Washington renewal options: online, by mail, or in person
Washington lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is expired, how soon you need it, and whether you have a REAL ID or standard license.
Online renewal is fastest and costs nothing extra — you pay the renewal fee ($72 for an eight-year license as of 2024) and get a confirmation number the same day. By mail takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DOL office takes about an hour and is necessary if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to upgrade to a REAL ID.
Washington does not mail a physical license to your home after online renewal. Instead, you receive a temporary digital license you can use when ready on your phone, and the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Washington Department of Licensing website works only if your license expired within the last five years and you have not changed your name or address.
- You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
- A temporary digital license appears on your phone when ready after online renewal, but the physical card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office, not online or by mail.
- Upgrading to a REAL ID requires an in-person visit and additional documents such as proof of citizenship and proof of residence.
Online renewal through the Washington Department of Licensing website
Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Driver License" from the main menu. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your driving record and personal history.
Online renewal costs $72 for a standard eight-year license (as of 2024; fees may change). You pay by debit or credit card. After you submit payment, you receive a confirmation number and a temporary digital license that appears in the Washington Digital ID app or Apple Wallet. You can use this temporary license when ready to drive or show as proof of identity.
You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name or address, if you want to add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement), or if you are upgrading to a REAL ID. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.
Renewing by mail if you prefer not to go online
Request a renewal process by calling the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 or by visiting a DOL office in person. Mail your completed process, current license, and payment ($72 for a standard license) to the address on the form. Include a check or money order — the mail-in process does not accept credit or debit cards.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Department of Licensing receives your process. Your new physical license will arrive by mail. During this time, you can still drive using your current license as long as it has not expired. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you will need to renew in person or use the online method instead.
Mail renewal has the same restrictions as online renewal: your license must not have been expired for more than five years, and you cannot change your name, address, or endorsements through the mail. If any of those explore to you, renew in person.
In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office
Visit any Washington Department of Licensing office with your current license and payment ($72 for a standard license). You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Bring proof of your current address if you have moved since your last renewal — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works.
Processing takes about one hour. You will have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your physical card is printed and mailed. The physical license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your name or address, if you want to add or remove endorsements, or if you are upgrading to a REAL ID. You must also renew in person if the Department of Licensing cannot verify your identity online or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL).
Upgrading to a REAL ID during renewal
A REAL ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your driver's license to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. Washington offers REAL ID as an option during renewal. You must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office to get one.
Bring your current license, proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days). The REAL ID costs $72, the same as a standard license renewal. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, and the physical REAL ID arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not need a REAL ID, you do not have to get one. A standard Washington driver's license is still valid for driving and most forms of identification. You can upgrade to a REAL ID at any future renewal.
What to do if your license has been expired for more than five years
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license expired more than five years ago. You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment ($72 for a standard license).
The office will take a new photo, verify your identity, and issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you have moved or changed your name since your license expired, bring documents proving your current legal name and address.
Finding a Department of Licensing office near you
Washington has DOL offices in most cities and counties. Visit dol.wa.gov and use the office locator tool to find the nearest location, hours, and whether you need an appointment. Many offices now require appointments to manage wait times. You can book an appointment online or by calling 360-902-3900.
If you cannot visit an office in person, check whether your county offers a satellite location or mobile office that visits on certain days. Some smaller towns have limited hours or serve only certain services, so confirm before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my renewal is being processed?
Yes, as long as your current license has not expired. If you renewed online or by mail, you can drive using your temporary digital license or your old physical license until the new one arrives. If you renewed in person, your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days while the physical card is being printed.
What if my address changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office if you have moved. Bring proof of your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes.
How much does it cost to renew a Washington driver's license?
A standard eight-year license costs $72 as of 2024. A REAL ID costs the same. Fees may change, so check dol.wa.gov before you pay. There is no extra charge for online renewal or for the temporary digital license.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license number. Visit a Department of Licensing office in person with proof of identity and address. The office will issue a replacement license and handle the renewal in one visit.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Washington allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Your new license will have a new expiration date eight years from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date.