Renew Your Washington License Online, by Mail, or In Person
Washington State lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at dol.wa.gov, by mail using a renewal notice, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how close you are to expiration, and whether you need to update your address or photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Washington sends a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before expiration. You do not have to wait for that notice to start the process, but having it makes renewal faster because it contains your renewal code.
The state charges $79 for an eight-year renewal. If you renew early — up to one year before expiration — you pay the same fee, but your new expiration date is eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your old expiration date. This means you lose the remaining time on your current license.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal at dol.wa.gov is the fastest option and works for most people whose licenses are not suspended and whose addresses have not changed.
- You need your renewal code (from your notice in the mail) or your license number and date of birth to start an online renewal.
- Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the Department receives your packet, so send it at least three weeks before expiration.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office is required only if your license is suspended, you need a new photo, or you are changing your address and cannot do it online.
- Washington does not issue temporary licenses during renewal, so plan ahead if you need your license for travel or identification.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your License" under the Driver License section. You will need your renewal code (printed on the notice the state mailed you) or your Washington license number and date of birth. Have a valid payment method ready — the state accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
The online system will ask you to confirm your address, emergency contact, and organ donor status. If your address has changed, you can update it during this step. You cannot change your name, date of birth, or sex marker online; those changes require an in-person visit. After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number by email.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Washington does not issue a temporary paper license, so if you need to drive before your new card arrives, you must carry your old license and your confirmation email or receipt.
Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to renew online, use the renewal notice the state mailed you. The notice includes a postage-paid envelope and a form you fill out by hand. Sign the form, include your $79 payment (check or money order only — the state does not accept credit cards by mail), and mail the packet back in the envelope provided.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after the Department receives your packet. Because mail delivery is not when ready, send your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires. If your renewal notice is lost or you cannot find it, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to request a replacement notice or to renew by phone using your license number and date of birth.
You cannot update your address by mail. If your address has changed, you must renew online or in person. Renewing by mail with an outdated address means your new license will be mailed to the old address, and you will have to contact the Department to request a replacement.
In-Person Renewal at a Department of Licensing Office
Visit a Department of Licensing office if your license is suspended, you need a new photo, you are changing your name or sex marker, or you cannot renew online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of Washington residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and $79 in cash, check, or card. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
The Department has offices in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, and Olympia, plus several smaller locations. Hours vary by office. You can check wait times and book an appointment online at dol.wa.gov. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first.
In-person renewal is usually completed the same day. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the office for a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license online or by mail. You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person. The office will check your driving record and tell you what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation before a new license can be issued.
Suspensions in Washington are usually tied to unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or failure to maintain insurance. Revocations are more serious and typically result from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points. The Department's website lists the reason for your suspension or revocation if you log into your account or call 360-902-3900.
Do not wait until your license expires to address a suspension. If your license is suspended when it expires, you cannot renew it, and you will need to resolve the suspension first. This can take weeks or months depending on the reason.
Renewing Before Expiration and Early Renewal Penalties
Washington allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. However, renewing early has a cost: your new expiration date will be eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your old expiration date. This means you lose the remaining time on your current license and cannot get a refund.
For example, if your license expires in six months and you renew now, you will pay $79 for a new license that expires eight years from today, not in six months plus eight years. Renew early only if you need a new photo, are changing your address, or have a specific reason to do so. Otherwise, wait until you receive your renewal notice.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is waiting until the last week before expiration to renew by mail. Mail takes time to reach the Department, and processing takes another 7 to 10 business days. If your renewal packet arrives after your license has expired, the Department will still process it, but you cannot legally drive with an expired license in the meantime. Send mail renewals at least three weeks early.
Another mistake is renewing online with an outdated address. If you moved and do not update your address during online renewal, your new license will be mailed to your old address, and you will have to request a replacement. Check your address carefully before you submit payment.
Do not assume you can drive on your old license while waiting for your new one. Washington does not issue temporary licenses during renewal. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, carry your old license and your confirmation email or receipt from online renewal, though this is not a legal substitute for a valid license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license, not a renewal. This requires an in-person visit to a Department of Licensing office, a written test, and a driving test. Contact the Department at 360-902-3900 or visit dol.wa.gov for the full list of requirements.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 and request a replacement notice, or renew online using your license number and date of birth instead of your renewal code. You can also visit a Department office in person to renew.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No. Washington renews your license with your existing photo unless you request a new one or your license is more than 16 years old. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Department office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete the online renewal. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, but the physical card takes about one to two weeks depending on mail delivery.
What if my address changed after I renewed by mail?
Contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 or visit dol.wa.gov to update your address before your new license is mailed. If your new license arrives at your old address, you can request a replacement with your new address, though this may take additional time.