You can renew your Washington permit online, by mail, or in person at a licensing office

A Washington driving permit is valid for eight years from the date it was issued. When your permit nears expiration, you have three ways to renew: online through the Department of Licensing (DOL) website, by mail using a renewal form, or by visiting a licensing office in person. The online route is fastest and costs the least, but not everyone is may be able to access — you must have a valid Social Security number, a Washington address, and no medical or legal holds on your record.

You do not need to retake the written test or the road test to renew a permit. You will need to pay the renewal fee, which is $72 for an eight-year permit as of 2024, though this amount can change. If you renew online or by mail, the process takes about two weeks. If you go in person, you can often walk out with your renewed permit the same day, though you may wait in line.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington permits are valid for eight years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person without retaking any tests.
  • Online renewal through the DOL website is the fastest option if you have a valid Social Security number and no holds on your record.
  • The renewal fee is $72 for an eight-year permit, payable by credit card, debit card, or check depending on your renewal method.
  • Mail renewal takes about two weeks; in-person renewal at a licensing office can be completed the same day but may involve waiting.
  • You will need your current permit number, date of birth, and Washington address to start any renewal method.

Renewing online through the DOL website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Washington Department of Licensing website and select "Renew Your Permit" from the main menu. You will be asked to enter your permit number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your identity and check for any holds or restrictions on your record.

If the system approves your renewal, you will be taken to a payment screen where you can pay the $72 fee using a credit card or debit card. Once payment is processed, your renewed permit will be mailed to your Washington address within about two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current permit until the new one arrives, as long as your current permit has not yet expired.

If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, it will explain why — usually because of a medical hold, a legal hold, or a missing Social Security number on file. In that case, you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal but works if you cannot go to a licensing office or if you are not may be able to access for online renewal. read the permit renewal form from the DOL website (form DL 44) or call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to request one. Fill out the form completely, including your current permit number, full name, date of birth, and Washington address.

Mail the completed form along with a check or money order for $72 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your current permit if possible. Mail processing takes about two weeks from the time the DOL receives your envelope, so send it early if your permit is expiring soon. Your renewed permit will be mailed to you once processing is complete.

Renewing in person at a licensing office

If you need your renewed permit quickly or if you are not may be able to access for online or mail renewal, you can visit a Washington licensing office in person. Bring your current permit, proof of Washington residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid form of identification. You will need to pay the $72 renewal fee; most offices accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

You can find your nearest licensing office and check its hours on the DOL website. Some offices are busier than others, especially on weekdays and near the end of the month. Arriving early in the day or on a weekday morning usually means a shorter wait. In-person renewal is typically completed within an hour, and you will receive your renewed permit before you leave.

What happens if your permit has already expired

If your permit has expired, you cannot legally drive, and you cannot renew it by mail or online. You must visit a licensing office in person. Bring your expired permit, proof of residency, and a valid ID. You will pay the $72 renewal fee, and the office will issue you a new eight-year permit on the spot.

If your permit has been expired for more than a few years, the DOL may require you to retake the written test before renewing. Call your local licensing office or the DOL main line at 360-902-3900 to ask whether a test is required in your situation. It is better to call ahead than to show up and find out you need to schedule a test appointment.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you have moved to a new Washington address since your permit was issued, you can update your address during renewal. When you renew online, the system will ask for your current address and update it automatically. If you renew by mail or in person, make sure to write your current address clearly on the form or tell the licensing office staff.

If you have changed your name since your permit was issued, you will need to renew in person at a licensing office. Bring your current permit, proof of your legal name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), proof of residency, and a valid ID. The office will issue a new permit with your updated name and will charge the standard $72 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my permit if I have a medical hold on my record?

No. If you have a medical hold, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a licensing office in person, where staff can review your medical status and determine whether the hold can be lifted. Bring any updated medical documentation that shows you are safe to drive.

What if I lost my permit and need to renew it?

If your permit is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it by mail or online because you will not have your permit number. Visit a licensing office in person with proof of residency and a valid ID. The office will issue a replacement permit and charge the $72 renewal fee.

How long does my renewed permit take to arrive if I renew by mail?

Mail renewal typically takes about two weeks from the time the DOL receives your envelope. If your current permit is expiring soon, renew early. You can continue to drive on your current permit until the new one arrives, as long as your current permit has not yet expired.

Can I renew my permit online if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. Online renewal requires a valid Social Security number on file with the DOL. If you do not have one, you can renew by mail or in person at a licensing office. Call 360-902-3900 to ask about your options.

Do I need to retake the written test when I renew my permit?

No. Permit renewal does not require you to retake the written test or the road test. You only need to pay the renewal fee and provide current information. The only exception is if your permit has been expired for several years, in which case the DOL may require a new written test.