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Renewing a Washington driver license

The steps in plain English. Each one links to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) page it came from. Last checked Nov 15, 2026.

  1. Update your address with DOL first if it has changed.

    Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  2. Renew up to 1 year before your license expires.

    Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  3. Renew online through License Express, or by mail if DOL sent you a letter.

    Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  4. Go to an office instead if you are 70+, need a vision screening or new photo, or renewed online last time.

    Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

  5. Pay $61 for 6 years or $81 for 8 years, plus $10 if more than 60 days late.

    Source: dol.wa.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

Permit renewal fee
$25 for 1 year.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
License term
6 or 8 years; licenses usually expire on your birthday.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Renewal fee
$10 per year: $61 for 6 years or $81 for 8 years; $10 extra if more than 60 days expired.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
When you can renew
From 1 year before expiration to 8 years after; after 8 years expired you start over with both tests.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Late renewal
No late fee within 60 days of expiration; more than 60 days late adds $10.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Online renewal
Yes, through License Express, unless you are 70+, need a vision screening or new photo, or renewed online last time.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026
Phone renewal
Possible if you are under 70 and last renewed in person.Source: dol.wa.gov · checked Nov 15, 2026

More in the Washington guide

Instruction permitSteps and official links →First licenseSteps and official links →REAL IDSteps and official links →Moving to WashingtonSteps and official links →Lost or replacement licenseSteps and official links →

Official Washington links

Agency home pagedol.wa.gov ↗Appointmentsdol.wa.gov ↗Driver handbookdol.wa.gov ↗Driver handbook (PDF)dol.wa.gov ↗Driver handbook (Spanish)dol.wa.gov ↗Online renewaldol.wa.gov ↗REAL IDdol.wa.gov ↗Permit and first licensedol.wa.gov ↗New residentsdol.wa.gov ↗Replace a licensedol.wa.gov ↗Feesdol.wa.gov ↗

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

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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.