Renewing Your License

Regular Driver Licenses and Enhanced Driver Licenses (EDLs)

Whether it's a regular license or an EDL, your Washington driver's license is good until your fifth birthday from the date of issue. You can renew your license with the Department of Licensing up to 90 days before it expires.

To renew your license, go to your nearest Licensing Service Office. You will need to retake the vision test and pay a $25 renewal fee. If your license has already expired, you can renew it for up to 60 days past the expiration date, but you'll have to pay an additional $10 late fee.

For your convenience, you may be able to renew your regular license
online. You can do this if:

• Your last renewal was done at a licensing office.

• You received a renewal notice in the mail (here's a sample) with an authorization number on it.

• You can pay with a credit card.

Additional EDL Requirements

While you'll follow basically the same process to renew your EDL as you would your regular license, there are a few additional requirements:

• You must renew your EDL at an EDL/ID office locations; there is no online renewal option.

• You must present your current or expired EDL.

• You may need to verify your address. Washington suggests searching your address in the USPS Zip Code Lookup. If you don't get any results, chances are you'll need to provide proof of your address when you renew. It's best to contact your EDL/ID office for instructions.

Out-of-State Renewals

If you're going to be out of the state for at least 12 months when your license expires (such as when you're in the military), you can renew your license by mail. If you're going to be gone for less than 12 months, then you'll be granted an extension.

Fill out the extension/renewal form and send it to the address below:

• Department of Licensing

• Driver Responsibility Technical Reporting

• P.O. Box 9048

• Olympia, WA 98507-9048

Try to send your request at least 30 days before your license expires. The renewal license you receive will not be valid for identification purposes, since it will not contain a photograph. Photo licenses are only available when you go to your local LSO.

When applying for an out-of-state renewal by mail, include the following with your application:

• A blank sheet of white paper with your signature. A copy of that signature will be placed on your renewed license.

• A note from your eye doctor if you want any vision restrictions you have on your license removed.

• A medical certificate, if required, from your doctor.

• A $30 fee ($25 for the renewal plus a $5 processing fee).

The Department of Licensing offers additional answers to FAQs about renewing your license.

Military Personnel

Each state’s motor vehicle agency will have different renewal policies for drivers in the military. Go to our Drivers in the Military page to find out how to handle your license renewal while you are stationed out of state.

Don't Forget!

DMV.ORG also covers information about commercial driver's licenses and motorcycle endorsements.