Check your license expiration date on the front

Your Washington driver's license is valid until the expiration date printed on the front. Look for the line that says "Expires" — that date tells you whether your license is currently usable for driving and identification. If today's date is before that expiration date, your license is valid. If today's date is on or after that date, your license has expired.

The expiration date on a Washington license is usually four or eight years from the issue date, depending on your age when you received it. Licenses issued to people under 21 expire sooner than those issued to adults. You do not need to contact the Department of Licensing to find out — the card itself has all the information you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Washington driver's license expiration date is printed on the front of the card under "Expires," and you can check it yourself without contacting the state.
  • If the expiration date has passed, your license is no longer valid for driving or as a primary form of identification.
  • Washington issues licenses that expire four years after issue for people under 21, and eight years after issue for adults 21 and older.
  • You can renew your license online through the Washington Department of Licensing website if it has expired or is expiring soon.

What happens if your license has expired

Driving with an expired Washington license is illegal. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, which carries a fine. An expired license also does not count as valid identification for purposes like boarding a plane, entering a federal building, or opening a bank account.

You can still use an expired Washington license as a secondary form of identification in some situations — for instance, to verify your identity when paired with another document — but it will not work alone for official purposes. The sooner you renew, the sooner you have a valid license again.

Renewing online through the Washington Department of Licensing

The Washington Department of Licensing allows you to renew your driver's license online at dol.wa.gov if you meet certain conditions. You must be renewing a license that has expired or is expiring within 60 days, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you must not have any medical or legal holds on your license. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes.

When you renew online, you will receive a temporary digital license that you can use when ready on your phone while you wait for the physical card to arrive by mail. The physical license typically arrives within two weeks. You will pay the renewal fee online using a debit or credit card.

Renewing in person at a licensing office

If you cannot renew online — for example, if your license was suspended or revoked, or if you need to update your address or name — you will need to visit a Washington Department of Licensing office in person. You can find the office nearest you and check their hours on the dol.wa.gov website. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee.

Processing times at licensing offices vary by location and how busy they are. Some offices take walk-ins, while others require you to book an appointment ahead of time. Check the specific office's website or call before you go to find out what they need from you and whether you should schedule in advance.

Documents you will need to renew

To renew your Washington driver's license, you will need proof of your identity and proof of your Washington residency. For identity, your expired license itself usually works. For residency, the state accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are renewing online, you will upload images of these documents through the dol.wa.gov portal. If you are renewing in person, bring the physical documents with you. You will also need to pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on whether you are renewing a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license.

Real ID compliance and your Washington license

Washington offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for identification. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or another federally accepted form of identification to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

If your current Washington license does not have the gold star, you can upgrade to a Real ID license when you renew. You will need to bring additional documents — typically a birth certificate or passport, plus proof of Social Security number and residency. The Real ID license costs more than a standard license renewal, but it lasts the same amount of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?

No. Your license must be valid on the day you are driving. If it expires tomorrow, you cannot legally drive today. You should renew when ready — either online through dol.wa.gov for a temporary digital license, or in person at a licensing office if you need the physical card right away.

What if I lost my license and do not know the expiration date?

Contact the Washington Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 or visit dol.wa.gov. They can look up your license information using your name and date of birth. You can also request a replacement license at the same time if yours is lost.

Does my license stay valid if I move out of Washington?

Your Washington license remains valid until its expiration date, even if you move to another state. However, you will eventually need to get a license from your new state. Most states require you to obtain a new license within 30 to 60 days of establishing residency.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, you can renew an expired license at any time. However, if your license has been expired for a very long time, you may need to renew in person rather than online, and the Department of Licensing may require additional documents or a new photo. Contact them to find out what you need.

What is the difference between a standard and Real ID license?

A Real ID license has a gold star and meets federal identification standards for flying and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not. Both are valid for driving in Washington. Real ID licenses cost more but are required for domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025.