How to renew your Washington driver license

In Washington, you can renew your driver 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 and costs less than renewing in person. You're 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 hasn't changed since your last license was issued. If any of those don't explore to you, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.

Your Washington license is valid for eight years if you're under 62, or five years if you're 62 or older. The state will send you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for it — you can renew anytime within one year before the expiration date. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face additional requirements or fees depending on how long it's been expired.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Washington DOL website is the fastest option and works if your license isn't expired by more than five years and your address hasn't changed.
  • You can renew your license anytime during the year before it expires, so you don't have to wait for the renewal notice to arrive.
  • If you renew online, your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
  • Mail and in-person renewal are required if your address has changed, your license expired more than five years ago, or you have medical conditions that need DOL review.
  • Washington charges different renewal fees depending on your age and whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.

Renewing online through the Washington DOL website

Online renewal is the most straightforward path if you meet the requirements. Go to the Washington Department of Licensing website, select "Renew Your License," and log in with your driver license number and date of birth. You'll answer a few questions about whether your address, name, or medical information has changed. If everything is current, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card and submit your process.

The fee for online renewal is $72 if you're under 62, or $48 if you're 62 or older. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives — there's no gap in your driving privileges. If you need to update your address, name, or other information before renewing, you must do that in person or by mail; the online system won't let you change those details during renewal.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works if your address has changed since your last license, or if you don't want to renew online. You'll need to request a renewal process from the Washington DOL by phone at 360-902-3900 or through their website. Fill out the process, include a new photo (if required), and mail it with a check or money order to the address provided on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online — expect 3 to 4 weeks for processing, plus mailing time in both directions. The fee is $72 for people under 62, or $48 for people 62 and older. If your license has expired more than five years ago, you may need to include additional documents or renew in person instead. Call the DOL before mailing your process if your license is significantly expired.

Renewing in person at a DOL office

In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you have medical conditions that DOL needs to review, or you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Bring your current driver license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If your name has changed, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You'll have your photo taken at the office and pay the renewal fee on the spot. In-person renewal costs $72 if you're under 62, or $48 if you're 62 or older. Your new license is printed while you wait, so you leave with it in hand. No appointment is needed at most DOL offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the DOL website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired less than five years ago, you can still renew it online, by mail, or in person using the same process as a regular renewal. There's no penalty or extra fee for renewing a license that's already expired, as long as it hasn't been expired for more than five years.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you'll need to explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a DOL office, a written knowledge test, and a driving skills test. You'll also need to bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. Contact your local DOL office or visit their website to learn what documents they accept and to schedule your driving test.

Address changes and other updates

If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot update it through online renewal. You must renew by mail or in person. When you renew in person, tell the DOL staff about the address change and they'll print your new address on your license. If you're renewing by mail, include a note with your process stating your new address, or call the DOL to confirm they received it.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a court order, you'll need to renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. The same applies if you want to change your gender marker on your license — bring a certified copy of a court order or a letter from a healthcare provider, depending on which document applies to your situation. Call the DOL at 360-902-3900 if you're unsure what documents you need.

Renewing a commercial driver license (CDL)

Commercial driver licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail — you must renew in person at a DOL office. Bring your current CDL, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You may also need to provide medical certification documents if your CDL requires a medical certificate. The renewal fee is $72 if you're under 62, or $48 if you're 62 or older.

If your CDL is expired by more than five years, you'll need to explore for a new license and pass the written and driving tests again. Contact your local DOL office to schedule your tests and to find out what documents and endorsements you'll need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?

Yes. If you're out of state, you can renew online if you meet the other requirements (license not expired by more than five years, address hasn't changed, no medical review needed). You can also renew by mail from anywhere. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, which can be an out-of-state address.

What if I lost my license before it expired?

You'll need to replace it rather than renew it. Visit a DOL office in person with proof of your identity and current address. There's a replacement fee of $20, and you'll receive a new license with the same expiration date as your original license. You can renew that license when it expires using the normal renewal process.

How long can I drive on an expired license in Washington?

You cannot legally drive on an expired license in Washington. If your license has expired, renew it before driving. If you're caught driving with an expired license, you can be cited and fined. If your license is about to expire, renew it online, by mail, or in person before the expiration date.

Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?

No. When you renew online, the DOL uses your photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DOL office. You can also request a new photo by visiting an office and paying a $20 fee.

What if I want to change my name on my license during renewal?

You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DOL will not process a name change through online or mail renewal. Bring your current license and proof of your current address as well.