What you need to do to renew in Washington
Washington lets you renew your driver's license in three ways: online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Which route you take depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.
The online renewal is the fastest option — you can complete it in about 15 minutes from home, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer overall but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office takes about 30 minutes and you can get a temporary license the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Washington offers online renewal for licenses that are current or expired less than two years, and you can finish in 15 minutes.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online renewal, or 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewal.
- You need a valid payment method (debit or credit card) for online or mail renewal, and the fee is $72 for a standard five-year license.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office with proof of identity and residency.
- You can find your nearest office and check wait times on the Department of Licensing website before you go.
Online renewal: the fastest route
To renew online, go to the Department of Licensing website and select the renewal option. You will need your current Washington driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a debit or credit card to pay the $72 renewal fee. The system will ask you to confirm your address and answer a few security questions to verify your identity.
Online renewal is only open to people whose license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. If you have changed your address, you can update it during the online process. If you need to change your name, add a Real ID endorsement, or update other information, you cannot do it online — you will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
After you submit your process online, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.
Mail renewal: no office visit, longer wait
To renew by mail, read the Driver License Renewal process (form DL 44) from the Department of Licensing website, fill it out by hand, and mail it with a check or money order for $72 to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of one document that proves your identity and current address — a utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement all work.
Mail renewal takes longer than online because your process has to be processed by hand. You should expect 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Department receives your envelope. Mail your process well before your license expires so there is time for processing and delivery. If you are cutting it close, online or in-person renewal is safer.
Like online renewal, mail renewal is only for licenses that are current or expired less than two years. If your license has been expired longer, or if you need to make changes beyond a straightforward address update, you must go to an office in person.
In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office
If your license expired more than two years ago, or if you need to make changes that online and mail renewal do not allow, you must renew in person. Bring your current or expired license, one document that proves your identity (passport, state ID, or military ID), and one document that proves your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). The renewal fee is $72.
Visit the Department of Licensing website to find the office nearest you and check current wait times before you go. Many offices are busier on certain days and times, and the website shows real-time information so you can pick a less crowded time. You can also make an appointment online at some locations, which lets you skip the walk-in line.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The process takes about 30 minutes. Before you leave, you will receive a temporary license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens if your license has expired more than two years ago
If your license expired more than two years ago, Washington treats it as a new process rather than a renewal. You cannot use the online or mail process. You must go to a Department of Licensing office in person with proof of identity and proof of current address, just as you would for in-person renewal.
The fee is still $72 for a standard five-year license. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you also need to pass a vision test or update your medical information, the office staff will let you know what else is required.
Costs and what your new license covers
A standard Washington driver's license renewal costs $72 and is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is $82 and the process is the same — you just select that option when you renew. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner.
If you are 65 or older, the renewal fee is $37 for a standard license or $47 for Real ID. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the cost and process are different — contact the Department of Licensing directly for CDL renewal information.
What to do if you need your license before it arrives
If you renew in person, you receive a temporary license when ready that is valid for 30 days. If you renew online or by mail, you do not get a temporary license, so your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. In most cases, your new license arrives within 7 to 10 business days, so you should not need to do anything else.
If you need a license urgently and cannot wait for mail delivery, renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. You will walk out with a temporary license the same day. If your old license is lost or stolen and you cannot renew in person right away, contact the Department of Licensing to report it and ask about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Washington license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you live outside Washington but still have a Washington license, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as anyone else. You do not need to be a resident to renew — you only need a valid payment method and your license information. If your address has changed to another state, update it during renewal.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal change, you cannot update it through online or mail renewal. You must go to a Department of Licensing office in person and bring a document that proves the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The renewal fee is the same.
Do I need a Real ID to renew my license?
No. A standard Washington driver's license is still valid for driving. Real ID is only required if you want to use your license for federal buildings or domestic flights. If you do not need it, a standard license renewal costs $72. If you want to add Real ID, it costs $82 and you can select that option during any renewal method.
What if I made a mistake on my online renewal process?
Contact the Department of Licensing as soon as you notice the error. If the mistake is minor and caught before your new license is printed, they may be able to correct it. If your new license has already been mailed with incorrect information, you will need to renew again in person to fix it. It is worth calling right away to ask.
How do I check the status of my renewal?
The Department of Licensing website has a status checker where you can enter your confirmation number (if you renewed online) or your license number to see where your process is in the process. If you renewed by mail or in person, you can also call the Department of Licensing customer service line to ask about your status.