Washington License Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Washington driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. The online option is fastest and costs the least — it takes about 10 minutes and you pay only the renewal fee with no service charge. By mail takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is necessary only if you need to update your photo, address, or name, or if you have not renewed online before.
Washington issues licenses valid for 8 years for people under 70, and 5 years for people 70 and older. You can renew up to 1 year before your expiration date. The state will mail you a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it to start the process.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Washington Department of Licensing website costs $84 for a standard 8-year license and takes about 10 minutes.
- You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than 3 years, if you need a new photo, or if you are renewing for the first time online.
- Mail renewal requires you to submit a completed form, your current license, and payment by check or money order, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
- Washington does not require a vision test for online or mail renewal unless you report a vision change or your last exam was more than 5 years ago.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days of approval for online renewal, or 2 to 3 weeks for mail renewal.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Online renewal is the quickest and cheapest option if your license is still valid and you have not renewed online before. Go to the Washington Department of Licensing website, select "Renew a Driver License or Instruction Permit," and enter your driver's license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your personal information, address, and emergency contact.
You will need to pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The cost is $84 for a standard 8-year license, $52 for a 5-year license (if you are 70 or older), or $42 for a 4-year license (if you are a military member). Once you submit payment, your renewal is complete. Washington will mail your new license within 7 to 10 business days.
You cannot renew online if your license expired more than 3 years ago, if you need to change your photo, if you have not renewed online before, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL). In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Go Online
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. read or request the process for Driver License or Instruction Permit (form DL 44) from the Washington Department of Licensing website. Fill out the form, sign it, and include your current driver's license (front and back copy, or the original if you are comfortable mailing it).
Mail your completed form, license copy, and payment to the address listed on the form. Payment must be by check or money order made out to "Washington State Department of Licensing." Include the renewal fee: $84 for 8 years, $52 for 5 years, or $42 for 4 years. Mail processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the department receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to you after approval.
Keep a copy of everything you mail, and consider using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof the department received it. If your mail renewal is lost in transit, the department may not be able to locate it without that proof.
In-Person Renewal at a Department of Licensing Office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than 3 years ago, if you need a new photo, if you are changing your name or address and want it updated on your license, or if you are renewing for the first time and have never used online renewal before. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
Find your nearest Department of Licensing office on the state website and check their hours. Many offices now require you to book an appointment online before you arrive. Bring payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The renewal fee is $84 for 8 years, $52 for 5 years, or $42 for 4 years. You will have your photo taken at the office, and your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
Wait times at offices vary widely by location and time of day. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday morning usually means shorter waits than afternoons or Saturdays.
Vision Testing and Medical Reporting
Washington does not require a vision test for online or mail renewal unless you report a vision change or your last eye exam was more than 5 years ago. If either is true, you must renew in person or provide a vision test report from an eye care professional.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving — such as seizures, diabetes, or sleep apnea — you may be required to submit a medical report from your doctor. The Department of Licensing will notify you if this applies to your renewal. Do not delay; failure to submit required medical documentation can result in your license being suspended.
What Happens If Your License Expires
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Washington, even if you have started the renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process (a confirmation email from online renewal, or a receipt from mail renewal), and that may help, but it does not may provide you will not be cited.
If your license expired more than 3 years ago, you cannot renew it by mail or online — you must go to a Department of Licensing office in person. The office will treat your renewal as a new process, which means you will need to pass a written test and a driving test, not just renew your existing license. This is why it is important to renew before your license expires.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is waiting until your license expires to start renewal. You can renew up to 1 year early, and doing so avoids the risk of accidentally driving with an expired license. The second mistake is mailing your original license instead of a copy. If your mail is lost, you lose your only proof of identity and cannot get a replacement quickly.
A third mistake is not updating your address when you renew. If you moved and your license still shows your old address, you may have trouble using it for identification purposes. If you are renewing online or by mail and your address changed, you must renew in person instead.
Finally, do not ignore a notice from the Department of Licensing about medical reporting or vision testing. These are not optional, and ignoring them can result in your license being suspended even if you paid your renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
Yes. Online renewal works from anywhere, and mail renewal also works if you are out of state. You will need to provide a mailing address where you want your new license sent. If you need to renew in person, you can do so at any Washington Department of Licensing office, even if you are temporarily out of state.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You must renew in person. Bring proof of your identity (passport, state ID, or other government-issued ID), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The office will issue a replacement license and process your renewal in one visit.
Do I need to take a new photo if I renew online or by mail?
No. Your current photo will be used on your new license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from approval. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the department receives your process. In-person renewal also takes 7 to 10 business days for mailing, but you can request a temporary paper license at the office to use while you wait.
What if my renewal process is rejected?
The Department of Licensing will mail you a notice explaining why. Common reasons include missing information, an incorrect payment amount, or a medical issue that requires documentation. Follow the instructions in the notice to correct the problem and resubmit.