Where to renew your Washington license

In Washington, you renew your driver's license through the Department of Licensing (DOL). You have three ways to do it: online at dol.wa.gov, by mail, or in person at a DOL office.

The online option is fastest if you're may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have no medical conditions that need review, and your address hasn't changed since your last renewal. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

If you can't renew online, you can mail in your renewal process or visit a DOL office. Mail renewals take longer — typically 2 to 3 weeks — but you avoid waiting in line. In-person renewal is when ready if you need your license the same day, though wait times at offices vary by location and time of day.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington lets you renew online if your license is current, your address hasn't changed, and you have no medical restrictions — the fastest option at 7 to 10 days.
  • Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks but requires only your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a signed process.
  • In-person renewal at a DOL office gives you your new license the same day but requires a trip and may involve a wait.
  • Your renewal notice arrives in the mail 30 to 60 days before your license expires and includes your renewal code if you choose to renew online.
  • Washington charges $72 for a standard 8-year driver's license renewal, with discounts available for seniors and people with disabilities.

What you need before you start

Before you renew, gather your renewal notice. The Department of Licensing mails this to your address on file 30 to 60 days before your license expires. It includes your renewal code, which you'll need if you renew online.

If you're renewing by mail, you need the renewal notice, a completed process (included with the notice), and payment. Washington accepts checks, money orders, or credit and debit cards by phone. Do not send cash.

For in-person renewal, bring your current license, your renewal notice, and payment in the same forms. If your address has changed since your last renewal, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works.

If you've lost your renewal notice, you can request a new one by calling the DOL at 360-902-3900 or visiting a DOL office. You can also renew in person without the notice if you bring your current license and proof of address.

Online renewal step by step

Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number and your renewal code from your renewal notice.

Next, review your personal information — name, address, and date of birth. If anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online; you'll need to renew in person or by mail and note the correction on your process. Update your address if you've moved, because your new license will be mailed to the address you provide here.

Choose whether you want a standard license or an enhanced license (which allows entry into federal buildings and some border crossings). The enhanced license costs $27 more. Then pay with a credit or debit card. You'll receive a confirmation number when ready.

Your new license will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If it doesn't arrive within 14 days, contact the DOL to check the status of your order.

Mail renewal step by step

Complete the renewal process that came with your renewal notice. Sign and date it — an unsigned process will be returned. If you've moved, write your new address clearly on the form.

Include payment of $72 (or the appropriate fee for your category). Write a check or money order payable to "Department of Licensing." Do not include cash.

Mail everything to the address shown on your renewal notice. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DOL receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form.

Keep your current license until the new one arrives. If you need your license before the new one comes, you can request a temporary paper license by visiting a DOL office.

In-person renewal at a DOL office

Find your nearest DOL office at dol.wa.gov/offices. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also schedule an appointment online to skip the line. Appointments are free and often available within a few days.

Bring your current license, your renewal notice, and payment. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. If you've lost your renewal notice, bring your current license and proof of address instead.

At the office, a staff member will review your information, take a new photo, and process your payment. You'll receive your new license on the spot. The whole visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, though this varies by office and time of day.

If you need an enhanced license, let the staff member know before payment. The fee is $99 instead of $72.

Fees and discounts

A standard 8-year driver's license renewal costs $72 in Washington. An enhanced license costs $99. These prices are set by state law and do not vary by location or method of renewal.

Washington offers a 50% discount on renewal fees for people age 62 and older and for people with disabilities. To receive the discount, you must renew in person at a DOL office and bring proof of your age or disability status. Acceptable proof includes a Medicare card, Social Security statement, or a letter from your healthcare provider.

If you're renewing by mail or online, you cannot receive the discount. You would need to renew in person to pay the reduced fee.

What happens if your license expires

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you cannot legally drive. Driving on an expired license is a traffic violation in Washington and can result in a ticket and fine.

If your renewal is in progress and your license is about to expire, visit a DOL office and ask for a temporary paper license. This is valid for 30 days and lets you drive while you wait for your permanent license. There is no charge for a temporary license.

If your license has already expired and you did not renew it, you'll need to renew it before you drive again. Renewing an expired license follows the same process as a regular renewal, but you must do it in person or by mail — online renewal is not available for expired licenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Washington license if I'm out of state?

Yes. You can renew online from anywhere if you're may be able to access. You can also mail in your renewal process from out of state. In-person renewal requires a visit to a Washington DOL office, so you'd need to return to the state or visit an office during a trip home.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a DOL office or by mail. Bring a document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DOL will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.

How long is my new license valid?

A standard Washington driver's license is valid for 8 years from the date of issue. Your renewal notice will tell you the expiration date of your new license. You can renew it online 30 days before it expires.

What if I need my license before it arrives?

Visit a DOL office and request a temporary paper license. It's valid for 30 days and costs nothing. You can drive on it while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

Can I change my address when I renew?

Yes. If you're renewing online, update your address during the renewal process. If you're renewing by mail or in person, write your new address on the process or tell the staff member. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.