Renewing Your Washington License: The Basic Path

You can renew your Washington driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing (DOL) office. Most people renew online through the state's website — it takes about 10 minutes, costs $72 for an eight-year license, and your new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired more than five years, you have not had any address changes you have not reported, and you do not need to update your photo.

If you cannot renew online — because your license is too old, you need a new photo, or you want to change your name or address — you will renew by mail or in person. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a DOL office is fastest if you need your license the same day, though wait times vary by location.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Washington DOL website is available if your license expired within the last five years and you do not need a photo update or name change.
  • Your new license costs $72 for eight years and arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you renew online.
  • If you cannot renew online, you can mail your process and old license to the DOL, or visit a local office in person for same-day service.
  • You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.

Renewing Online Through the Washington DOL Website

Go to dol.wa.gov and select the option to renew your driver's license. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the $72 renewal fee. The system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file. If everything is correct, you can complete the renewal in one session.

After you submit your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your old license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, contact the DOL to check the status.

Renewing by Mail

To renew by mail, read the Driver License Renewal process (form DL 44) from the DOL website or request one by phone at 360-902-3900. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license to the address listed on the form. Include a check or money order for $72 made out to the Department of Licensing.

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DOL receives your process. There is no way to track your process by mail, so if you do not receive your new license within three weeks, call the DOL to confirm they received it. If your mail gets lost, you may need to resubmit or visit an office in person.

Renewing in Person at a DOL Office

Visit any Department of Licensing office with your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and $72 in cash or card payment. Bring proof of your current address if you have moved since your last license was issued — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

You will have your photo taken at the office, and your new license will be printed on the spot. You can drive home with it when ready. Wait times vary — some offices are busy during lunch hours and after work, so arriving early in the morning or mid-afternoon often means a shorter wait. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can check the DOL website to see current wait times at your local office.

When You Cannot Renew Online

You must renew in person or by mail if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to update your photo, if you are changing your name, or if you have an address the DOL does not have on file. You also cannot renew online if you have an outstanding ticket, warrant, or suspension — the system will tell you if this applies to you.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at all until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DOL or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do to restore your driving privileges. Once that is resolved, you can renew through any of the three methods above.

What Happens to Your Old License

If you renew online or by mail, your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one — cut it up or shred it so it cannot be used. If you renew in person, the office will take your old license and destroy it, so you will leave with only your new one.

Do not throw your old license in the trash intact. Your license number and personal information are on it, and identity theft is a real risk. Shredding or cutting it into pieces takes 30 seconds and is the safest approach.

License Renewal Fees and Payment

A standard eight-year Washington driver's license renewal costs $72. This is the fee for most drivers. If you are 65 or older, your renewal costs $37 for an eight-year license. If you are renewing online or by mail, you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check (mail only). In-person renewal accepts cash, card, and check.

The fee covers the license itself and the processing. There are no additional hidden fees. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license before your renewal date, that costs $20 and is a separate transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

Yes. You can renew online if it expired within the last five years. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person or by mail. An expired license is still valid for renewal purposes — you are not driving illegally just because you are renewing a license that has passed its expiration date.

How long is my new license valid?

Your new Washington driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before it expires, reminding you to renew. You do not have to wait until it expires to renew — you can renew up to one year early if you want to.

What if I moved and have not updated my address with the DOL?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. You must renew in person or by mail and bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days). The DOL will update your address during the renewal process.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Most Washington DOL offices do not require appointments for license renewal. You can walk in during business hours. However, some offices offer appointment slots during busy times. Check the DOL website for your local office to see if appointments are available and what the current wait time is.

What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?

You cannot renew online if you do not have your current license number. You must renew in person or by mail. If you are renewing in person, bring your proof of Social Security number and address. The office will issue you a new license with a new number. If you are renewing by mail, call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to get your license number before you submit your process.