Washington drivers should be aware that the state’s driver license renewal requirements have undergone significant changes in recent years, offering more flexibility but also introducing new rules and options that impact how and when you renew.
New Renewal Period Options
Washington now allows drivers to choose between a 6-year or 8-year renewal cycle for standard and enhanced driver licenses and ID cards. This change, which took effect in 2022, gives residents the option to renew less frequently if they prefer.
The cost per year remains the same, so the total fee simply reflects the longer validity period: $54 for 6 years or $72 for 8 years for a standard license, and $78 for 6 years or $104 for 8 years for an enhanced license. Motorcycle and commercial endorsements have their own fee schedules.
Who Can Renew and How
You can renew your Washington driver license:
Online: The fastest and easiest method, available to most residents unless you last renewed online, need a new photo, or have other special circumstances.
By Mail: Only available if you receive a renewal letter from the Department of Licensing (DOL) and, as of now, only for the 8-year term.
By Phone: Eligible if you are under 70 and last renewed in person.
In Person: Required if you are 70 or older, need a vision screening, need a new photo, or last renewed online.
You must update your address with the DOL before renewing if you have recently moved. Not everyone qualifies for online renewal—if your license expired more than 60 days ago, is suspended or revoked, or you need a name change or an upgrade to an Enhanced or REAL ID, you must renew in person.
Renewal Timing and Grace Periods
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires (usually on your birthday) or up to eight years after expiration. If your license expired less than 60 days ago, there is no late fee, but you could still be ticketed if caught driving with an expired license. If it’s been more than 60 days, a $10 late fee applies. After eight years, you cannot renew and must start the licensing process from scratch.
Special Cases
First-Time Licenses: The renewal period for new licenses varies depending on the year issued. For example, first licenses issued in 2025 will have a 4-year term, while those issued in 2026 and beyond can choose the 6- or 8-year option.
Seniors and Vision Screening: Drivers aged 70 and older must renew in person and pass a vision screening.
Military Members: Active duty military and their families have extensions and special provisions for renewal.
What You Need
To renew, you will need your driver license number, date of birth, last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. If renewing online or by mail, your address must be current with the DOL.
Washington’s new renewal system gives drivers more choices and convenience, but it’s important to know the rules that apply to your situation. Make sure your information is up to date, know your eligibility for online or mail renewal, and be aware of the new 8-year renewal option and associated fees. Failure to renew on time can lead to extra fees or even having to start the licensing process over
Sources
[1] https://licensingexpress.wordpress.com/2021/12/01/new-8-year-renewal-option-available-starting-jan-1-2022-for-driver-licenses-and-id-cards/
[2] https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/renew-or-replace-driver-license/renew-driver-license
[3] https://www.blanquivioletas.com/en/guide-renewing-washington-driver-license/
[4] https://zutobi.com/us/wa-car/driver-guides/washington-drivers-license-renewal
[5] https://www.wsba.org/for-legal-professionals/license-renewal
