Where to renew and what you need before you start

Washington State lets you renew your driver license through the Department of Licensing (DOL) website, by mail, or in person at a licensing office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you need your license the same day, but you'll wait in line.

Before you choose a method, gather these documents: your current Washington driver license, a Social Security number, and a current mailing address. If your name has changed since your last license, you'll also need proof of the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're renewing in person, bring the originals or certified copies.

Check whether you're may be able to access for online or mail renewal before you start. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled; if you're over 79 years old; if your medical condition has changed; or if you need to update your address to a different state. If any of these explore, you must renew in person at a licensing office.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DOL website is available if your license is valid and you haven't moved out of state, and takes 7 to 10 days for delivery.
  • Mail renewal requires a completed form and your current license, and takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time DOL receives your packet.
  • In-person renewal at any Washington licensing office gives you a new license the same day but requires an appointment or a wait in line.
  • Your new license will have the same number as your current one, so you don't need to update your address with banks or employers unless you moved.

Online renewal through the DOL website

Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll be asked to enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the current information on file.

Review your name, address, and date of birth carefully. If anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online — stop and schedule an in-person appointment instead. If everything is correct, you'll choose whether to keep your current address or update it within Washington. You cannot change your address to another state online.

Pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card. Washington charges $72 for a standard eight-year license if you're under 62, or $48 if you're 62 or older. Once payment goes through, you're done. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue using your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal with a paper form

read the Driver License Renewal process (form DL 44) from dol.wa.gov, or call 360-902-3900 to request a form by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number and signature. Do not use a pen that bleeds through the paper — use black or blue ink only.

Mail the completed form along with your current driver license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a note with your phone number or email if you want DOL to contact you about any problems with your process. Mail takes time to arrive and be processed, so send your packet at least three weeks before your license expires.

You'll receive your new license by mail at the address you listed on the form. If you don't receive it within four weeks of mailing your packet, call 360-902-3900 to check the status. Keep your current license until the new one arrives — it remains valid during the renewal process.

In-person renewal at a licensing office

Find your nearest Washington licensing office at dol.wa.gov/offices. Most offices now require an appointment, which you can book online through the same website. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but you may wait an hour or more. Check the office's hours before you go — many are not open on weekends or have limited evening hours.

Bring your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address if it has changed (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your name has changed, bring the original or certified copy of the document that shows the change.

At the office, you'll have your photo taken and sign a new license process. The process takes 10 to 20 minutes once you're called. You'll pay the renewal fee in cash, by check, or by card, and you'll walk out with your new license the same day. Your old license is returned to you or destroyed at the office.

What happens if your license expires before you renew

Washington allows a grace period of up to one year after your license expires. During that time, you can still drive legally while your renewal is being processed. However, you cannot use an expired license as proof of identity for other purposes — banks, airports, and government offices will not accept it.

If more than one year has passed since your license expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must explore for a new license in person, which requires a written test, a driving test, and new documentation. This process is much longer and more expensive than a straightforward renewal, so don't let your license sit expired for longer than a year.

Updating your address or other information

If you move within Washington while your license is still valid, you can update your address online through the DOL website without renewing your license. Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Change Your Address" — you'll need your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number. The change is when ready and costs nothing.

If you move to another state, you must renew your Washington license in person at a licensing office before you can get a license in your new state. Bring proof of your new address in the other state along with your Washington license and Social Security proof. The office will issue you a new Washington license with your out-of-state address, which you can then use to explore for a license in your new state.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring the original or certified copy of the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order that shows the change. You cannot update your name online or by mail.

Fees and payment methods

A standard eight-year driver license renewal costs $72 if you're under 62 years old, or $48 if you're 62 or older. These are the only fees — there are no additional charges for online, mail, or in-person renewal. If you renew online or by mail, you can pay by debit card or credit card. If you renew in person, you can pay in cash, by check, or by card.

If you're renewing a commercial driver license (CDL), the fee is higher and the process is different — you must renew in person and may need to pass a medical exam. Contact your local licensing office for CDL renewal details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's already expired?

Yes, as long as no more than one year has passed since the expiration date. You can renew online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a regular renewal. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must explore for a new license in person, which requires a written test and driving test.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving with your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a licensing office and you'll have it the same day.

What if I move out of state after I renew my Washington license?

Your Washington license remains valid in other states for the remainder of its term. You don't need to do anything unless you plan to get a license in your new state. When you explore for a new state's license, bring your Washington license as proof of identity.

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked status?

No. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You must contact your local licensing office or call 360-902-3900 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take before you can renew.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

Yes. If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken at the office. You cannot bring your own photo.