Washington renewal by mail, online, or in person
Washington lets you renew your driver's license by mail, online, or at a Department of Licensing office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people renew online or by mail without leaving home. In-person renewal is required only if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, or if you're changing your name or address and want it updated on your card.
Your Washington license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. The Department of Licensing sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes if your license is current and you don't need a photo update.
- Mail renewal requires sending your current license and a check or money order to the Department of Licensing; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a licensing office is necessary if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you're changing your legal name.
- The renewal fee in Washington is $72 for an eight-year license, though the cost may vary if you're adding endorsements or changing your license class.
- You'll need proof of identity, Social Security number, and Washington residency to renew, regardless of which method you choose.
Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website
Online renewal is available if your license is current (not expired), you're not changing your name or address, and you don't need a new photo. Go to dol.wa.gov, select "Renew Your License," and create or log into your account. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and show you the renewal fee.
Payment is by credit or debit card only—no cash or checks. Once you pay, your renewal is processed when ready, and you'll receive a temporary digital license on your phone that you can use right away. Your physical card arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. You don't need to visit an office, and there's no appointment required.
If the online system tells you that you're not may be able to access to renew online, it means one of your documents is missing, expired, or needs updating. In that case, you'll need to renew by mail or in person.
Mail renewal with your current license
To renew by mail, print the renewal form from dol.wa.gov or request one by phone at 360-902-3900. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $72 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Department of Licensing receives your envelope. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan for four to five weeks total. You can continue driving on your current license during this period—it remains valid until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before your new card comes, you can print a temporary license from your online account or call 360-902-3900 to request one.
Keep a copy of the form and your payment receipt in case there's a delay. If your renewal doesn't arrive within five weeks, contact the Department of Licensing to check the status.
In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office
Visit a licensing office in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, if you're changing your legal name, or if you're updating your address on your card. Bring your current license (or expired license if it's been more than five years), proof of Washington residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security number.
You can make an appointment online at dol.wa.gov or walk in without one, though appointments are faster and reduce wait times. Bring the documents listed above and be prepared to pay $72 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The office will take your photo, process your renewal, and give you a temporary paper license to use when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.
Licensing offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings. Find the office nearest you and its hours on dol.wa.gov.
What documents and information you need
For any renewal method, have your Social Security number ready and your current driver's license available. If you're renewing online or by mail, that's all you need. If you're renewing in person, bring one document proving you live in Washington: a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works.
If you're changing your legal 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 address, the proof-of-residency document must show your new address. If you don't have a document with your new address yet, you can bring two documents: one showing your old address and one showing your new address, such as a lease agreement and a utility bill in the process of being transferred.
Renewal fees and what they cover
A standard eight-year Washington driver's license renewal costs $72. This fee covers the license itself and the eight-year validity period. If you're adding endorsements—such as a commercial driver's license (CDL) endorsement or a motorcycle endorsement—the fee increases. The Department of Licensing website shows the exact cost for your situation when you start the renewal process.
The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by channel: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only, mail renewal accepts checks and money orders, and in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.
What happens if your license is expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it by mail or online using the same process as a current license. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You'll have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license when ready.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Washington, even if you've started the renewal process. If you're pulled over, you can show the officer your temporary paper license or a receipt showing you've paid for renewal, but this doesn't may provide you won't be cited. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Washington license if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. Washington requires your Social Security number to renew your driver's license. If you don't have one, contact the Social Security Administration to explore. Once you have a number, you can renew your license.
What if I moved out of Washington but still have a Washington license?
You cannot renew a Washington license if you no longer live in Washington. You must obtain a license from your new state instead. Contact your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles to learn what documents you need to transfer your license.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your temporary digital license appears on your phone when ready after you pay. Your physical card arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. You can use the digital license to drive right away.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Washington does not suspend your license for unpaid traffic fines alone. However, if a court has suspended your license, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court that issued the suspension to find out how to resolve it.
What if my name changed since I got my current license?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Department of Licensing will update your name on your new license during the in-person appointment.