Renew your driver license

Is your address up-to-date?

You’re required to have your residence address on your driver license. If you need to update it, please change your address before you renew your license. When you renew, we match your residence address with the United States Postal Service (USPS).

How to renew

  • Online and pay with a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express debit or credit card (gift cards not accepted).
  • By mail if you received our letter stating you can renew by mail. If you choose to renew by mail, include all of the following:
    • The payment coupon
    • A check or money order for the fees (payable to the Department of Licensing)
  • In person at a driver licensing office.
    • You must pass a vision screening, and may be asked to take other exams to determine if you can safely operate a vehicle.
    • You may pay the renewal fee with:
      • Cash
      • Check
      • MasterCard and American Express credit or debit cards, and some Visa debit cards.
        • Credit and debit cards not accepted at Coulee Dam, Davenport, Friday Harbor, Forks, Goldendale, Newport, Republic, or South Bend.
        • A vendor-charged convenience fee is added to all transactions paid with a debit or credit card at driver licensing offices.

Out-of-state renewals

If you’re out of state when your license expires, see Renew your driver license while out of state.

Enhanced driver licenses/ID cards (EDL/EIDs)

See Renew your EDL/EID to find out how to renew.

Fees

  • Renewal fee: $25.
  • Late fee: $10. If it’s been 60 or more days since your license expired.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell when my license expires?

It’s located on your license. Typically, your license expires on your birthday every 5 years.

How far in advance can I renew my license?

  • If you’re eligible to renew online, you can do it up to 6 weeks before it expires.
  • If you renew in person, you can do it up to 1 year before it expires.

Do I need to renew my license while I’m serving in the military?

No. You don’t need to renew during the term of your military service if you’re:

  • A member of the armed forces or National Guard on active duty.
  • A reservist called to duty for 180 days or more.
  • The spouse or dependent of an active member of the military.

Your driver license remains valid as long as you’re on duty. For more information, see Military personnel.

Can I get a new license with the horizontal format if I renew my license before my 21st birthday?

No, you must be 21 years old to get a driver license with the standard horizontal format.

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