What you need to do to renew in Washington
In Washington, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. The method you choose depends on how much time you have and whether your license has expired. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.
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 arrive — you can renew anytime in the 12 months before your license expires. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person or by mail; online renewal is not an option once the expiration date has passed.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs $72, and is available up to 12 months before your license expires or up to 6 months after expiration.
- You will need your current Washington driver's license number, a valid email address, and a payment method to renew online.
- If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office takes longer but gives you your new license the same day.
- Washington requires a new photo every 16 years, so some renewals will ask you to visit an office in person for a photograph.
Renewing online through the Washington Department of Licensing website
Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your license has not yet expired. Go to the Department of Licensing website, select "Renew Your License," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using information on file.
The fee for online renewal is $72. You can pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Once you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number by email. 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.
If your license expired more than 6 months ago, you cannot renew online. You will need to renew by mail or in person instead.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if your license has not expired or expired fewer than 6 months ago. Request a renewal form by calling the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 or by visiting a local office. You can also read the form from the Department of Licensing website if it is available in your county.
Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with a check or money order for $72 to the address provided on the form. Include a copy of your current license if possible. Mail your packet to the Department of Licensing renewal processing center. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your form, so allow extra time for mail delivery both ways.
Renewing in person at a Department of Licensing office
Visit any Department of Licensing office if you prefer to renew in person or if your license expired more than 6 months ago. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Washington residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $72 in cash, check, or card. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
The office will take a new photo, process your renewal, and issue your new license on the spot. You can drive home with it when ready. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Many offices are busier in the morning and on weekdays near the end of the month, so consider visiting early in the day or mid-week if you can.
Find your nearest Department of Licensing office on their website. Some counties have multiple offices, and you can visit any of them — you do not have to go to the one closest to your home.
When Washington requires you to renew in person
Washington requires a new photograph every 16 years. If your current license was issued 16 or more years ago, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. The system will flag this when you try to renew online or by mail and will direct you to an office instead.
You must also renew in person if your license has been expired for more than 6 months, if you need to change your name or address beyond what the online system allows, or if you want to add or remove a restriction or endorsement (such as a motorcycle endorsement or corrective lenses requirement).
What happens if your license expires while you are waiting for the new one
If you renew online or by mail before your current license expires, you can legally drive while you wait for the new one to arrive. Your old license remains valid until the expiration date printed on it, even if you have already submitted a renewal request.
If your license expires before your new one arrives, you are no longer legally allowed to drive. If this happens, contact the Department of Licensing when ready. You may be able to get a temporary license or extension while you wait. Have your confirmation number from your online renewal or your tracking information from your mail renewal ready when you call.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you have moved, update your address during the renewal process. Online renewal will ask if your address has changed. If you are renewing by mail or in person, write your new address clearly on the form or tell the office staff. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Washington license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail as long as your license has not expired or expired fewer than 6 months ago. If you need to renew in person or your license expired more than 6 months ago, you will need to visit a Department of Licensing office in Washington or contact them about other options.
What if I lost my license before it expired?
You will need to replace it before you can renew. Visit a Department of Licensing office with proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and get a new license. Once you have it, you can renew through any method available.
How much does it cost to renew?
The renewal fee is $72 for an eight-year license. This is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Some offices may charge a small additional fee for certain services, such as a duplicate license or a name change.
Do I need to take a written test or road test to renew?
No. Renewal does not require any test. You only take a written test and road test when you first get your license or if your license has been suspended or revoked.
What if my renewal was rejected online?
The system will tell you why. Common reasons include an incorrect license number, mismatched personal information, or an expired license. Follow the instructions on the screen, or call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 for help. You can renew by mail or in person as an alternative.