Where to renew and what you need before you start
Washington lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Department of Licensing (DOL) office, by mail, or online through the state's website. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and how soon you need the renewed license in your hands.
Before you pick a method, gather your current Washington driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are renewing in person, you will also need to bring one form of photo ID if your license has expired.
Washington does not require a new photo every time you renew, which is why online and mail renewal are possible. However, if you want a new photo or if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a DOL office.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Washington DOL website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to submit your current license and a completed process form.
- In-person renewal at a DOL office is necessary if your license has expired for more than five years, you need a new photo, or you want to change your name or address on the license itself.
- Washington driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- Renewal fees vary depending on the type of license and method, but typically range from $72 to $82 for a standard eight-year renewal.
Online renewal through the Washington DOL website
The Washington Department of Licensing website offers online renewal for standard driver's licenses that have not expired and do not require a new photo. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth to start the process. The system will verify your identity using information from your existing license record.
Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card, the DOL will mail your new license to the address on file. The entire process takes about 10 minutes, and you should receive your renewed license within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want a new photo. In those cases, you will need to use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail renewal: sending your documents to the DOL
To renew by mail, read the Driver License Renewal process (form DL 44) from the Washington DOL website or pick one up at any DOL office. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.
The DOL processes mail renewals in the order they are received. Processing typically takes two to three weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods. You should not mail your renewal more than one month before your license expires, because the DOL will not process it early.
Mail renewal works well if your license is still valid, you do not need a new photo, and you have time to wait. However, if you need your renewed license quickly or if your license has already expired, in-person renewal is faster.
In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office
Walk-in renewal at a DOL office is the fastest way to get a renewed license if you need it when ready. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and one form of photo ID if your license has expired. You will also need to pay the renewal fee at the office.
The DOL takes a new photo during in-person renewal unless you specifically request to keep your current photo. The process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Washington DOL offices are located in most cities and towns. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the DOL website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or visiting early in the day can reduce your wait time.
Renewal fees and what they cover
Washington charges different renewal fees depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard eight-year renewal costs $72 for a regular driver's license. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license or a license with endorsements, the fee may be higher.
The renewal fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. Washington does not charge extra for online or mail renewal compared to in-person renewal. If you renew online or by mail, you pay the same fee as you would at an office, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check.
If you renew in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Some DOL offices may have restrictions on payment methods, so check with your local office if you have questions.
What to do if your license has expired
If your Washington driver's license has been expired for five years or less, you can renew it using any of the three methods: online, mail, or in-person. However, if your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DOL office and you will need to take a new photo.
When you renew an expired license in person, bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your address, and one additional form of photo ID. The DOL will verify your identity using the photo ID and your existing records before issuing your new license.
You can legally drive while your renewal is being processed if you have a temporary paper license from the DOL or if you have submitted your renewal process and have proof of submission. However, you cannot drive on an expired license without proof that you have started the renewal process.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If you want to change your name or address on your license, you must renew in person at a DOL office. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) or proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease), along with your other required documents.
The DOL will update your records and issue a new license with your new name or address. This process takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Washington driver's license before it expires?
Yes. Washington allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. However, if you renew by mail, do not mail your process more than one month before your expiration date, because the DOL will not process it early. Online and in-person renewal can be done at any time within that one-year window.
How long is a renewed Washington driver's license valid?
A standard Washington driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. Your new expiration date will be printed on your renewed license. You can check your expiration date on the front of your license or on your DOL account online.
What if I lose my license before my renewal arrives?
If you lose your license after you have submitted a renewal, contact the DOL when ready to report it lost. You can request a replacement license at any DOL office or by mail. Bring proof of your identity and address. You will need to pay a replacement fee in addition to your renewal fee.
Do I need a new photo every time I renew?
No. Washington does not require a new photo for every renewal. However, if you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DOL office. If your license has been expired for more than five years, a new photo is required.
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
Washington does not deny renewal based on unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if you have an outstanding warrant or if your license has been suspended for other reasons, the DOL may not process your renewal until the issue is resolved. Check your DOL account online or call your local DOL office to confirm your license status before renewing.