Yes, you can renew online if you meet Washington's requirements
Washington lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Licensing website if you were born after 1935 and your license is not expired by more than five years. You do not need to visit an office or mail anything in — the whole process happens on your computer or phone, takes about 10 minutes, and costs $72 for a standard five-year renewal. Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
The catch is that online renewal works only for standard renewals. If your license is suspended, revoked, or marked for medical review, or if you need to change your name, address, or organ donor status, you must renew in person at a licensing office.
Key Takeaways
- Washington's online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for a five-year license, with no office visit required.
- You can renew online only if your license expired less than five years ago and you were born after 1935.
- You will need your current Washington driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method.
- Your renewed license arrives by mail in approximately two weeks, and you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or you need to change personal information, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you go to the Department of Licensing website to renew:
- Your current Washington driver's license number
- The last four digits of your Social Security number
- A valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check)
You do not need to upload a photo or documents. Washington uses the photo and information already on file from your last license. If you want to update your photo, you will need to renew in person instead.
The step-by-step process
Go to the Department of Licensing website and select the online renewal option. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will pull up your current license information and show you what will appear on your renewed license.
Review the information carefully — your name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online; you will need to go to an office instead. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. The fee is $72 for a five-year renewal. After you pay, you will receive a confirmation number by email.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes about two weeks. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives.
When you cannot renew online
Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended or revoked, if the Department of Licensing has flagged your file for medical review, or if you have an outstanding traffic violation or unpaid fine. In these cases, you must visit a licensing office in person.
You also cannot renew online if you need to change your name, address, or organ donor status. If your address has changed, you can update it during the online renewal process, but if you need to change your name, you must bring a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order to an office.
If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person. The online process uses your existing photo from file.
What happens after you submit
Once you complete the online renewal and receive your confirmation number, your transaction is complete. The Department of Licensing will process your renewal and mail your new license. You do not need to do anything else or visit an office.
If there is a problem with your payment or your identity verification, the Department of Licensing will contact you by phone or email using the information on file. Keep your confirmation number in case you need to check the status of your renewal or contact the department.
If you need to renew in person instead
If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you will need to visit a Department of Licensing office. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Department of Licensing website. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and any documents needed for name changes or other updates.
In-person renewals also cost $72 for a five-year license. You can usually get your new license the same day, though some offices issue a temporary license and mail the permanent one later. Call ahead to confirm what to bring and how long the visit will take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than five years ago?
No. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. The online system will tell you this when you try to start the renewal.
What if I made a mistake during the online renewal?
If you notice an error before you submit payment, you can go back and correct it. If you already submitted and paid, contact the Department of Licensing with your confirmation number. They can cancel the renewal and refund your fee if the error is their fault, but you may need to renew again.
Can I renew online if I was born before 1936?
No. Washington's online renewal is only for people born after 1935. If you were born in 1935 or earlier, you must renew in person at a licensing office.
Do I need to take a new photo or eye test for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo and does not require an eye test. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person.
How do I check the status of my renewed license?
Keep your confirmation number from the online renewal. You can call the Department of Licensing or check their website to track your renewal status using this number. Your new license should arrive within two weeks of submission.