How to renew your Washington driver license
You can renew your Washington driver license by mail, online, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Most people renew by mail or online because it takes less time than visiting an office. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 30 days before your license expires. The notice tells you which renewal method works for you and includes a barcode you'll need if you renew by mail. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew — you just need your current license number and other identifying information.
Key Takeaways
- Washington sends renewal notices about 30 days before expiration, and you can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on your situation.
- Online renewal is fastest and costs $72 for an eight-year license, but you must have a valid email address and your current license must not be suspended or revoked.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires the renewal notice with its barcode, a check or money order, and a completed process form.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you need to update your photo or address.
Renewing online through the Department of Licensing website
Online renewal is the fastest option and works if your license is valid and not suspended or revoked. Go to dol.wa.gov, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file.
The fee for an eight-year license is $72, paid by credit or debit card during the process. Once you complete the renewal, you'll receive a confirmation email. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal does not work if your address has changed, if you want to update your photo, or if you have any suspensions or revocations on your record. In those cases, you must renew in person.
Renewing by mail with your renewal notice
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires your renewal notice, which arrives about 30 days before expiration. The notice includes a barcode and a prepaid envelope. Fill out the process form that comes with the notice, sign it, and include a check or money order for $72. Do not send cash.
Mail your completed form, payment, and renewal notice to the address printed on the envelope. The Department of Licensing will process your process and mail your new license. You can drive on your current license while you wait. If your renewal notice does not arrive and your license is expiring soon, do not wait — renew in person instead.
Mail renewal works only if your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo. If either of those is true, you must renew in person.
Renewing in person at a Department of Licensing office
In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need to update your photo, or if your address has changed. You can also choose in-person renewal if you prefer to complete it when ready. Visit dol.wa.gov to find the office nearest you and check current wait times.
Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $72 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If your address has changed, bring the proof document showing your new address. The process usually takes 30 minutes or less, and you receive your new license on the spot.
If your license is suspended or revoked, the office will tell you what you need to do to clear the suspension before you can renew. You cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is resolved.
What to do if your license has expired
If your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. Reapplication requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. Contact your local Department of Licensing office to schedule an appointment.
If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process described above. You do not need to retake the written or driving test. However, if your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and bring proof of your current address.
Updating your address during renewal
If you moved, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you must renew by mail or in person. If you renew by mail, include a note with your new address, and the Department of Licensing will update your record. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days.
Do not wait to update your address after renewal. Your license will be mailed to the address on file, so if you update it after you renew, your new license may be mailed to your old address and you will not receive it.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee for an eight-year driver license is $72. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards; mail renewal accepts checks and money orders; in-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards.
If you renew by mail and include a check, make it payable to "Department of Licensing." Do not send cash by mail. If your payment is rejected or insufficient, the Department of Licensing will contact you and your renewal will be delayed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, if it expired fewer than three years ago. You can renew by mail or online without retaking tests. If it expired more than three years ago, you must reapply in person and pass the written and driving tests.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal gives you your license when ready. You can drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive.
What if I don't receive my renewal notice in the mail?
You can still renew online or in person without the notice. For online renewal, you'll need your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. For in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of address.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No, unless you choose to. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license.
What happens if my license is suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is cleared. You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person. The office will explain what you need to do to resolve the issue before renewal is possible.