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.
