How to Renew Your Washington State Driver's License

Washington State Driver's License Renewal: The Basic Process

Washington State lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office. Most people renew online through the state's website — it takes about 15 minutes, costs $82 for a standard five-year license, and you can do it from home. If you cannot renew online (because your license is expired by more than five years, or you need to update your address or photo), you will need to visit an office or mail in your documents.

Your Washington license is valid for five years from the date you renew it. The state sends you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for that notice — you can renew anytime during the final year of your license's validity.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Washington Department of Licensing website is the fastest option and works if your license is current and your information has not changed.
You will need your current Washington driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, or if you need to change your photo or address, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office.
Mail-in renewal is available but slower than online renewal; you will need to send your current license and a completed process form to the state.
Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you renew online, or within two to three weeks if you renew by mail.

Renewing Online Through the Washington Department of Licensing

The Washington Department of Licensing website (dol.wa.gov) is where you start if you want to renew online. You will log in with your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current information and ask you to confirm it is still correct.

Online renewal works only if all of these are true: your license is not expired, your address has not changed, you do not need a new photo, and you are not renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you will be directed to renew in person or by mail instead.

Once you confirm your information, you will pay the $82 renewal fee with a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The state will mail your new license to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive.

In-Person Renewal at a Department of Licensing Office

You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your photo, if you are changing your address, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your name or if the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal.

Find your nearest Department of Licensing office on the state website and check their hours before you go. Bring your current Washington driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

The office will take a new photo, verify your information, process your payment, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license while you wait.

Mail-In Renewal for Washington Drivers

You can renew by mail if your license is not expired and your information has not changed. read the Driver License/ID Card process (form DL 44) from the Department of Licensing website, fill it out completely, and sign it. Include your current Washington driver's license and a check or money order for $82 made out to the Department of Licensing.

Mail your process and documents to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the state receives your envelope. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. Your new license will arrive by mail when it is ready.

Mail-in renewal is slower than online renewal and carries a small risk that your envelope will be lost in transit. If you do not receive your new license within three weeks, contact the Department of Licensing to confirm they received your process.

What You Need to Know About Renewal Fees and License Types

A standard five-year Washington driver's license costs $82 to renew. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and you must renew in person — you cannot renew online or by mail. If you hold an enhanced driver's license (EDL), which allows you to cross the U.S.-Canada border by land or sea without a passport, the renewal fee is also higher than the standard license.

Washington does not charge different fees based on age, but some drivers may be required to renew more frequently. If you are over 70 years old, you may be required to renew every five years or every three years depending on your vision screening results — the Department of Licensing will tell you which applies to you when you renew.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your Washington license has been expired for five years or less, you can still renew it using any of the three methods: online, by mail, or in person. The process is the same as renewing a current license, and you will not face any penalty for renewing late.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you will need to explore for a new license instead. This means you will need to take the written test and the driving test again, just as if you were a new driver. Contact the Department of Licensing or visit an office to find out what documents and tests you will need.

Temporary Licenses and Driving While You Wait

If you renew in person at a Department of Licensing office, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.

If you renew online or by mail, you do not receive a temporary license. However, you can continue to drive on your current license — even after it has technically expired — as long as you have submitted your renewal process and are waiting for your new license to arrive. Keep proof of your renewal submission (a confirmation number from the online system, or a receipt from mailing your process) with you in case you are stopped by police.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Washington driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew anytime during the final year of your license's validity. The state sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it. Renewing early does not shorten the five-year validity of your new license — it will still be valid for five years from the date you renew.

What if I moved and need to update my address?

If you have moved, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office or by mail. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you renew by mail, include a copy of your proof of address with your process.

How long does it take to get my renewed license in the mail?

Online renewals arrive within 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in renewals take two to three weeks from the date the state receives your process. In-person renewals arrive within 7 to 10 business days after you visit the office. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office if you renew in person.

What if I lost my license and cannot renew online?

If you have lost your license, you cannot renew online because you will not have your license number. You must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office or by mail. If you renew by mail, write "LOST LICENSE" on your process and include a copy of a government-issued ID if you have one. Call the Department of Licensing if you have questions about your specific situation.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your current photo will be used on your new license. If you want a new photo, or if the state requires one (for example, if your current photo is very old), you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office. The office will take a new photo as part of the renewal process.

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.