Washington Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person
Washington lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or at a Department of Licensing office — and which route you take depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. If your license is not yet expired, you can renew online or by mail in about 15 minutes. If it has already expired, you must renew in person at a DOL office and bring documents to prove your identity and residency.
Washington sends renewal notices to your mailing address about 30 days before your license expires. That notice includes a barcode and instructions for online renewal. Even without the notice, you can start an online renewal at dol.wa.gov as long as your license has not been expired for more than five years.
Your Washington license is valid for eight years if you are 21 or older, or five years if you are under 21. Renewal costs $79 for an eight-year license and $54 for a five-year license (if you are renewing before age 21). You pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check during the online or mail process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at dol.wa.gov takes about 15 minutes and works as long as your license has not expired or has been expired for fewer than five years.
- Mail renewal requires you to send in your renewal notice, a check or money order, and a new photo; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, and you must bring a photo ID and proof of residency.
- Washington licenses are valid for eight years (or five years if you are under 21), and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Online renewal is the quickest option and works from your computer or phone. Go to dol.wa.gov, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. You will need to upload a new photo (a recent color photo of your face, taken against a plain background) or use the photo from your current license if it is still acceptable to you.
After you upload your photo and review your information, you pay the renewal fee by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Washington will email you a confirmation, and your new license ships within 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can drive legally during that time.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have an outstanding traffic ticket or court order, or if your address or name has changed and you have not updated it with the Department of Licensing. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.
Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online
Mail renewal works if your license has not expired or has been expired for fewer than five years. You will need your renewal notice (the form Washington mailed you), a new photo, and a check or money order for the renewal fee. If you did not receive a notice, you can request one by calling the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900.
Mail your renewal notice, photo, and payment to the address printed on the notice. Include a new color photo of your face (at least 2 inches by 2 inches, taken against a plain background). Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Department of Licensing receives your envelope. Your current license stays valid during that time.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works if you do not have a scanner or camera, or if you prefer not to upload a photo online. It is also the only option if you do not have a debit or credit card and cannot pay electronically.
In-Person Renewal at a DOL Office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if your name or address changed and you have not updated it, or if you have an outstanding traffic ticket or court order. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your photo, address, or name on your license.
Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if that is all you have), a photo ID such as a passport or state ID, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The Department of Licensing office will take a new photo of you during your visit.
Wait times at DOL offices vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times and book an appointment online at dol.wa.gov. Appointments are free and often cut your wait time in half. If you walk in without an appointment, expect to wait 30 minutes to two hours depending on the office.
What Happens If Your License Has Expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew online or by mail using the same process as above. Your new license will be valid for eight years (or five years if you are under 21) from the date you renew, not from the date it originally expired.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a Department of Licensing office in person with your expired license, a photo ID, and proof of your current address. The office will take a new photo and issue you a new license on the spot or mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Washington, even if you have already started the renewal process. If you are pulled over, you can show the officer your renewal confirmation email or receipt, but that does not prevent a ticket. Renew as soon as you notice your license is about to expire.
Changing Your Name, Address, or Photo
If your name changed (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), you must renew in person at a DOL office. Bring your current license, a photo ID, and a document that proves your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will take a new photo during your visit.
If you only want to change your address, you can do that online at dol.wa.gov without renewing your license — but if your license is expiring soon, it makes sense to renew and update your address at the same time. If you are renewing by mail and want to change your address, write your new address clearly on the renewal notice before you mail it in.
If you want a new photo but your license is not expiring for several years, you can request a replacement license with a new photo at any DOL office. There is a fee for this service, and it takes 7 to 10 business days to receive your new license by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Washington license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are traveling or want to avoid a last-minute rush. Online and mail renewal both work for licenses that have not yet expired.
What if I moved out of Washington but still have a Washington license?
You should get a license from your new state. If you still have a valid Washington license and are visiting Washington, you can drive on it. If you want to renew it while living out of state, you can renew online or by mail as long as it has not been expired for more than five years.
How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?
Online renewals ship within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the date the Department of Licensing receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time. In-person renewals can be issued on the spot or mailed within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 and ask them to mail you a new notice, or start an online renewal at dol.wa.gov using your driver's license number and date of birth. You do not need the notice to renew online.
Can I renew if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
No. You must resolve the ticket or court order before you can renew online or by mail. You can renew in person at a DOL office, but the office will flag your account and may not issue your license until the ticket is resolved. Contact the court listed on your ticket to find out how to resolve it.