What you need before you start
Washington State lets you renew your driver license online through the Department of Licensing website if your license is still valid or expired less than five years ago. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method — Washington accepts debit cards, credit cards, and electronic checks.
Before you begin, check that your address on file is correct. If you have moved recently and have not updated it yet, you will need to do that first through the mail or in person at a licensing office. The online renewal system uses your address on file to mail your new license, so an outdated address means your card arrives at the wrong place.
You also cannot renew online if your license was suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you need to change your name, gender marker, or organ donor status. Those changes require an in-person visit to a Department of Licensing office or an authorized service provider.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired within the last five years, and you have not had any suspensions or revocations.
- The Department of Licensing website is the only place to renew online — there is no phone line or third-party service for this.
- The renewal fee in Washington is $72 for a standard eight-year license, and you pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check at the time you submit.
- Your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks; you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
- If your address has changed, update it before you renew online, or your new license will be mailed to your old address.
Step-by-step: completing the online renewal
Go to dol.wa.gov and look for the "Renew Your License" option on the homepage. Click the link to the online renewal system. You will be asked to enter your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system uses these to pull up your record and confirm your identity.
Next, review the information on your license — name, address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements. If anything is wrong, stop and contact the Department of Licensing by phone at 360-902-3900 before you continue. Submitting the renewal with incorrect information will renew the wrong details.
Answer the questions about your vision, medical conditions, and driving history. These are the same questions you would answer in person. Answer honestly; the system flags inconsistencies and may require you to visit an office to complete the renewal instead.
Choose whether you want a standard license or an enhanced license. An enhanced license costs more and requires proof of citizenship and residency, but it can be used for domestic air travel and entry into federal facilities. If you are unsure, a standard license is the default option.
Review the renewal fee — $72 for a standard eight-year license — and enter your payment information. Washington accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic checks. Once you submit payment, you cannot cancel or change the order.
What happens after you submit
You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Save or print this number; you may need it if you have questions about your renewal. The Department of Licensing processes renewals in the order they are received, and your new license is mailed within two to three weeks.
You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive. Your current license remains valid until the new one is issued, even if the expiration date has passed. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a licensing office.
If your new license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the Department of Licensing. Bring your confirmation number. The office can check the status of your renewal and reissue the card if it was lost in the mail.
If the online system rejects your renewal
The system may decline your renewal if your license was suspended or revoked, if your identity cannot be verified, or if your answers to the health and driving history questions raise a flag. When this happens, you will see a message on screen explaining why and directing you to contact the Department of Licensing or visit an office in person.
Do not ignore this message. Attempting to renew again will produce the same result. Instead, call 360-902-3900 or visit a licensing office to find out what needs to be resolved. Some issues can be cleared up by phone; others require an in-person appointment.
If you have a suspension or revocation, you will need to clear it before you can renew. This usually involves paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or both, depending on why your license was suspended. The licensing office can tell you exactly what is required.
Updating your address before renewal
If you have moved and your address on file is outdated, update it before you renew online. You can change your address in person at any Department of Licensing office or authorized service provider. Bring your current license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.
You can also update your address by mail. Send a signed letter with your name, current address, new address, and driver license number to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Include a copy of proof of your new address. This takes longer than in-person, so allow at least two weeks.
Once your address is updated in the system, you can proceed with the online renewal. The new license will be mailed to the correct address.
Enhanced license vs. standard license
A standard license costs $72 for eight years and is valid for driving and as a state ID. It cannot be used for domestic air travel or entry into federal buildings without additional documents.
An enhanced license costs $172 for eight years and can be used for domestic air travel and federal facility access without a passport. To renew as an enhanced license online, you must have renewed as an enhanced license before. If you are upgrading from a standard license for the first time, you must do this in person at a licensing office and bring proof of citizenship and residency.
If you already hold an enhanced license and are renewing online, the system will offer you the option to keep it as enhanced or downgrade to standard. Choose based on whether you use it for travel or federal access.
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 or authorized service provider. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
The Department of Licensing mails new licenses within two to three weeks of processing your renewal. Mail delivery time varies, so allow up to four weeks total from the time you submit. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
What if I made a mistake on my renewal form?
Once you submit payment, you cannot change your renewal. If you made an error, contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 as soon as possible. Depending on the mistake, they may be able to correct it before your license is printed, or you may need to renew again.
Do I need an enhanced license to fly domestically from Washington?
No. A standard Washington driver license is not accepted for domestic air travel. You need a passport, an enhanced license, or a REAL ID-compliant license. Washington's standard license is not REAL ID-compliant, so if you fly, you will need one of the other two forms of ID.
What if my new license arrives damaged or with the wrong information?
Contact the Department of Licensing when ready with your confirmation number and a photo of the damage or error. They can reissue your license at no additional charge. Bring the damaged license to a licensing office, or mail it with a letter explaining the problem.