How to Renew Your Washington Driver's License

Washington driver's license renewal through the Department of Licensing

Washington's Department of Licensing (DOL) handles all driver's license renewals. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. Most people renew online if their license is not suspended, they have not had a name change, and their address is current. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for a standard eight-year license.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Washington sends you a renewal notice about 90 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it to start the renewal process. You can renew up to one year early. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but you cannot renew online.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the DOL website takes about 10 minutes and costs $72 for a standard eight-year license if you meet basic requirements.
You must renew in person if your license is suspended, you have changed your name, or you need to update your address to a new state.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DOL office.
Washington accepts Real ID compliant licenses, which allow you to use your license for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights, but the standard license works for driving.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.

Online renewal: the fastest option for most drivers

To renew online, go to the Washington DOL website and select the renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against state records and show you the renewal fee before you pay.

Online renewal is available only if your license is valid or expired less than five years ago, you have no address changes to make, and your license is not suspended or revoked. If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person instead.

After you complete online renewal, the DOL mails your new license to the address on file. Standard delivery takes about two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal: when you need more time

To renew by mail, read or request the Driver License/Identicard process form (DL 44) from the DOL website or call 360-902-3900. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $72 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DOL receives your envelope. The DOL does not send a receipt, so keep a copy of the form and your payment record. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, call the DOL to check the status.

Use mail renewal if your license has expired, you need to change your address, or you prefer not to renew online. You can also use mail renewal if you are out of state and cannot visit a DOL office in person.

In-person renewal at a DOL office

Visit any Washington DOL office with your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment of $72. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if you have changed your name since your last license was issued.

In-person renewal is required if your license is suspended or revoked, you have changed your name, your license expired more than five years ago, or you want to upgrade to a Real ID compliant license. The DOL will take a new photo and issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within two weeks, depending on the office and the type of license.

Wait times at DOL offices vary by location and time of day. Call ahead or check the DOL website to see current wait times at your nearest office. Some offices accept online appointments, which can reduce your wait time significantly.

Real ID versus standard license: what you need to know

Washington offers both a standard driver's license and a Real ID compliant license. The Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and costs the same as a standard license ($72). You can use a Real ID license to board domestic flights, enter federal buildings, and access military bases without a passport.

A standard Washington driver's license is still valid for driving and for most everyday purposes. You do not need a Real ID license unless you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal facility. If you want to upgrade to Real ID during renewal, you must renew in person and bring additional documents: a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency.

If you already have a Real ID license, your renewal will automatically be Real ID unless you choose otherwise. If you have a standard license and want to keep it standard, you can renew online, by mail, or in person without providing extra documents.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DOL office in person. The DOL will tell you the reason for the suspension or revocation and what you must do to clear it before you can renew.

Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, or medical conditions reported to the DOL. If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or court costs, you must pay those before the DOL will renew your license. If it is due to a medical condition, you may need to provide a doctor's statement saying you are fit to drive.

Contact the DOL before you visit an office to find out what documents you need to bring. This will save you a trip if you are missing something required to clear the suspension.

Renewing after a name change

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person at a DOL office. Bring your current license, a document showing your legal name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The DOL will update your name in the system and issue a new license with your current name.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed, because the DOL must verify the name change document in person. Plan to visit an office during business hours and bring all required documents to avoid making a second trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Washington license if I live out of state now?

Yes. You can renew by mail if you are out of state. read the DL 44 form from the DOL website, fill it out, sign it, and mail it with your current license and payment to the address on the form. Your new license will be mailed to your current address. If you have moved to another state and want to change your address, you must renew in person at a Washington DOL office or contact the DOL to update your address before renewing by mail.

What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for the new one?

You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for your renewal to arrive, even if it expires during that time. Keep proof that you have renewed (a confirmation email from online renewal or a copy of your mailed form) in case you are stopped by police. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid.

Do I need to take a new photo or retake the written test when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail and your license is not suspended, you do not need to retake the written test or take a new photo. If you renew in person, the DOL will take a new photo. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test.

How much does it cost to renew a Washington driver's license?

A standard eight-year license costs $72. A Real ID compliant license also costs $72. If you are renewing early (more than one year before expiration), the fee may be prorated. Check the DOL website or call 360-902-3900 for the exact fee based on your renewal date.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

If you have unpaid traffic fines or court costs, your license may be suspended and you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DOL office in person. Contact the DOL or the court that issued the ticket to find out the amount owed and how to pay it. Once you pay, the DOL can renew your license.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.