What you need to do to renew in Washington
Washington renews driver licenses by mail, online, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office — you'll need your current license number, a valid payment method, and about 10 minutes. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online and must go to an office in person.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date you renew it. Washington sends you a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $82 for an eight-year license; you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- Mail renewal uses the notice Washington sends you 60 days before expiration, costs the same $82, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office takes about 30 minutes and is required only if your license expired more than five years ago.
- You must renew before your expiration date to avoid driving with an expired license, which is illegal in Washington.
- If you've changed your name, address, or need a corrected photo, you may need to visit an office instead of renewing online or by mail.
Renewing online through the Department of Licensing website
Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your Driver License" from the homepage. You'll 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 using information on file with the state.
Once verified, you'll answer questions about whether anything on your license has changed — your address, name, or whether you want to update your photo. If you answer no to all changes, the renewal takes about 10 minutes. Pay the $82 renewal fee with a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Washington does not accept cash or checks mailed in for online renewals.
Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you cannot expedite an online renewal; you must visit an office in person.
Renewing by mail using your renewal notice
Washington mails you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and a form you sign and return. Fill out the form, include your $82 payment by check or money order made out to "Department of Licensing," and mail everything back in the prepaid envelope.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Department receives your envelope. Do not mail cash. If you lose your renewal notice, you can still renew by mail — call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to request a new form, or go online to renew instead.
Like online renewal, mail renewal works only if your license is not expired or expired less than five years. You cannot change your photo, name, or address by mail; if you need any of those changes, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a Department of Licensing office
Visit any Department of Licensing office with your current license, proof of Washington residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, and you'll receive your new license the same day or within a few days, depending on the office's workload.
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago. You should also renew in person if you want to change your photo, correct your name or address, or update your sex designation. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require you to book an appointment online at dol.wa.gov. Check your local office's hours and appointment availability before you go.
The renewal fee is $82 whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some offices accept cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards; others accept only certain payment methods. Call ahead or check the office's webpage to confirm what they take.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Washington, even if you've already started the renewal process. If you're pulled over, you can show the officer your renewal notice or a screenshot of your online renewal confirmation, but that does not prevent a citation. The safest approach is to renew before your expiration date.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew online or by mail as long as it expired less than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must visit an office in person. The renewal fee remains $82 regardless of how long it has been expired.
Changing your address, name, or photo during renewal
If you've moved, changed your name, or want a new photo, you cannot make those changes online or by mail. You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your name change if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
If you're renewing online or by mail and the system asks whether anything has changed, answer yes only if you're prepared to visit an office. Answering yes online will not process your change; it will flag your renewal for manual review, which delays it. It's faster to stop the online renewal, visit an office, and complete everything in person.
Finding your nearest Department of Licensing office
Washington has offices in most counties. Go to dol.wa.gov, select "Find an Office," and enter your city or zip code. The website shows office locations, hours, phone numbers, and whether appointments are required. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have different hours or are closed certain days.
Call the office before you visit to confirm they have the documents you need and what payment methods they accept. Some rural offices have limited hours or may require you to visit a different location for certain services. If you cannot reach an office by phone, you can email through the website or use the online appointment system to see available times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. You do not need to be in Washington to renew. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Washington office, but you can do that during a visit home or plan a trip specifically for renewal if your license is expired more than five years.
What if I lost my current license?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your license number. Go to a Department of Licensing office in person with proof of identity and residency. The office will issue a replacement license and can renew it at the same time. The total cost is $82 for renewal plus a replacement fee that varies.
How long does my new license take to arrive if I renew online?
Online renewals arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license faster, you must renew in person at an office, where you'll receive it the same day or within a few days.
Can I renew if my license is suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation with the Department of Licensing before you can renew. Call 360-902-3900 to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take. The Department can tell you whether you're may be able to access to renew and what documents you'll need.
What if I want a REAL ID compliant license?
Washington's standard driver license is REAL ID compliant as of 2024. You do not need to request anything special or pay extra. If you renewed before 2024 and want to confirm your license is REAL ID compliant, check the Department of Licensing website or call 360-902-3900.