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WA driver license renewal period is changing from 5 to 6 years

Your driver license renewal period is changing. Over the next few years we are transitioning all driver licenses to a 6 year renewal period. The selection is done randomly by our computer system.

The cost per year is not changing, it will stay at $9 per year. You'll only pay for the number of years your license is valid.

  • As of February 2014: Anyone getting their first driver license or ID card will get a 6 year card*.
  • As of August 10, 2014:
    • People who renew their ID card will get a 6 year card. (We don't do out-of-state renewals for ID cards).
    • Most people who renew their license while out-of-state will get a 6 year card.
  • Between August 2014 and July 2015:
    • 80% of people renewing their license will get a 6 year card*.
    • 20% of people renewing their license will get a 5 year card.
  • Between July 2015 - June 2020:
    • 80% of people renewing their license will get a 6 year card*.
    • 20% of people renewing their license won't get renewed, instead they'll get extra years added to their license.

*Excludes hazardous material endorsed Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL)

This table shows how you could be affected between July 2015 and July 2020.
Effective date 80% will get a 6 year renewal at $9 x 6 yr = $54** 20% will get extra years added instead of a renewal at $9/year**
July 2015 Expires 2021 5 year - expires 2020
July 2016 Expires 2022 4 year - expires 2020
July 2017 Expires 2023 3 year - expires 2020
July 2018 Expires 2024 2 year - expires 2020
July 2019 Expires 2025 1 year - expires 2020

**Additional fees may apply if you have an enhanced card or any endorsements.

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