What you need to know about DC license renewal

In Washington, DC, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DC DMV office. Most people renew online through the DC DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $37.50 for a five-year license. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.

You can renew online only if your license is not expired and you haven't changed your name, address, or vision correction needs since your last renewal. If any of those things have changed, or if your license is already expired, you'll need to renew in person at a DMV office instead.

DC licenses are valid for five years. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so there's no need to wait until the last minute. Renewing early means you won't accidentally drive on an expired license.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the DC DMV website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if your information hasn't changed.
  • The renewal fee is $37.50 for a five-year license, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or electronic check online.
  • If your license is expired, your name or address has changed, or you now need vision correction, you must renew in person at a DC DMV office.
  • You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a DMV office typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how busy the office is that day.

Renewing online through the DC DMV website

Online renewal is the simplest path if you're may be able to access. Go to the DC DMV website, select "Renew Your License," and log in or create an account. You'll answer questions about your current information and confirm that nothing has changed since your last license was issued. The system will ask for your current license number, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity.

Once you've answered all the questions, you'll review a summary of your new license information and pay the $37.50 fee. The DC DMV accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, and electronic check payments. After you submit your payment, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and it usually arrives within 10 to 14 business days.

While you wait for your new license, you can still drive legally using your current license as long as it hasn't expired. If your current license has already expired, you cannot legally drive until your new one arrives, so in-person renewal becomes necessary.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is an option if you meet the same requirements as online renewal — your license is not expired, and your name, address, and vision needs haven't changed. You'll need to request a renewal form from the DC DMV by calling 202-727-5000 or visiting a DMV office in person to pick one up.

Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $37.50 made payable to "DC DMV." Include a copy of your current license with your process. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — expect your new license to arrive in three to four weeks from the time the DC DMV receives your form.

Mail renewal is slower and requires more steps than online renewal, so most people choose to renew online instead. However, if you prefer not to use the internet or don't have access to a computer, mail renewal is a valid alternative.

Renewing in person at a DC DMV office

You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you've changed your name or address, or if your vision has changed and you now need or no longer need glasses or contacts. In-person renewal also applies if you want to update your photo, change your gender marker, or add the REAL ID star to your license.

Visit any DC DMV office during business hours. Bring your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you're updating your vision information, bring your glasses or contacts with you so the DMV can verify your current prescription needs.

Wait times at DC DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Weekday mornings are typically less busy than afternoons or weekends. You can check current wait times on the DC DMV website before you go. In-person renewal usually takes 30 to 60 minutes from the time you arrive until you leave with your temporary license.

What happens after you renew

If you renewed online or by mail, you'll receive your new license in the mail. Your temporary license is your current license, which remains valid until your new one arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one — you don't need to return it to the DMV.

If you renewed in person, you'll receive a temporary paper license that's valid for 30 days while your permanent card is being made. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within two weeks. The temporary license has the same legal weight as your permanent license, so you can drive, travel, and use it for identification during those 30 days.

Your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date you renewed. Write down or save the expiration date somewhere you'll remember it — many people set a phone reminder one year before expiration so they have time to renew before their license expires.

DC DMV office locations and hours

DC has several DMV service centers. The main office is at 50 K Street NE, open Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There are also service centers in other neighborhoods, each with slightly different hours. Check the DC DMV website for the full list of locations, hours, and current wait times before you visit.

If you can't visit during regular hours, some DC DMV services are available online 24 hours a day. If you're renewing in person and have a disability or mobility issue, call ahead to ask about accommodations. The DMV can arrange for you to be seen at a specific time or provide other information to make your visit easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired. You must visit a DC DMV office in person with your expired license and proof of your current address. Bring the same documents you would for any in-person renewal. Driving on an expired license is illegal, so renew as soon as possible.

What if I've moved to a different address since my last license?

If you've moved, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DC DMV office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The DMV will update your address on your new license at the same time.

How much does it cost to renew a DC driver's license?

A five-year DC driver's license renewal costs $37.50. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you want to add the REAL ID star during in-person renewal, there is no additional charge — it's included in the $37.50 fee.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes, you can renew up to one year before your expiration date. Renewing early is a good idea because it means you won't accidentally drive on an expired license. Your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date you renew, not five years from your old expiration date.

What if I need to change my photo during renewal?

You can only update your photo by renewing in person at a DC DMV office. Bring your current license and proof of your address. The DMV will take a new photo as part of the in-person renewal process at no extra cost.