Free practice for all 50 states + D.C.No sign-up, no adsIndependent study site, not a government agency
USA DMV

Renewing a Washington D.C. driver license

The steps in plain English. Each one links to the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.

  1. Watch for your renewal notice about 60 days before expiration.

    Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  2. Renew online or by mail if you already have a REAL ID or Limited Purpose license.

    Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  3. Have your license number, the control number from your notice, and a credit card ready.

    Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  4. Otherwise visit a service center with your license and proof of identity, residency and Social Security number.

    Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  5. Pay $47 for an 8-year license.

    Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  6. If your license expired more than 365 days ago, pass the knowledge test or take online traffic school first.

    Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

Check before you go: requirements and fees change, and some depend on your age or situation. The official page is the final word.

Related facts

License length
8 years.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Renewal notice
DMV mails a renewal notice 60 days before expiration (or emails/texts it if you opted in). No earliest renewal date is stated.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Online and mail renewal
Only if you already hold a REAL ID (star) or Limited Purpose license, your name and address are current, and the license expired no more than 365 days ago. Provisional and CDL renewals must be done in person.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Renewal fee
$47 for 8 years.Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Drivers 70 and older
A medical practitioner must complete the Mature Driver Fitness to Drive Certification. Online, it is approved first (7-10 business days).Source: dmv.dc.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

More in the Washington D.C. guide

Learner permitSteps and official links →First licenseSteps and official links →REAL IDSteps and official links →Moving to Washington D.C.Steps and official links →Lost or replacement licenseSteps and official links →

Official Washington D.C. links

Agency home pagedmv.dc.gov ↗Appointmentsdmv.dc.gov ↗Driver handbookdmv.dc.gov ↗Online renewaldmv.dc.gov ↗REAL IDdmv.dc.gov ↗Permit and first licensedmv.dc.gov ↗New residentsdmv.dc.gov ↗Replace a licensedmv.dc.gov ↗Feesdmv.dc.gov ↗

These links open official government websites. USA DMV is an independent study site and is not affiliated with any of them.

Studying for the Washington D.C. knowledge test?

Two free Washington D.C. practice tests and a 10-question readiness check. No sign-up.

Practice free

Not a government website. USA DMV (usadmv.app) is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by any state DMV, the Texas Department of Public Safety or any other government agency. Practice questions are written to reflect official driver handbooks but are not the official test questions. Always confirm current requirements with your state’s licensing agency.