Washington License Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driver's License in Washington
You renew your license through the Department of Licensing (DOL). Your license lasts 6 years. It expires on your birthday. For a general overview of renewal rules across all states, see our driver's license renewal guide. Here are your options and steps.
Ways to Renew
- Online — the fastest way to renew. Visit the DOL renewal portal.
- In person — go to a DOL office. First-time REAL ID, vision tests, and new photos all need an in-person visit.
Steps to Renew
- Check eligibility — Go to the Washington DOL site. Make sure you can renew online. You must have gone in person last time.
- Gather documents — Get your license number and Social Security number ready. Have your payment set. For an EDL, bring proof of citizenship.
- Complete the application — Use the DOL online portal. You can also visit a DOL office. Check your info, then submit.
- Pay the fee — Pay $72 for a standard license. An EDL costs $128. Use a credit card, debit card, or e-check.
- Receive your license — Get a temp license at the office. You can also print one online. Your real card comes in 2 to 3 weeks.
Washington Driver's License Renewal Fees
| Standard renewal fee | $72 |
| Late fee | $10 |
| Duplicate/replacement license | $20 |
| Enhanced Driver License (EDL) | $128 |
| Motorcycle endorsement | $25 |
| Late renewal fee | $10 |
| Valid for | 6 years |
A 6-year license costs $72. An EDL costs $128. There's a $10 late fee after it expires.
What to Bring
Bring these docs when you renew:
- Current or expired Washington driver's license
- Social Security number
- Proof of identity (birth certificate or passport for REAL ID)
- Proof of Washington residency
- Renewal fee payment
Who Can Renew Online
You can renew online if you meet these rules:
- Your license is not expired more than 6 years
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Your license is not suspended or revoked
- You have a valid Social Security number on file
- You did not renew online last time (you must alternate)
You must swap between online and in-person each time. You can't renew online twice in a row.
Go to DOL online renewal portalWhat Happens If Your Washington License Expires
Washington lets you renew up to 60 days late. You'll only pay the $10 late fee.
- Before expiry — Up to 1 year before expiration
- After expiry — Up to 6 years after expiration (with late fee after 60 days)
- Long-lapsed penalty — Expired over 6 years? You must start over as a new driver. Driving expired is a fine up to $250.
If you also need to update your vehicle registration, see our car registration renewal guide.
Important: You cannot drive with an expired license in Washington. The window only affects how you renew. It does not let you drive past your expiry date.
Vision Test & Health Rules
- Vision test — Yes, at every in-person visit. Online renewals use self-reporting.
- In-person visits — You must swap between online and in-person each time. You can't renew online twice in a row.
- Wait time — Online renewals take 1 to 3 business days. Your card comes by mail in 2 to 3 weeks.
Common Washington License Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes:
Not comparing standard vs Enhanced Driver License costs
Washington has two license types. A standard costs $72. An EDL costs $128. The EDL works at the Canadian border. Pick the right one first.
Trying to renew online twice in a row
WA makes you swap methods each time. If you renewed online last time, go to a DOL office now.
Not realizing Washington's fee is among the highest
WA charges $72 to renew. That's one of the highest fees. But it lasts 6 years. That's only $12 per year.
Forgetting the $10 late fee after expiration
WA adds a $10 late fee if you renew after it expires. Renew before your birthday to skip it.
REAL ID Info for Washington
Washington has REAL ID licenses. It also has an EDL for $128. The EDL works at the Canadian border too. REAL ID is free with the $72 fee.
You need a REAL ID (gold star) to board U.S. flights. You also need one to enter federal buildings. This started May 7, 2025. Get one at your next in-person visit. See our full REAL ID deadline guide for costs and next steps.
What Makes Washington Different
Washington has an EDL for $128. It works at the Canadian border. Few states offer this.
WA makes you swap between online and in-person renewals each time.
You can renew up to 6 years late. You won't start over. This is one of the best windows in the U.S.