Renew Your Washington License Online, by Mail, or In Person
Washington allows you to renew your driver's license through three routes: online at dol.wa.gov, by mail using the renewal notice you receive, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office. You are may be able to access to renew by mail or online if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical conditions flagged on your record, and your name and address have not changed since your last renewal.
Your renewal timeline depends on which method you choose. Online renewal takes about one week for your new license to arrive by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a licensing office is fastest — you walk out with a temporary license and receive your permanent card within two weeks. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test and vision exam.
The renewal fee is $72 for a standard eight-year license. If you are 65 or older, the fee is $37 for a five-year license. Payment methods vary by renewal route: online accepts debit or credit card; mail requires a check or money order; in-person accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Key Takeaways
- Washington sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires; use that notice to renew by mail or bring it to an office for in-person renewal.
- Online renewal at dol.wa.gov is the fastest route if your license is current and your name and address have not changed.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a Department of Licensing office in person.
- The renewal fee is $72 for a standard eight-year license; seniors 65 and older pay $37 for a five-year license.
- You do not need a new photo unless you request one; Washington reuses your existing photo unless you have changed your appearance significantly or your photo is more than 12 years old.
Renewing Online Through the Washington Department of Licensing Website
Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the homepage. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your record. Answer the questions about any medical conditions, address changes, or name changes. If you answer yes to any medical question, you will be directed to renew in person instead.
Review your personal information on screen and correct any errors before submitting payment. You cannot change your address online; if your address has changed, you must renew by mail or in person. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one week. You can track your license status at dol.wa.gov using your confirmation number.
Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than five years. It is also not available if you need to update your photo, change your name, or add or remove endorsements (such as motorcycle or commercial driving privileges).
Renewing by Mail Using Your Renewal Notice
Washington mails a renewal notice to your address on file about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form on the back of the notice, sign it, and include a check or money order for $72 (or $37 if you are 65 or older). Do not send cash. Mail the envelope to the address printed on the notice.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Department of Licensing receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your renewal notice. If you have moved, update your address before mailing the renewal form, or the license will be sent to your old address. To update your address, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 or visit a licensing office in person.
Mail renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, if you have medical conditions on your record, or if your name or address has changed since your last renewal. If any of these explore, renew in person at a Department of Licensing office.
Renewing In Person at a Washington Licensing Office
Visit any Department of Licensing office with your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and payment. If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring your Social Security number or a document that displays it.
The office will take a new photo unless you request to keep your existing photo. You will pass a vision exam and answer medical history questions. If you fail the vision exam, you will be issued a license with vision restrictions. If you answer yes to any medical question, the examiner may require a medical report from your doctor before issuing your license.
After you pass the exam and pay the fee, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks. In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, if your name has changed, or if you are adding or removing endorsements.
What Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Payment Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last four digits of SSN, date of birth | Debit or credit card | 1 week |
| By Mail | Renewal notice, current license (optional but recommended) | Check or money order | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Current license, proof of residency, SSN or document with SSN, name change document (if applicable) | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card | Same day (temporary); 2 weeks (permanent) |
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Renewal
Sending cash by mail is the most common error. The Department of Licensing cannot process cash payments and will return your renewal form without processing it. Use a check or money order instead. If you mail your renewal and do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to confirm it was received.
Failing to update your address before renewing by mail will result in your new license being sent to your old address. If you have moved, call 360-902-3900 or visit a licensing office to update your address before mailing your renewal form. Attempting to renew online when your license expired more than five years ago will result in an error message; you must renew in person instead.
If your name has changed and you try to renew online or by mail, the system will reject your request. Bring a certified copy of your name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to a licensing office and renew in person. Do not attempt to renew with your old name and update it later — the license will be issued in your old name and cannot be corrected without a new renewal.
Renewing When Your License Is Expired or Suspended
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can still renew using any of the three methods. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. You will be required to retake the written knowledge test and pass a vision exam. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency, and payment.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are required to restore it. Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or failure to appear in court. Once the underlying issue is resolved, you can renew in person.
If you have an outstanding warrant or criminal charge, the Department of Licensing may refuse to renew your license. Contact the court or the Department of Licensing to clarify your status before attempting to renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Washington license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail as long as your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical conditions flagged on your record. If you must renew in person, you can visit any Department of Licensing office in Washington, or you can request a renewal by mail by calling 360-902-3900.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No, unless you request one or your photo is more than 12 years old. Washington reuses your existing photo. If you want a new photo, tell the staff when you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo automatically.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
You can still renew online at dol.wa.gov or in person at a licensing office. You do not need the physical notice. If you want to renew by mail, call 360-902-3900 and request a replacement renewal notice to be mailed to you.
How long is my temporary license valid?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within two weeks. If it does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not extend your license expiration date — your new license will expire eight years from your current expiration date, not eight years from the renewal date.