Renew your Washington driver's license online, by mail, or in person
Washington State lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at the Department of Licensing website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a licensing office. Which option you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how soon you need it, and whether you have a REAL ID-compliant license or a standard one. Most people renew online because it takes minutes and costs less than going to an office.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. Washington sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website is the fastest and cheapest option for most people and takes about 10 minutes.
- You must renew in person if your address has changed, your name has changed, you need a REAL ID for the first time, or your license is suspended or revoked.
- Mail renewal is available only if your current license is valid, you have not changed your address or name, and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade.
- The renewal fee is $72 for an eight-year license, and you can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check online.
- A renewed license takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail after you complete your renewal, whether you renew online or by mail.
Online renewal: fastest and cheapest
Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the main menu. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a payment method. The system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file. If everything matches, you can complete the renewal in about 10 minutes.
Online renewal costs $72 for an eight-year license. You pay when ready by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
You cannot renew online if your address has changed since your last license was issued, if your name has changed, if you are renewing for the first time after turning 18, if you need a REAL ID upgrade, or if your license is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. In any of those cases, you must renew in person.
In-person renewal at a licensing office
Visit any Department of Licensing office in Washington to renew in person. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. If your name or address has changed, bring documents that show the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change, and a utility bill or lease for an address change.
If you are renewing for the first time after turning 18, you will need to provide proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form) and proof of your date of birth (your birth certificate or passport). If you want a REAL ID-compliant license, bring your passport, passport card, birth certificate, or state ID card, plus proof of your address and Social Security number.
In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You pay $72 at the counter by cash, debit card, or credit card. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license until your new one arrives.
Department of Licensing offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and some locations have extended hours or Saturday hours. Check dol.wa.gov for the office nearest you and current hours before you go.
Mail renewal: only if nothing has changed
Mail renewal is the slowest option but works if your current license is valid, your address and name have not changed, and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade. Wait for your renewal notice from the Department of Licensing — it arrives about 60 days before your license expires — or call 360-902-3900 to request one.
Fill out the renewal notice, include a check or money order for $72 payable to "Department of Licensing," and mail it to the address printed on the notice. Do not send cash. Your renewed license will arrive by mail 7 to 10 business days after the Department receives your renewal. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan for two to three weeks total.
You can drive on your current license while you wait. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you are still legal to drive as long as you have proof that you mailed your renewal on time — keep a copy of the envelope or a receipt showing the mailing date.
REAL ID and license renewal
A REAL ID-compliant license has a star in the top right corner and meets federal standards for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. Washington began issuing REAL ID licenses in 2017, but not everyone has one yet. If your current license does not have a star, you have a standard license.
If you renew online or by mail and your current license is standard, your new license will also be standard. To upgrade to REAL ID during renewal, you must renew in person and bring your passport, passport card, birth certificate, or state ID card, plus proof of your address and Social Security number. The fee is still $72 — there is no extra charge for REAL ID.
You do not have to upgrade to REAL ID to renew your license. A standard Washington driver's license is valid for driving and most everyday uses. You only need REAL ID if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building that requires it.
What to do if your license is suspended or revoked
You cannot renew your license online or by mail if it is suspended or revoked. You must go to a Department of Licensing office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your address, and payment for the $72 renewal fee.
The licensing office will check your driving record and tell you whether your suspension or revocation can be lifted. If it can, you will pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your suspension or revocation cannot be lifted, the office will explain what you need to do to restore your driving privileges — this might include paying a reinstatement fee, completing a defensive driving course, or waiting out a suspension period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes. Washington allows you to renew up to one year after your license expires. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license instead of renewing. Go to a Department of Licensing office with proof of your identity, address, and Social Security number.
How long does it take to get my renewed license?
Your renewed license arrives by mail 7 to 10 business days after the Department processes your renewal. If you renew online or by mail, add time for postal delivery on both ends. If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What if I move to a different address before my renewed license arrives?
Contact the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 and give them your new address. They can update your mailing address so your license goes to the right place. You can also update your address online at dol.wa.gov if you have not yet renewed.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No. Online and mail renewals use your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo unless you are renewing within one year of your last in-person visit.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of your address, and payment. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.