What you need to do to renew in Washington
Washington renews driver's licenses by mail, online, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Which method you can use depends on how close you are to your expiration date and whether your address or name has changed. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, which takes a few minutes instead of an afternoon.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Washington sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it — you can renew any time in the final year. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or online, but you cannot drive legally until the new one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and works if your address and name match your current records and your license is not yet expired.
- Mail renewal requires a completed form, your current license, and a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks for delivery.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office is necessary only if your address or name has changed, or if online and mail renewal are not available to you.
- The renewal fee is $72 for an eight-year license, though the cost may vary if you are renewing early or adding endorsements.
- You will need to pass a vision test for any in-person renewal, but not for online or mail renewal.
Renewing online through the Washington Department of Licensing website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your information has not changed. Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the homepage. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check).
Online renewal is available only if your license is not yet expired, your name and address match what the Department of Licensing has on file, and you do not have any medical conditions or restrictions that require an in-person review. The system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access. If you are, you will receive a confirmation email, and your new license will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.
Renewing by mail with Form DL 44
Mail renewal works even if your license has expired, and it does not require you to match your current address exactly — you can update your address on the form itself. read Form DL 44 from the Department of Licensing website, or call 360-902-3900 to request one by mail.
Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $72 made out to "Department of Licensing." Send everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks after the Department receives your envelope, plus mail time in both directions, so plan for four to five weeks total. You will receive a temporary driving permit by mail while you wait for your new license.
Renewing in person when your address or name has changed
If your name or address has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your legal name change if applicable (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
You will also need to pass a vision test at the office. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. The appointment usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You can schedule an appointment online at dol.wa.gov or call 360-902-3900. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but wait times vary. Your new license will be mailed to you within seven to ten business days.
What to bring and how much it costs
For online renewal, you need only your license number and Social Security number. For mail renewal, bring your current license and payment. For in-person renewal, bring your license, proof of address, and any documents showing a name change.
The standard renewal fee is $72 for an eight-year license. If you are renewing early (more than one year before expiration), the fee is prorated based on how many years you are adding. If you are adding an endorsement like a motorcycle or commercial license, the fee increases. Payment by mail must be by check or money order; online and in-person renewals accept debit cards, credit cards, and electronic checks.
What happens if your license expires before your new one arrives
If you renew by mail and your license expires before the new one arrives, you will receive a temporary driving permit in the mail. This permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while you wait. Keep it with you while driving.
If you are renewing online or by mail and need to drive before your new license arrives, you can print a temporary permit from dol.wa.gov if you renewed online. For mail renewals, the temporary permit comes automatically in the mail. If you did not receive one or need to drive before it arrives, call 360-902-3900 to ask about options.
Renewing a license with medical conditions or restrictions
If your license has medical restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, or automatic transmission only), you may still renew online if nothing has changed. However, if your medical condition has changed or your doctor has recommended new restrictions, you must renew in person so the Department can review your situation with you.
Bring any medical documentation your doctor has provided. The Department may ask you to take a driving test or submit a medical evaluation form. This process takes longer than a standard renewal, so allow extra time and call ahead to ask what documents to bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I moved out of state?
No. If you no longer live in Washington, you cannot renew a Washington license. You must obtain a license from your new state instead. However, if you still live in Washington but moved within the state, you can renew by mail or in person and update your address on the form or at the office.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you do not have your current license. You must go to a Department of Licensing office in person. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), and proof of your current address. The office will issue a replacement license and renew it at the same time.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes seven to ten business days by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing plus mail time, so four to five weeks total. In-person renewal also takes seven to ten business days by mail after your appointment. You will receive a temporary permit to drive while you wait.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Yes, you can renew your license even with unpaid tickets. However, if you have an outstanding warrant or your license has been suspended for unpaid fines, the Department will not process your renewal until the suspension is lifted. Call 360-902-3900 to check your status before you renew.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
For online and mail renewal, your photo stays the same. For in-person renewal, you will get a new photo taken at the office. If you want a new photo for an online or mail renewal, you must renew in person instead.