Renewing Your Washington License: The Basic Steps

You can renew your Washington driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Most people renew online through the state's website — it takes about 10 minutes, costs $72 for a standard five-year renewal, and you'll receive your new license by mail within two weeks. If you can't renew online (because your license is expired by more than five years, or you need to update your address or name), you'll need to go in person or mail in a paper process.

Washington sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. That notice includes a renewal code you'll need if you choose to renew online. If you've moved and didn't receive the notice, you can still renew — you'll just need to provide your driver's license number and date of birth instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through dol.wa.gov takes 10 minutes and costs $72 for a five-year license, with delivery by mail in about two weeks.
  • You can renew by mail or in person if you've moved, changed your name, or your license has been expired for more than five years.
  • Your renewal notice arrives 60 days before expiration and includes a renewal code that makes online renewal faster.
  • Washington does not require a new photo or vision test for standard renewals unless your license is expired by more than five years.
  • If you renew online or by mail, your temporary license is valid when ready; your physical card arrives by mail.

Renewing Online: The Fastest Route

Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You'll need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the renewal code from your notice (or your Social Security number if you don't have the code). Answer a few questions about your address and whether anything on your license needs to change. The system will confirm your identity using information from your records.

Once you submit, you'll see a confirmation number on screen. Washington considers your license valid when ready for driving purposes — you can print a temporary license from the confirmation page if you need proof before your card arrives. Your physical license will be mailed to the address on file within 10 to 14 business days.

Online renewal works only if your license is current or expired by fewer than five years, and if you don't need to change your photo, address, or name. If any of those things have changed, you'll need to renew in person or by mail instead.

Renewing by Mail

Request a mail renewal form by calling the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900, or read the form from dol.wa.gov. Fill out the process, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address on the form. Include a check or money order for $72 (made payable to "Department of Licensing").

Mail renewal takes longer than online — typically three to four weeks from the time the department receives your process. Your temporary license is valid for driving as soon as the department processes your process, though you won't have proof of that until your new card arrives. If you need to change your address or name, include a document that shows the change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or utility bill with your new address).

Renewing in Person at a Department of Licensing Office

Walk into any Department of Licensing office with your current driver's license and payment ($72 cash, check, or card). You'll have your photo taken and your vision tested on the spot. The process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.

You'll receive a temporary license when ready that's valid for driving. Your physical license will be mailed to you within 10 to 14 business days. In-person renewal is the best choice if you need to change your photo, if your license is expired by more than five years, or if you want your new license the same day (as a temporary card).

Find your nearest office and check hours at dol.wa.gov. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online. Call ahead or check the website to confirm what your location requires.

When Your License Is Expired by More Than Five Years

If your Washington license has been expired for longer than five years, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster — you'll walk out with a temporary license and receive your new card by mail within two weeks.

For mail renewal with an expired license, follow the same process as a standard mail renewal, but be prepared for the process to take longer to process. The department may contact you to verify information before issuing your new license.

Changing Your Address, Name, or Photo During Renewal

If you've moved, changed your name, or want a new photo, you must renew in person or by mail — online renewal won't let you make these changes. For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license and a document showing your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) or new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You'll have your photo taken at the office.

For mail renewal with address or name changes, include a copy of the document that shows the change along with your process and current license. The department will process the change along with your renewal.

What Happens If Your License Expires Before You Renew

If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally if you have proof that you've submitted a renewal process. If you renewed online or by mail, print your confirmation page or keep the receipt from your mailed process. If you renewed in person, your temporary license serves as proof.

Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic stop and a ticket, so keep your proof of renewal with you. Once your new license arrives, the temporary proof is no longer needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Washington license if I live out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest and requires only your license number, date of birth, and renewal code. If you can't renew online, mail in your process with your current license and payment to the address on the form.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew?

You'll need to replace your license before you can renew it. Go to a Department of Licensing office with proof of identity (passport, state ID, or birth certificate) and pay the replacement fee. Once you have your license, you can renew it through any method.

Do I need a new vision test or photo for renewal?

Not for standard online or mail renewals. You'll need a new photo and vision test only if your license is expired by more than five years, or if you choose to renew in person. In-person renewal always includes a new photo and vision screening.

How much does it cost to renew in Washington?

A standard five-year renewal costs $72. If your license is expired by more than five years, you may pay a late fee in addition to the renewal fee. Payment methods vary by renewal type — online accepts cards, mail accepts checks or money orders, and in-person accepts cash, checks, or cards.

What if my renewal process is rejected?

The Department of Licensing will contact you by mail or phone to explain why and tell you what to do next. Common reasons include identity verification issues or incomplete information. You can call 360-902-3900 to ask about your process status or to correct any problems.