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 Kathryn Mae Kurlychek
Edited by Melanie Krieps Mergen
In Washington, drivers must renew their driver's licenses every six to eight years and can do so either online, by mail, or in person. Renewing a Washington driver's license costs $9 per year (it costs $54 for a six-year license).
- Washington state allows drivers to renew a standard license for either a six-year or eight-year period.
- As of May 3, 2023, a REAL ID-compliant license—also known as a Washington Enhanced Driver’s License—will be required to board domestic flights.
- If you're pulled over while driving with an expired license, you may face penalties including fines or even jail time.
- Washington state allows drivers to renew a standard license for either a six-year or eight-year period.
- As of May 3, 2023, a REAL ID-compliant license—also known as a Washington Enhanced Driver’s License—will be required to board domestic flights.
- If you're pulled over while driving with an expired license, you may face penalties including fines or even jail time.
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 typically expires 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.
Be aware: You may still be ticketed by law enforcement for driving with an expired license.
Once you surpass the 60-day grace period following your license’s expiration, 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—instead, you must get a brand-new driver's license by following the state’s
licensing laws
. 
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How to renew your driver’s license in Washington
There are a number of ways you can renew your driver’s license in Washington state, including online, by mail, or in person.
Keep in mind: Washington places age restrictions on online and mail-in license renewals.
- Renewing 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'slicense renewal pageand fill out your information to confirm.
- Renewing 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 attached form, enclose your renewal fee, and mail it back to the address given on your renewal notice.
- Renewing 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. You will, however, need to pass a vision exam, take a new ID photo, and pay the renewal fee. Find DOL licensing office locations onthis webpage.
As of 2022, the cost to renew a driver’s license in Washington State is $54.
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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, you should call the DOL at (360) 902-3900.
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Do I need a REAL ID in Washington state?
As of May 3, 2023, U.S. residents will be required to display a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license to board domestic flights. So if your license is set to renew after that date, it may be the better option. In Washington, a REAL ID-compliant license is called a Washington Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL).
Can I renew my Washington state driver’s license online?
Washington drivers from ages 24 to 70 typically qualify to renew their driver's licenses online. Head to the Washington State Department of Licensing website to see if you are eligible.
