A licensing representative will review your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You will pay the renewal fee at this time — Washington accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at most offices. Your new license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, if you have a medical condition that requires periodic review, or if you have changed your name. Some offices have longer wait times than others, especially in urban areas — you can check wait times on the Department of Licensing website before you go.
What happens after you renew
After you complete your renewal — whether online, by mail, or in person — the Department of Licensing will process your request and mail your new license to the address on file. This typically takes one to two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even if your current license has expired.
If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Department of Licensing to check the status. Have your confirmation number (if you renewed online) or your tracking number (if you renewed by mail) ready. The Department can reissue your license or investigate whether it was lost in the mail.
Renewal fees and what affects the cost
Washington charges a renewal fee based on the type of license and the number of years you are renewing for. A standard four-year renewal for a regular driver's license costs between $72 and $82, depending on the year and any additional endorsements. A commercial driver's license renewal costs more. If you are renewing for eight years instead of four, the fee is higher.
The Department of Licensing accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at in-person offices. Online renewal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. If you are renewing by mail and your check is returned for insufficient funds, the Department will contact you to collect payment before processing your renewal.
When you must renew in person instead of online or by mail
Certain situations require you to renew at a licensing office in person. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must appear in person so the Department can verify your identity and take a new photo. If you have changed your name, you must bring the certified document showing the change and renew in person.
If you have a medical condition that requires periodic review — such as a vision restriction or a condition that affects your ability to drive — you may need to renew in person and pass a medical examination. If you have certain driving restrictions or if your license was suspended or revoked, you must renew in person. The Department of Licensing website lists all situations that require in-person renewal, or you can call their customer service line to confirm whether your situation qualifies for online or mail renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Washington driver's license if it expired more than five years ago?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal.
What if I moved and my address is no longer correct?
You can update your address during online renewal if your license is still valid or expired within five years. If you are renewing by mail or in person, include your new address on the form or tell the licensing representative. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address you provide.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Your new license is typically mailed within one to two weeks after the Department processes your renewal. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives, even if your current license has expired. If your new license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Department to check the status.
Can I renew online if I have a medical restriction on my license?
It depends on the type of restriction. Some medical restrictions require you to renew in person so the Department can review your condition. Check the Department of Licensing website or call their customer service line to confirm whether your specific restriction allows online renewal.
What if I lost my current driver's license before I could renew it?
You must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. Bring proof of your Social Security number and proof of your current address. Tell the licensing representative that your license was lost. They will take a new photo and process your renewal. You may also need to report the lost license to local law enforcement, depending on your situation.