How to Renew Your Driver's License in Washington

If you're a Washington driver, you should renew your driver's license every six to eight years either online, in person, or by mail.
Written by Brenna Swanston
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Updated on Jan 18, 2023
Most Washingtonians must renew their driver's licenses every six to eight years and they can do so online, by mail, or in person. Renewing a Washington driver's license costs $9 per year (it costs $54 for a six-year license).
Renewing a driver's license may not be the most thrilling activity, but it's important to stay on top of your renewal schedule. If you're pulled over while driving with an expired license, you may face penalties including fines or even jail time.
Not sure how to go about a Washington state driver's license renewal? Don't worry,
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When to renew your driver’s license in Washington

If you're a Washington resident, you can renew a standard driver's license for either six or eight years. You'll have to pay a renewal fee of $9 per year, which adds up to $54 for a six-year license or $72 for an eight-year license.
You can find your license's expiration date on the front of your license card in the section labeled "4b." Your license should expire on your birthday.
You can renew your Washington driver's license up to one year before it expires. You may also renew it within 60 days after the expiration date without being liable to pay a late fee. However, you may still be ticketed by law enforcement for driving with an expired license.
Once your license has been expired for more than 60 days, you will incur a $10 late fee in addition to your renewal fee. If your license is more than six years expired, you are no longer eligible for renewal. You must get a new driver's license starting from scratch.  

How to renew your driver’s license in Washington

Washington state license renewal can take place online, by mail, or in person. Keep in mind that Washington places age restrictions on online and mail-in license renewals.

Renew your license online

Most Washington drivers from ages 24 to 70 qualify to renew their driver's licenses online through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). If you're unsure whether you qualify, head to the
DOL's driver's license renewal page
and fill out your information to confirm.
You will need the following information:
  • Your full name
  • Your birthday
  • Your driver's license number
  • Your Social Security number
  • Your address of residence
If you don't want to create an account with the DOL, you may do so through the DOL page linked above. If you want to make an account with your personal information saved, you can do that
here

Renew your license by mail

If you qualify to renew your Washington driver's license by mail, you will receive a renewal notice from the DOL notifying you of your eligibility. Simply complete the provided form, enclose your renewal fee, and mail it back to the address given on your renewal notice. 

Renew your license in person

Drivers who are younger than 24 or older than 70 must renew their licenses in person at a DOL driver licensing office. In Washington, you do not have to schedule an appointment to renew your driver's license in person.
Bring your current driver's license with you to the DOL office of your choice. This will serve as your proof of identification.
Once at the DOL office, you will have to:
  • Take and pass a vision exam
  • Take a new driver's license photo
  • Pay your renewal fee
Find DOL licensing office locations
on this webpage
.

How long does it take to renew a Washington driver’s license? 

You should receive your new Washington driver's license within two to four weeks of your renewal request.
If you have not received your new license within 30 days, call the DOL at (360) 902-3900.

How to save money on car insurance in Washington

Now that your Washington state driver's license renewal is good to go, let's talk car insurance.
Car insurance
in Washington tends to fall below the national average insurance rates, so you're off to a good start. Even so, you deserve the best possible deal on your auto insurance—without compromising on coverage. Thankfully,
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To get started, either download the Jerry app or go to getjerry.com. In less than a minute, Jerry will collect all your information from your existing insurer. The app will then present you with competitive quotes from 50+ top insurance companies.
Jerry takes care of the rest, too. The app secures your new policy and even helps you cancel your old one. That means no long forms, no calling around, and no hard work for you at all—just savings.
And don't forget the best part: the average Jerry user saves $887 a year on car insurance. 
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