Washington lets you renew online if you meet basic requirements
You can renew your Washington driver's license online through the Department of Licensing website if your license is not suspended, you have not had a name change since your last renewal, and your vision and medical status have not changed. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $72 for a standard five-year renewal, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online route. If your license is suspended, expired for more than five years, or you need to update your address, name, or medical information, you must renew in person at a licensing office or through the mail. The online option exists specifically for straightforward renewals where nothing about your record or circumstances has changed.
Key Takeaways
- Washington's online renewal works only if your license is valid, unsuspended, and you have not changed your name or medical status since the last renewal.
- The online process costs $72 for a five-year renewal and takes about 10 minutes to complete on the Department of Licensing website.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up in person from an online renewal.
- If your license is suspended, expired more than five years ago, or you need to change your address or name, you must renew in person or by mail instead.
- You will need your current Washington driver's license number, date of birth, and a payment method (debit or credit card) to start the online renewal.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Have your current Washington driver's license in front of you. You will need your license number and the date of birth printed on it. The Department of Licensing uses these to verify your identity and pull up your record.
You also need a debit or credit card to pay the $72 renewal fee. Washington does not accept checks, money orders, or other payment methods for online renewals. If you do not have a card, you can renew by mail or in person at a licensing office instead.
Before you begin, check that your address on file is still correct. If you have moved since your last renewal, you cannot complete the online renewal—you must go to a licensing office or use the mail-in option to update your address at the same time.
Step-by-step: completing your renewal on the Department of Licensing website
Go to dol.wa.gov and look for the "Renew Your License" option on the homepage. Click on it and select "Renew Online." You will be taken to a login page where you enter your driver's license number and date of birth.
The system will pull up your record and show you the information on file: your name, address, and medical status. Review it carefully. If anything is wrong—your address, name, or any other detail—stop here and do not proceed. You will need to renew in person or by mail to make corrections.
If everything matches, you will answer a few questions about your vision and medical history. These are straightforward yes-or-no questions. Answer honestly; lying on these questions can result in your license being suspended later if you are involved in an accident or traffic stop.
Next, you will enter your payment information and confirm your renewal. The system will show you a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot. You will receive a confirmation email at the address on file, but the confirmation number is your proof that the renewal went through.
When your new license will arrive and what to do while you wait
Your new license is mailed to the address on file with the Department of Licensing. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete the online renewal. If you live outside Washington state, allow extra time for mail delivery.
While you wait, your old license remains valid. You can continue to drive and use it as identification. You do not need to request a temporary license or do anything else—just wait for the new one to arrive.
If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900. Have your confirmation number ready. They can check the status of your renewal and remail it if there was a delivery problem.
Reasons you cannot renew online and what to do instead
Your license is suspended or revoked. Online renewal is not available if your license has been suspended for unpaid tickets, DUI, or other violations. You must resolve the suspension first by paying fines, completing required programs, or meeting other conditions set by the court or Department of Licensing. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew online or in person.
Your license expired more than five years ago. Washington only allows online renewal for licenses that are still valid or expired less than five years. If your license has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at a licensing office. Bring your old license, proof of residency, and proof of identity.
You have changed your name since your last renewal. If you married, divorced, or legally changed your name, you cannot renew online. You must go to a licensing office in person and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The office will update your record and issue a new license.
Your address has changed. If you moved and your address on file is no longer correct, you cannot complete the online renewal. You can renew by mail by printing the DL 43 form from the Department of Licensing website, filling it out with your new address, and mailing it with a check or money order. Or go to a licensing office in person to update your address and renew at the same time.
Your vision or medical status has changed. If you have had eye surgery, been diagnosed with a condition that affects your ability to drive, or started taking medication that impairs driving, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person so a licensing office can review your medical history and possibly require a vision test or medical evaluation.
How online renewal compares to in-person and mail renewal
| Method | Time to Complete | Cost | When You Get Your License | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online | 10 minutes | $72 | 7–10 business days by mail | No changes to name, address, or medical status; valid, unsuspended license |
| In Person | 30 minutes to 2 hours (depending on wait time) | $72 | Same day or within a few days | Name or address changes; suspended license; vision or medical updates needed |
| By Mail | 10 minutes to fill out form | $72 | 2–3 weeks | Address changes; no access to a licensing office; prefer not to go in person |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is about to expire but has not expired yet?
Yes. Washington allows online renewal as long as your license is still valid. You do not have to wait until it expires. In fact, renewing early is a good idea because it takes 7 to 10 business days to receive your new license by mail.
What if I entered the wrong information during my online renewal?
Contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 with your confirmation number as soon as possible. If the error is minor (like a typo in your address), they may be able to correct it before your license is printed. If the error is significant, you may need to cancel the renewal and start over or renew in person.
Do I need to bring my old license with me if I renew online?
No. You only need your license number and date of birth to start the online renewal. You do not mail in your old license or bring it anywhere. Keep it until your new one arrives, then you can destroy it or keep it as a record.
Can I renew online if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
It depends. If your license is suspended because of an unpaid ticket, you cannot renew online. If you have a ticket but your license is not suspended, you can renew online, but you should pay the ticket to avoid future suspension. Contact the court or the Department of Licensing if you are unsure whether your license is suspended.
What happens if my new license arrives damaged or with wrong information?
Contact the Department of Licensing when ready at 360-902-3900. They can reissue your license at no charge if it arrived damaged or with errors they made. If the error was something you entered during the online renewal, they may charge a reissuance fee.