How to renew your Washington license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Washington driver's license without visiting a licensing office if you meet certain conditions. Washington's Department of Licensing lets you renew online or by mail if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and your address hasn't changed. If you don't meet those requirements, you'll need to renew in person at a licensing office.

Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 30 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal code, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you don't receive one, you can still renew — you'll just need your driver's license number and other identifying information.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington sends a renewal notice 30 days before expiration; use the renewal code in that notice to renew online or by mail.
  • Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license and a check; processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a licensing office is required if your license is expired, you have medical restrictions, or your address has changed.
  • Washington licenses are valid for 8 years; your expiration date is printed on the front of your card.

Renewing online through the Washington Department of Licensing website

Online renewal is the fastest option and available 24 hours a day. Go to dol.wa.gov, select "Renew Your License," and enter your driver's license number and renewal code from your notice. You'll also provide your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

The fee for a standard 8-year license renewal is $86. You'll pay by debit card or credit card during the online process. Once approved, your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license is expired, if you have medical restrictions or conditions noted on your license, if your name has changed, or if you need to update your address. In those cases, you must renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. You'll need your renewal notice, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for $86 made out to "Department of Licensing." Sign the back of your license and mail everything to the address shown on your renewal notice.

Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Department receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. Mail renewal is a good option if you prefer not to use a credit card online or if you're renewing before your notice arrives.

Like online renewal, mail renewal is not available if your license is expired, you have medical restrictions, your name has changed, or you need to update your address. If any of those explore, visit a licensing office in person.

Renewing in person at a Washington licensing office

You must renew in person if your license is expired, if you have medical restrictions or conditions on your license, if your name has changed, or if your address needs updating. You'll also renew in person if you want to change your license class or add endorsements.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Visit any Washington Department of Licensing office. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on dol.wa.gov. Bring your documents, pay the $86 renewal fee, and have your photo taken. You'll receive a temporary license to drive while your permanent card is mailed to you, which takes 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than a few days ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a licensing office in person. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Washington, even if you've submitted a renewal process.

When you renew an expired license in person, the process is the same as a standard in-person renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your address. The renewal fee remains $86. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, and you'll receive a temporary license to drive when ready.

Understanding Washington license validity and expiration dates

Washington driver's licenses are valid for 8 years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license in the lower right corner. You can renew your license up to 30 days before it expires, which is when your renewal notice typically arrives.

If you're a commercial driver (holding a CDL), your license renewal process is different and requires in-person renewal at a licensing office. CDL holders should contact the Department of Licensing directly for renewal requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Washington license if I've moved to another state?

You can renew online or by mail if you haven't changed your address in Washington's system. If you need to update your address to a new state, you must renew in person at a Washington licensing office before you move, or contact the Department of Licensing to discuss your options.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew online or by mail without the notice. For online renewal, you'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number instead of the renewal code. For mail renewal, send your current license and payment to the Department of Licensing address listed on their website.

How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?

Online and in-person renewals typically result in your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Department receives your materials. You can drive on your current license or temporary license until your new one arrives.

Can I renew my license if I have a medical condition or restriction?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your current license has medical restrictions or conditions noted on it. You must renew in person at a licensing office so the Department can review your medical status and determine what restrictions, if any, should explore to your new license.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Department will update your name in their system and issue a new license with your current legal name.