How to Renew Your Washington Driver's License

Washington Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person

You can renew your Washington driver's license in three ways: online through the Department of Licensing website, by mail, or in person at a licensing office. Online renewal is the fastest and most common route — you can complete it in minutes from home if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a licensing office is necessary only if your license has been expired for more than five years, you need to update your photo, or you have a REAL ID card that needs renewal.

Washington licenses expire on your birthday, five years after you received them. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your expiration date, though most people wait until a few months before. Starting your renewal early gives you time to handle any problems — like a name change or address mismatch — before your current license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website takes minutes and works if your license is not expired and your address has not changed.
You will need your current Washington license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license and a completed process to the Department of Licensing.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a new photo, or you hold a REAL ID card.
Washington renewal fees vary by license type; standard driver's licenses cost less than REAL ID cards.

Online Renewal Through the Department of Licensing Website

The Department of Licensing's online renewal system is the quickest option. Go to dol.wa.gov, select "Renew Your License," and log in or create an account. You will need your current Washington license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

Online renewal works only if your current license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not need to update your photo or signature. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, the system will tell you and direct you to mail or in-person renewal instead. Once you complete the online form and pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

Keep your confirmation number and the email receipt. If your new license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, you can use the confirmation number to check the status on the Department of Licensing website.

Mail Renewal: What to Send and Where

To renew by mail, read the Driver License/Instruction Permit process (form DL 44) from the Department of Licensing website or pick one up at any licensing office. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, address, and any changes to your name or medical information. Sign and date the form.

Place your current Washington license and the completed form in an envelope with a check or money order for the renewal fee. Do not send cash. Mail the envelope to the Department of Licensing at the address listed on the form — there are different addresses depending on whether you are renewing a standard license or a REAL ID card. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the Department receives your materials.

Mail renewal is a good option if you prefer not to go online or if you need to make changes to your license that the online system cannot handle. However, it is slower than online renewal, so plan ahead if your license will expire soon.

In-Person Renewal at a Licensing Office

You must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your photo, or if you hold a REAL ID card. REAL ID cards require an in-person visit because the Department must verify your identity documents in person. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease).

Find your nearest licensing office on the Department of Licensing website and check their hours before you go. Many offices operate by appointment only, especially in larger cities. You can schedule an appointment online or by phone. Bring exact payment in cash, check, or debit/credit card — accepted payment methods vary by office. In-person renewal usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, and you will receive a temporary license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Renewal Fees and Payment Methods

Washington renewal fees depend on your license type and how long you are renewing it for. A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs less than a REAL ID card renewal. The Department of Licensing website shows the exact current fee for your license type. Payment methods vary by renewal route: online renewal accepts debit and credit cards; mail renewal accepts checks and money orders (not cash); in-person renewal accepts cash, checks, and cards, though some offices have different policies.

If you are renewing a REAL ID card, the fee is higher than a standard license because REAL ID cards meet federal identification standards for air travel and federal building access. The extra cost covers the additional verification the Department must perform.

What Happens If Your License Expires Before You Renew

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally if you have proof that you submitted your renewal process. Keep your confirmation number or receipt from your online renewal, or keep a copy of your mailed process with proof of mailing. If you are stopped by police, show them your expired license and your proof of renewal.

However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a licensing office in person. The Department will require you to pass a vision test and may require you to retake the written test or road test depending on how long your license has been expired.

Updating Your Address, Name, or Medical Information During Renewal

If your address has changed, you cannot use online renewal — you must renew by mail or in person. The same applies if your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change. Bring proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order) to an in-person renewal, or include a copy with your mail renewal process.

Medical information — such as corrective lens requirements or organ donor status — can be updated during any renewal method. Online renewal includes fields for these updates. If you are renewing by mail or in person, the process form includes sections for medical information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must go to a Department of Licensing office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. Depending on how long your license has been expired, the Department may require you to retake the written or road test.

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

Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks of completing your online renewal. You can use your confirmation number to track the status on the Department of Licensing website if it does not arrive within that timeframe.

What if I need to renew my REAL ID card?

REAL ID card renewals must be done in person at a Department of Licensing office. Bring your current REAL ID card, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The fee is higher than a standard license renewal. You can schedule an appointment online or by phone.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No, unless you choose to. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a licensing office. You can also request a new photo during in-person renewal if your current photo is outdated.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. Renew by mail or in person and bring proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a legal name change. Include a copy of the proof with your mail process, or bring the original to an in-person renewal.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.