Washington Department of Licensing Renewal Process
Washington's Department of Licensing (DOL) handles all driver's license renewals. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. Most people renew online because it takes 10 minutes and costs less than in-person renewal. Your license is valid for eight years from the issue date, and Washington sends you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration — but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process.
The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you have had any address changes, and whether you need to update your photo. Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option, but it is only open to people whose licenses have not expired and who do not need a new photo.
Key Takeaways
- Washington allows online renewal for most people, costing $72 and taking about 10 minutes if your license has not yet expired.
- You must renew in person if your license has already expired, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your name or address since your last license was issued.
- Mail renewal is available but slower than online or in-person; send your renewal notice and payment to the address on the notice itself.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after online or mail renewal; in-person renewal gives you a temporary license on the spot.
- Washington charges $72 for an eight-year renewal; the fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Washington driver's license number, your date of birth, and a payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check). The system will verify your identity using information from your license record and ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact information.
Online renewal takes about 10 minutes. You pay $72 at the end of the transaction. Washington does not mail you a temporary license after online renewal, so your current license remains valid until it expires. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can check the status of your renewal on the DOL website using your license number and date of birth.
You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name since your last license, or if you have changed your address and need to update it on your license. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
In-Person Renewal at a DOL Office
Visit any Washington Department of Licensing office with your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Bring a second form of ID if your address has changed. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary license on the spot.
In-person renewal costs $72. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is in the mail. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your name or address.
DOL offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times on the DOL website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during peak times. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time.
Mail Renewal and When to Use It
Mail renewal is the slowest option but works if you cannot visit an office or access the online system. Washington will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, include your payment ($72 by check or money order), and mail it to the address on the notice.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DOL receives your envelope. Your license remains valid during this time. Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after processing. You do not receive a temporary license by mail, so if your current license expires before your new one arrives, you cannot legally drive.
Do not mail your renewal form unless you have received the official renewal notice from Washington. If you have lost your renewal notice or it was damaged, contact the DOL to request a replacement or use online renewal instead.
What Documents You Need for Each Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Cost | Time to Receive New License |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current driver's license number, date of birth, payment method | $72 | 7–10 business days |
| In Person | Current driver's license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address (if changed), second ID (if address changed) | $72 | 7–10 business days (temporary license issued same day) |
| Renewal notice, payment by check or money order | $72 | 2–3 weeks to process, then 7–10 business days for delivery |
Address Changes and Name Changes
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address. Online renewal allows you to confirm or update your address on the screen. If your address has changed and you are renewing in person, bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and a second form of ID. The DOL will update your address during the renewal process at no extra cost.
If you have changed your name since your last license was issued — through marriage, divorce, or legal name change — you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person and bring legal proof of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DOL will issue a new license with your current name. This still costs $72 and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive.
Expired Licenses and Late Renewal
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DOL office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster because you receive a temporary license on the spot and can drive when ready. Mail renewal leaves you without a valid license until your new one arrives, which can take 2 to 3 weeks plus 7 to 10 business days for delivery.
Washington does not charge a penalty for renewing late, but you cannot legally drive with an expired license. If you are stopped by police, you may receive a citation. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk. If your license expired more than five years ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test; contact the DOL to confirm your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Washington license if I live out of state?
Yes. Online renewal is open to anyone with a valid Washington license, regardless of where you live. If you need to renew in person, you can visit any Washington DOL office if you are in the state, or you can renew by mail using your renewal notice.
What if I lost my renewal notice?
Contact the Washington Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 or visit dol.wa.gov to request a replacement notice. You can also renew online without the notice if your license has not expired — you only need your license number, date of birth, and payment method.
How long does my temporary license last?
A temporary license issued in person at a DOL office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but the temporary license covers you if there is a delay.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Not if you renew online or by mail — your current photo stays on file. If you renew in person, the DOL takes a new photo as part of the process. You cannot renew online if you want a new photo; you must renew in person.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the Washington Department of Licensing to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges before you can renew.