Washington Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person
You can renew your Washington driver's license in three ways: online through the Department of Licensing website, by mail, or in person at a licensing office. Most people renew online because it takes about 10 minutes and you avoid waiting in line. 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 flagged on your record, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.
If you cannot renew online—because your license is too old, you need to update your address, or you have a medical flag—you must renew by mail or visit a licensing office in person. The mail option takes longer (two to three weeks for processing plus mailing time) but works if you have time to wait. In-person renewal is fastest if you need the license quickly or have a complex situation.
Your current Washington license must not be expired more than five years for any renewal method. If it has been expired longer than that, you will need to explore for a new license instead, which requires a written test and a road test.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Department of Licensing website takes about 10 minutes and works for most people whose license is not expired by more than five years.
- You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks for processing and requires you to send in your current license and a completed form; you can read the form from the Department of Licensing website.
- In-person renewal at a licensing office is the fastest option if you need your license quickly or have a medical condition or name change that requires staff review.
- Your renewed license will be mailed to you within 10 business days of approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online Renewal Through the Department of Licensing Website
Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Renew Your License" from the homepage. You will need your current Washington driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card. The system will ask you to confirm your address and verify that nothing has changed since your last renewal—if your address is different, you cannot complete the online process and must renew by mail or in person instead.
The online system checks your driving record and medical history automatically. If no issues appear, you will see a confirmation page when ready after payment. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, it will explain why—usually because your license is expired by more than five years, you have a medical flag, or your address needs to be updated. In that case, follow the instructions for mail or in-person renewal.
Mail Renewal: What You Need to Send
read the Driver License Renewal process (form DL 44) from the Department of Licensing website, or call 360-902-3900 to request one by mail. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash; include a check or money order for the renewal fee, which varies depending on whether you are renewing a standard license or a commercial license.
The Department of Licensing will process your process within two to three weeks of receiving it. They will mail your new license to the address you listed on the form. During this time, you can continue to drive on your current license. If you need to know the status of your renewal, you can call 360-902-3900 and provide your driver's license number.
Mail renewal is a good option if you cannot get to a licensing office and you do not need your new license urgently. However, if your current license expires before your new one arrives, you will not be able to drive legally. Plan ahead so your renewal is processed before your expiration date.
In-Person Renewal at a Licensing Office
Find your nearest Department of Licensing office on dol.wa.gov by entering your city or ZIP code. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which reduces wait time. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and a valid payment method (cash, check, debit card, or credit card).
The renewal process at the office takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. A staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your payment. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license that you can use to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.
In-person renewal is the best choice if you have a medical condition that needs to be reviewed by staff, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, or if you need your license quickly and want to confirm it was processed correctly before you leave the office.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
The renewal fee for a standard Washington driver's license is $72 for an eight-year renewal. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at a licensing office. For mail renewal, send a check or money order only—do not send cash. For online renewal, you must use a debit or credit card.
Some licensing offices accept payment plans if you cannot pay the full fee at once, though this is not available for online renewal. Call your local office to ask whether a payment plan is an option.
What Happens If Your License Expires Before Your Renewal Arrives
If you renew by mail and your current license expires before your new one arrives, you are driving without a valid license. To avoid this, renew at least three weeks before your expiration date if you are using mail renewal. If your license has already expired, you cannot legally drive, and you will need to renew in person at a licensing office with proof that you have submitted a renewal process.
If you are renewing in person or online, your temporary paper license (for in-person) or your current license (for online) remains valid until your new license arrives, so this is not a concern.
Renewing a License with a Medical Condition or Restriction
If your license has a medical flag or restriction—such as corrective lenses required, hearing aid required, or a condition that affects your ability to drive—you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a licensing office so that a staff member can review your medical information and determine whether your restriction should continue.
Bring any medical documentation that supports your ability to drive safely, such as a letter from your doctor or the results of a recent eye exam. The staff member will review this information and decide whether to renew your license with the same restriction, remove the restriction, or add a new one. This process usually takes longer than a standard renewal, so plan for 30 to 45 minutes at the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than five years?
No. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must explore for a new license, not a renewal. This requires a written test, a road test, and a new photo. You cannot use the online, mail, or standard in-person renewal process.
What if I have moved to a different address since my last renewal?
If you have moved, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. Bring this proof with you if you renew in person, or include a copy with your mail renewal process.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?
Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days of approval, regardless of which renewal method you use. Mailing time varies depending on where you live, but most people receive their license within two to three weeks of submitting their renewal.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?
Yes, you can renew your license even if you have an outstanding ticket or unpaid fine. However, if you have a suspended license due to unpaid fines or other violations, you cannot renew until your suspension is lifted. Call 360-902-3900 to check the status of your license.
What should I do if I lose my license before my renewal arrives?
If you lose your current license while waiting for your renewal, report it to the Department of Licensing by calling 360-902-3900. You can request a replacement license at a licensing office. When your renewal arrives, you can use it as your new license.