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, which takes about two weeks. You'll need your current license, proof you live in Washington, and a payment method. The state charges a fee that depends on how long your new license is valid for — typically $72 for an eight-year license if you're under 65, or less if you're renewing early.
Your license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, or up to six months after it expires. Renewing before your birthday is simpler because you won't need to prove your identity again — the state already has your information on file. If you wait until after your birthday, you'll need to bring documents to an office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Washington lets you renew online or by mail if your license hasn't expired yet, and both routes take about two weeks.
- You need your current license, proof of Washington residence (like a utility bill or lease), and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Renewing before your birthday costs less and requires fewer documents than renewing after it expires.
- If you've changed your name, address, or need a new photo, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office.
Renewing online through the Washington Department of Licensing website
The Washington Department of Licensing website lets you renew online if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your name or address since you got it. Go to dol.wa.gov, find the driver license renewal section, and follow the steps. You'll enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The state will verify your information against its records.
After verification, you'll upload a photo or use the one on file. If you want a new photo, you can take one with your phone or computer — it needs to show your face clearly against a plain background, and you can't wear sunglasses or a hat. Then you'll pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. The state will mail your new license to the address on file, which usually takes about two weeks.
Renewing by mail
If you prefer not to go online, you can renew by mail. Call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to request a renewal form, or read it from dol.wa.gov. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Include a copy of proof that you live in Washington — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address will work.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because of postal time. Plan for three to four weeks total. If you're renewing before your birthday, you don't need to include a new photo. If you're renewing after your birthday expires, you'll need to include a photo and bring your old license to an office in person instead — mail renewal won't work once your license has expired.
Renewing in person at a Department of Licensing office
You must renew in person if your license has already expired, if you've changed your name, if you need a new address on your license, or if you want a new photo. Find your nearest office on dol.wa.gov and check its hours before you go — some offices have limited hours or require you to book an appointment online first. Bring your current license, proof of your current address, and a payment method.
The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot. You'll get a temporary paper license to use while your permanent card is mailed to you, which takes about two weeks. In-person renewal usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.
What documents prove you live in Washington
The Department of Licensing accepts several documents as proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work if they show your name and current Washington address. The document must be recent — usually from the last 60 days. If you don't have any of these, you can bring two documents that together show your address, such as a voter registration card and a piece of mail from a government agency.
If you've moved recently and your documents don't reflect your new address yet, bring a letter from your landlord or a utility company confirming your move. Some offices will also accept a signed statement from you explaining the delay, though it's faster to have an official document.
Renewing after your license has expired
If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot renew it — you'll need to explore for a new license instead, which requires more documents and a vision test. If your license expired fewer than six months ago, you can still renew, but you must do it in person at a Department of Licensing office. You'll need your expired license, proof of your current address, and a new photo.
Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2. You'll also need to pass a vision screening at the office. The fee is the same as a regular renewal. Once you've renewed, your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew (or fewer years if you're over 65).
Fees and how long your new license lasts
Washington charges different fees depending on how long your new license will be valid. If you're under 65 and renewing before your birthday, an eight-year license costs $72. If you're 65 or older, a five-year license costs $37. If you renew early — more than one year before your birthday — you'll pay a prorated fee based on how many years you're adding.
The state accepts credit cards, debit cards, checks, and money orders. If you're renewing online or in person, you can pay with a card when ready. If you're renewing by mail, send a check or money order. Do not send cash through the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved out of Washington?
No. You must renew your Washington license before you move, or you'll need to get a license from your new state. If you've already moved, contact the Department of Licensing to find out whether you can renew by mail or whether you need to visit an office in person before you leave the state.
What if my name has changed since I got my current license?
You must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office and bring documents that show your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You'll also need your current license and proof of your address. The office will update your name and issue a new license.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take about two weeks for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewals give you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail in about two weeks. If you need your license sooner, ask the office whether you can pick it up in person instead of waiting for mail delivery.
What if I renew online but the state rejects my photo?
The Department of Licensing will contact you by email or phone to let you know your photo didn't meet the requirements. You can resubmit a new photo online, or you can visit an office in person to have them take a photo for you. There's no additional fee to resubmit.
Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing required classes, or meeting other conditions the state imposed. Contact the Department of Licensing to find out what you need to do. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew normally.