What You Pay for a Washington Driver's License

A standard Washington driver's license costs $72 for an eight-year license if you are 18 or older. If you are under 18, the license costs $37 and expires when you turn 18. These are the base fees the Department of Licensing charges; the total you pay may be slightly higher depending on which office you visit and whether you need additional services like a duplicate or replacement card.

The fee covers the card itself, the background check, and the processing of your process. Washington does not charge separate fees for the written test or the driving test — those are included in the license fee. If you fail either test, you do not pay again to retake it.

Key Takeaways

  • A standard eight-year Washington driver's license for adults costs $72, and a license for people under 18 costs $37.
  • Renewal of an expiring license costs $72 for adults, whether you renew in person or by mail.
  • A replacement card for a lost or damaged license costs $20, and a duplicate costs $10.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, which may save you money if a fee increase takes effect.

Renewal Costs and Timeline

Renewing an expiring Washington license costs the same as getting a new one: $72 for adults. You can renew starting one year before your expiration date. If you renew early, your new license will not expire until eight years after the renewal date, not eight years after your original expiration date.

You can renew by mail if your license is not suspended or revoked and you have not had any address changes. Mail renewal costs $72 and takes about two weeks. If you need to renew in person — because you have had an address change, a name change, or you want to update your photo — you must visit a Department of Licensing office and pay the same $72 fee.

Replacement and Duplicate Licenses

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement card costs $20. A duplicate — a second valid card with the same information — costs $10. Both can be ordered by mail or in person at a Department of Licensing office.

A replacement takes about two weeks by mail. If you need it faster, some Department of Licensing offices can issue a replacement the same day if you visit in person, though you may wait several hours. Call ahead to confirm your local office offers same-day service.

Commercial Driver's License Fees

A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more than a standard license. A new CDL costs $100 for an eight-year license. Renewal of a CDL costs $100. These fees do not include the cost of the knowledge test or the skills test, which are charged separately by the testing vendor — usually between $50 and $150 depending on the number of endorsements you need.

Washington requires a medical certificate for CDL holders. The certificate itself is not issued by the Department of Licensing; you obtain it from a certified medical examiner. The exam typically costs $75 to $150 out of pocket, though some employers cover this cost.

ID Cards and Endorsements

If you do not drive but need a state ID card, Washington charges $72 for an eight-year card — the same price as a driver's license. This card can be used for identification purposes but does not allow you to drive.

Adding endorsements to your license — such as a motorcycle endorsement or a hazmat endorsement — does not cost extra. You pay only the base license fee. However, if you need to take a test to earn an endorsement, some testing vendors charge a small fee for administering that test.

Fee Increases and When They Take Effect

Washington's Department of Licensing adjusts fees periodically to cover operating costs. The current fees have been in place since 2023. If a fee increase is announced, it typically takes effect on a specific date — often January 1st or July 1st. If you renew before the increase takes effect, you pay the current rate.

You can check the Department of Licensing website or call your local office to confirm the current fees before you visit or mail in your renewal. Fees can vary slightly between offices in different counties due to local processing costs, so it is worth confirming the exact amount you will owe.

Where to Pay and Payment Methods

You can pay for a driver's license or ID card at any Department of Licensing office in Washington. Most offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices also accept checks. If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order — credit and debit cards are not accepted for mail renewals.

Do not send cash by mail. Include a check or money order with your renewal process, made out to the Department of Licensing. Mail your process to the address listed on the renewal notice or the Department of Licensing website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

Washington does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Mail renewal takes about two weeks; in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.

What if my license expired more than five years ago?

You cannot renew an expired license. You must explore for a new license, which costs $72 and requires you to pass the written test and the driving test again. You will also need to provide proof of identity and residency.

Do I have to pay the full fee if I only need a name change?

Yes. Any change to your license — including a name change due to marriage or legal action — requires you to visit a Department of Licensing office in person and pay the full $72 renewal fee. You will also need to provide documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Is there a discount for seniors or low-income drivers?

Washington does not offer reduced fees for seniors or low-income drivers. All adults pay $72 for a standard license. If you are under 18, you pay $37.

What happens if I move out of Washington?

Your Washington license remains valid until it expires. If you move to another state, you will eventually need to obtain a license from that state. Some states allow you to transfer your Washington license; others require you to take the written and driving tests again. Check with your new state's licensing agency.