How to Renew Your Washington State Driver's License

In Washington State, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing (DOL) 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 receive your new license by mail within two weeks. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical conditions that need review, and your address on file is current.

If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal process or visit a DOL office in person. The mail option takes longer — typically three to four weeks — but works if you prefer not to go online. In-person renewal is fastest if you need your new license quickly or if your situation requires a DOL employee to review your documents.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Washington State DOL website is the quickest option for most people and takes about 10 minutes.
Your license must not be expired by more than five years, and you must have no medical holds or address changes to renew online.
The renewal fee is $72 for a standard five-year license, and your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
If you cannot renew online, you can mail your process or visit a DOL office in person, though both take longer.
You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.

Renewing Online Through the Washington State Website

The Washington State Department of Licensing website (dol.wa.gov) is where you start an online renewal. Go to the driver's license renewal section, enter your current license number and date of birth, and answer questions about your address, medical history, and any name changes. The system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access to renew online.

You will need to pay the $72 renewal fee with a credit card, debit card, or electronic check. Once you submit your process and payment, you are done — the DOL will mail your new license to the address on file. Your temporary license remains valid while you wait for the new one to arrive, which usually takes 10 to 14 business days.

If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will explain why. Common reasons include an expired license that is more than five years old, a medical condition flagged in the system, or an address that needs to be verified in person. In those cases, you will need to use the mail or in-person option instead.

Renewing by Mail

To renew by mail, you must first request a renewal process from the DOL. You can read the form from dol.wa.gov or call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to have one mailed to you. The form is called the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL 44).

Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it to the address shown on the form along with a check or money order for $72. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current license if possible, though it is not required. Mail your process to the DOL's renewal processing center — the address is on the form itself.

Processing by mail takes three to four weeks from the date the DOL receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to you once it is processed. If you need your license sooner, in-person renewal is faster.

Renewing in Person at a DOL Office

You can walk into any Washington State Department of Licensing office and renew your driver's license on the spot. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If your address has changed since your last license, bring two documents that show your new address.

The DOL office will take a new photo, process your renewal, and issue you a temporary license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks. The fee is still $72, and you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Wait times at DOL offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in smaller towns are usually faster than those in Seattle or other large cities. You can check current wait times on the DOL website before you go, and many offices now allow you to schedule an appointment online to skip the walk-in line.

When Your License Is Expired or Expiring Soon

If your license is still valid or expires within 30 days, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead, which requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. Contact your local DOL office to find out what you need to bring.

If your license expired fewer than five years ago but more than 30 days ago, you can still renew online if you meet the other requirements (no medical holds, current address). However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before then, you must visit a DOL office in person to get a temporary license.

Changing Your Address or Name During Renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address during the online renewal process. The system will ask for your new address and may ask you to confirm it. If the system cannot verify your new address online, it will tell you to renew in person instead.

If you have changed your name since your last license — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you must renew in person. Bring your current license and a document that proves your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DOL will issue a new license with your updated name.

What Happens After You Renew

Once you renew your license, your old license is no longer valid. If you renewed online or by mail, you will receive your new license by mail at the address you provided. Open the envelope carefully — your new license is inside along with any documents you mailed in.

If you renewed in person, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within two weeks. Keep the temporary license with you while you drive — it is valid for 30 days and counts as proof of licensure.

Your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date of renewal. Write down the expiration date so you know when to renew again. Washington State sends renewal reminders by mail about 30 days before your license expires, but it is your responsibility to renew on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can renew online if you meet the standard requirements, or you can renew by mail. If you are stationed overseas with the military or living abroad, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to discuss your options, as some mail-in renewals to international addresses may take longer.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You must explore for a replacement license first, which requires an in-person visit to a DOL office. Once you have your replacement, you can renew it using any of the three methods. Bring your Social Security proof and address proof to the office.

Do I need a new photo for my renewal?

If you renew online or by mail, the DOL will use your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DOL will take a new photo. You can request a new photo during an online or mail renewal by visiting a DOL office in person instead.

What if my renewal process is rejected?

The DOL will mail you a letter explaining why your process was rejected and what you need to do next. Common reasons include incomplete information, an unverified address, or a medical condition that needs review. Follow the instructions in the letter or contact the DOL at 360-902-3900.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.