How to renew your Washington driver's license

You can renew your Washington driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing (DOL) office. Most people renew online through the Washington DOL website — it takes about 10 minutes, costs $72, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You're may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired, suspended, or revoked, and if you have not changed your name, address, or medical information since your last renewal.

If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal process or visit a DOL office in person. The mail option takes longer (2 to 3 weeks) but works if you prefer not to go online or visit an office. In-person renewal is fastest if you need your license the same day, though you may wait in line.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Washington DOL website is the fastest and most common method, taking about 10 minutes and costing $72.
  • You can only renew online if your license is not expired, suspended, or revoked, and if your name, address, and medical information have not changed.
  • Mail-in renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks total but does not require a visit to a DOL office or internet transaction.
  • In-person renewal at a DOL office is the only option if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, or if your personal information has changed.
  • Washington driver's licenses are valid for 8 years, and you can renew up to 6 months before expiration.

Renewing online through the Washington DOL website

Go to dol.wa.gov and log into your account or create one if you do not have one yet. You will need your current driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address and other information on file. You can update your address during this step if it has changed since your last renewal.

Review the vision and medical questions on the form. If you answer yes to any medical questions (such as conditions affecting your ability to drive), you may be asked to visit a DOL office or provide a medical report. Once you complete the form and pay the $72 renewal fee by debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

While you wait for your new license, you can print a temporary license from the confirmation page. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used as proof of a valid Washington driver's license if you are stopped by law enforcement or need to show proof of licensure.

Renewing by mail

Request a renewal process by calling the Washington DOL at 360-902-3900 or visiting a DOL office. You can also read the process form from dol.wa.gov. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $72.

Include a copy of proof of your current address if it has changed since your last renewal — a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement works. Mail your process to the address on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DOL receives your process, so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.

Renewing in person at a DOL office

Visit any Washington Department of Licensing office with your current driver's 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). Bring $72 in cash, check, or card payment. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can check dol.wa.gov to see wait times before you go.

At the office, you will complete a renewal form, have your photo taken, and answer vision and medical questions. If everything is in order, you will receive a temporary license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you have medical or vision concerns, the DOL may ask you to take a vision test or provide additional documentation before your renewal is processed.

When you must renew in person

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked. You also must visit a DOL office in person if your name has changed since your last renewal, if you have a new address, or if you need to update your medical information. If you answer yes to any medical questions during an online or mail renewal, the DOL may require you to visit an office for a vision test or medical evaluation.

If your license has been expired for more than 3 years, you may need to retake the written test and vision test, not just renew. Contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to confirm what you need before visiting an office.

Washington driver's license validity and renewal windows

A Washington driver's license is valid for 8 years from the date it is issued. You can renew your license up to 6 months before it expires. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for 8 years from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew — you do not lose time on your license.

If your license expires while you are waiting for your renewal to arrive, you can use your temporary license (if you renewed online) or your old license as proof of a valid Washington driver's license until your new one arrives. However, you should not drive with an expired license; renew before your expiration date to avoid this situation.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard Washington driver's license is $72. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You can pay by debit card, credit card, cash, check, or money order depending on your renewal method. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail-in renewal accepts checks and money orders. In-person renewal accepts all payment methods.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher. Contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 or visit dol.wa.gov for current CDL renewal fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Washington license if it is already expired?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired. You must visit a Washington DOL office in person with your expired license and proof of your Social Security number and address. The office staff will process your renewal and issue a temporary license while your permanent license is mailed to you.

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

Your new license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. You will receive a temporary license when ready that is valid for 30 days. If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to check the status.

What if my address has changed since my last renewal?

You can update your address during an online renewal. If you are renewing by mail, include a copy of proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address to the DOL office. Your new license will be mailed to your updated address.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license will be used on your new license unless the DOL requests a new one. If you renew in person at a DOL office, you will have a new photo taken. You can request a new photo during an online or mail renewal by contacting the DOL.

What happens if I renew early — do I lose time on my license?

No. If you renew up to 6 months before your license expires, your new license will be valid for 8 years from your current expiration date, not from the date you renew. You do not lose any time on your license by renewing early.