What you need to renew online in Washington
Washington State lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Licensing website if your license is still valid or expired for less than five years. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method — Washington accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
The online process takes about 10 minutes. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your address, name, or other information on the license itself. You also cannot renew online if you are over 70 years old or if your license expired more than five years ago — those situations require an in-person visit to a licensing office.
When you renew online, Washington mails you a new physical license to the address on file. The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one shows up.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your current license is valid or expired less than five years, and you have no suspensions or address changes.
- You will need your license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid credit or debit card.
- The renewal fee varies depending on how many years you are renewing for — Washington offers one-year, four-year, and eight-year options.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, and your old license remains valid until it arrives.
- If you cannot renew online, you must visit a Department of Licensing office in person.
Steps to renew on the Department of Licensing website
Go to dol.wa.gov and look for the "Renew Your License" option on the homepage. Click through to the online renewal portal. 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.
Next, review the information Washington has on file — your name, address, and date of birth. If anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online and will need to visit a licensing office instead. If everything is correct, you will choose how long to renew for: one year, four years, or eight years. The longer the renewal period, the higher the total cost, but the lower the cost per year.
After you select your renewal period, you will see the fee amount and can enter your payment information. Washington processes the payment when ready. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number in case you need to check on your renewal status later.
Renewal fees and how long each option lasts
Washington charges different fees based on how many years you renew for. A one-year renewal costs less upfront but means you will renew again sooner. A four-year or eight-year renewal spreads the cost over more years and means fewer trips to renew.
The exact fee amounts change periodically, so check the Department of Licensing website for current pricing before you start the renewal. The website shows the fee for each option before you pay, so you will know the total cost before your card is charged.
When your new license arrives and what to do while you wait
After you complete the online renewal, your new physical license is mailed to the address on file with the Department of Licensing. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can occasionally take longer depending on postal service delays.
Your old license remains valid and legal to use while you wait for the new one. You do not need to do anything special — just carry your current license as you normally would. When the new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid, but you do not need to return it or destroy it.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years, you must visit a Department of Licensing office in person. The same applies if you need to change your address, name, or other information on the license, or if you are over 70 years old.
To find an office near you, go to dol.wa.gov and search for "licensing office locations." You can also call 360-902-3900 to ask which office is closest and whether you need an appointment. Many offices now require appointments, especially in larger cities, so check before you go.
How to check the status of your renewal
If you want to track your renewal after you submit it online, go back to dol.wa.gov and look for the "Check Your Renewal Status" tool. You will need the confirmation number from your renewal and your date of birth. The tool tells you whether your renewal has been processed and when your new license was mailed.
If more than 10 business days have passed and you have not received your license, contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I moved recently?
No. If you need to change your address, you must visit a Department of Licensing office in person. Online renewal only works if all the information on file — name, address, date of birth — is correct and does not need to change.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew online. You must visit a licensing office in person. The office staff can tell you whether the suspension or revocation can be lifted and what steps you need to take.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. You only take a new photo if you renew in person at a licensing office.
What happens if my payment is declined?
The renewal will not go through. Try again with the same card or use a different Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. If you continue to have trouble, you can renew in person at a licensing office instead.
Can I renew online if my license expired more than five years ago?
No. Washington's online renewal only works for licenses that are currently valid or expired less than five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office.