Renew Your Spokane Driver's License at the Department of Licensing
Washington State's Department of Licensing (DOL) handles all driver's license renewals in Spokane. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes or violations since your last renewal. If you renew online, you will not need to visit an office or provide documents — the state will mail your new license to your address on file.
If you cannot renew online, you must go to a DOL office in person. Spokane County has two full-service DOL locations: one in downtown Spokane and one in Spokane Valley. Both offices handle renewals, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week. You can check current wait times on the DOL website before you go.
Your license must be renewed before it expires. Washington does not allow a grace period — an expired license is not valid for driving. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew it by mail or online; you must renew in person at a DOL office.
Key Takeaways
- Washington driver's licenses expire on your birthday, and you can renew up to one year before expiration through the DOL website, by mail, or in person.
- Online renewal takes about one week for your new license to arrive by mail and costs $72 for a standard four-year renewal.
- If your license has expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must visit a DOL office in person in Spokane or Spokane Valley.
- You will need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for in-person renewal if you have not renewed in Washington before.
- Spokane has two DOL offices with different hours; the downtown location typically has shorter wait times on weekday mornings.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Online renewal through the Washington DOL website is available if your license is not yet expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you have not changed your address since your last renewal. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The process takes about five minutes.
The renewal fee is $72 for a standard four-year license. You will pay by debit card or credit card during the online transaction. After you complete the renewal, the state will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes five to seven business days. Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives.
If you have changed your address, had a name change, or have not renewed in Washington for more than eight years, you cannot use online renewal. You must renew in person or by mail instead.
Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online
Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you meet the same conditions as online renewal. You will need to request a renewal form from the DOL by phone at 360-902-3900 or read the form from the DOL website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $72 to the address listed on the form.
Processing time for mail renewal is typically two to three weeks from the date the DOL receives your envelope. Your old license remains valid during this time. Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but does not require a trip to an office. If you use mail renewal, do not mail your license during the week before your birthday, because processing delays could result in your license expiring before the new one arrives.
In-Person Renewal at a Spokane DOL Office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, you have changed your address, you have a new name, or you have not renewed in Washington for more than eight years. Spokane has two DOL offices: the downtown Spokane office at 1000 W. Riverside Avenue and the Spokane Valley office at 15707 E. Indiana Avenue. Both offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The downtown office is typically less crowded on weekday mornings before 10:00 a.m.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The renewal fee is $72, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
In-person renewal is completed on the spot. You will have your photo taken and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. If you need to drive before your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is valid for all driving purposes.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number and last four digits of Social Security number | $72 | 5–7 business days |
| Current license, completed renewal form, check or money order | $72 | 2–3 weeks | |
| In-Person | Current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number | $72 | Same day (temporary license); 1–2 weeks (permanent) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not wait until your birthday to renew. If you renew online or by mail, processing delays could leave you without a valid license on your birthday. Renew at least two weeks before your expiration date. If you are renewing by mail, send your envelope at least three weeks early.
Do not assume your address on file is correct. If you have moved since your last renewal and did not update your address with the DOL, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DOL office and bring proof of your new address. If you mail your renewal form to an old address, it will be returned to you unprocessed, and you will lose time.
Do not bring an expired license to an in-person renewal. If your license has expired, bring a different form of identification, such as a passport or state ID card. The DOL will not accept an expired license as your primary ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No. Washington requires you to renew before your license expires. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must take the written test and driving test again, not just renew. You will need to contact the DOL office in Spokane to schedule a full licensing appointment.
What if I have a commercial driver's license?
Commercial driver's licenses (CDL) cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DOL office and bring your current CDL, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and a valid medical certificate. Processing is the same as standard license renewal, but you may need to retake the written test if your CDL has been expired.
How do I change my address during renewal?
If you are renewing in person, tell the DOL staff member your new address and bring proof of residency at that address. If you are renewing online or by mail, you cannot change your address at the same time. Update your address first by visiting a DOL office or calling 360-902-3900, then renew online or by mail.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DOL will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name on it.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Yes. Washington does not suspend renewal for unpaid traffic fines. However, if your license has been suspended for other reasons, such as unpaid child support or a DUI conviction, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the DOL to check your license status before you attempt to renew.