Renew Your Washington License Online, by Mail, or In Person
Washington State allows you to renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the Department of Licensing website, by mail, or in person at a local office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online because it takes 10 minutes and costs less than the other methods.
Your Washington license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew it up to one year before it expires. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must explore in person and retake the written test and vision screening.
The renewal fee is $82 for an eight-year standard license. If you renew online or by mail without a new photo, the fee is $72. These fees do not include any endorsement upgrades (such as a motorcycle endorsement) or name-change processing, which carry separate costs.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $72 if you keep your current photo, and is available up to one year before your license expires.
- You need a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online; Washington does not accept checks or cash through the mail.
- If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office and pass the written and vision tests again.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license and a check or money order to the Department of Licensing.
- In-person renewal at a local office takes about 30 minutes and is required if you want a new photo, have a name change, or your license is severely expired.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Washington driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid debit or credit card. The system will verify your identity and pull up your current license information.
Online renewal keeps your existing photo on file. If you want a new photo, you cannot renew online — you must go in person. The same applies if you have changed your name, need to add or remove an endorsement, or want to change your address beyond what you can update online.
After you complete the online form and pay the $72 fee, the Department of Licensing will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 10 to 15 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives, even after your expiration date, as long as you have proof of your online renewal (a confirmation email or receipt).
Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online
Mail renewal is available only if your license is not expired or has been expired for fewer than five years. You cannot renew by mail if you need a new photo, have changed your name, or want to add an endorsement.
Request a renewal form by calling the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 or by visiting a local office. You can also read the form from dol.wa.gov. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with your current license and a check or money order for $82 (or $72 if you are keeping your photo) to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Department receives your envelope. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving with an expired license. Keep a copy of your check or money order receipt as proof of your renewal until your new license arrives.
In-Person Renewal at a Local Office
Visit any Department of Licensing office to renew in person. You will need your current Washington driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring a debit or credit card to pay the $82 fee.
In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, you want a new photo, you have changed your name, or you need to add or remove an endorsement. You will be asked to take a new photo and pass a vision screening. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will also retake the written knowledge test.
Bring your documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted for proof of address or Social Security number. Processing takes about 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
What Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Required Documents | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last four digits of SSN, valid debit or credit card | $72 (no new photo) | 10–15 business days |
| Current license, completed form, check or money order | $82 | 2–3 weeks | |
| In Person | Current license, proof of SSN, proof of address, debit or credit card | $82 | 30 minutes (temporary license issued same day) |
Common Mistakes That Delay Your Renewal
The most frequent error is waiting until your license has already expired to renew by mail. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks, and if your license is already expired when you mail the form, you are driving illegally. Renew at least three weeks before your expiration date if you choose the mail route.
A second mistake is sending cash through the mail. The Department of Licensing does not accept cash for mail renewals — only checks or money orders. If you send cash, your renewal will be returned and you will have to resubmit.
A third mistake is not keeping proof of your online renewal. After you complete an online renewal, save or print your confirmation email. If you are stopped by police before your new license arrives, this email proves you have renewed and are not driving with an expired license.
Finally, do not assume your address is current in the system. If you have moved recently, update your address before you renew online, or bring proof of your new address if you renew in person. If your address is wrong, your new license will be mailed to the old address and you will not receive it.
Finding a Department of Licensing Office Near You
Washington has 34 Department of Licensing offices statewide. Use the office locator at dol.wa.gov to find the one closest to you, check its hours, and see current wait times. Many offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some have extended hours or Saturday appointments.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma tend to have longer waits during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you can visit early in the morning or mid-week, you will usually wait less than 30 minutes. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No, not by mail or online. You must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. You will need to retake the written knowledge test and vision screening, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
What if I want a new photo but do not want to go to an office?
You cannot get a new photo through online or mail renewal. You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person. The office will take your new photo as part of the renewal process, and you will receive a temporary license the same day.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Yes. Washington does not suspend your license for unpaid traffic fines during the renewal process. However, if your license has been suspended for other reasons (such as a DUI conviction or failure to pay child support), you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Department of Licensing to check your suspension status.
How long can I drive after my license expires if I have renewed online?
You can drive on an expired license as long as you have proof of your online renewal (your confirmation email or receipt) until your new license arrives. Once your new license is in your possession, you must use that. If you are stopped by police, show them your proof of renewal along with your expired license.
What if my new license does not arrive within 15 business days?
Contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to report the delay. Have your confirmation number or receipt ready. They can check the status of your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. There is no additional fee for a reissue.