Renew Washington Drivers License While Out of State

Renew your driver license while out of state

If you are out of state when your driver license expires, you may be eligible to renew or extend it. Your license must not be suspended, revoked, surrendered, cancelled, or have any outstanding fees.

To learn more, select a topic below:

• 12-month extension
• Renewal for 5 years (by mail)
• Military personnel
• Frequently asked questions

12-month extension

If you are out of the state when your driver license expires, you can get one extension that will be valid for 12 months from the expiration date on your license. You must carry the extension document along with your expired license.

Enhanced Driver License (EDL)

If you get a 12-month extension for your EDL, it will be valid only for driving. You won’t be able to use your EDL for land or sea border crossings after the original expiration date.

Endorsements

A 12-month extension is valid only for motorcycle endorsements. Once the extension expires you must reapply in person, take any necessary tests, and pay applicable fees.

How to apply

To request an extension for up to 12 months, complete the Driver License Extension Request and mail it to:

To have the form sent to you, call (360) 902-3900 or email drivers@dol.wa.gov.

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Renewal for 5 years (by mail)

If you are outside Washington State and don’t plan to return until a year or more after your current license expires, you may be eligible to renew your driver license by mail if your last license renewal was done in person instead of by mail or online. A license renewed by mail doesn’t contain your photograph or signature, and is labeled “identity not verified.”

Endorsements

You may renew a motorcycle endorsement by mail. However, you must visit a driver licensing office in person to renew a commercial driver license (CDL).

How to renew by mail

To renew a license by mail, send us:

• A completed Driver License Replacement/Renewal Request.
• Appropriate fees (check or money order).

Mail the completed form and fee to:

To have the form sent to you, call (360) 902-3900 or email drivers@dol.wa.gov.

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Military personnel

You don’t need to renew your driver license during your term of military service if you are:

• A member of the armed forces or National Guard on active duty.
• A reservist called to active duty for 180 days or more.
• The spouse or dependent of a member of the military on active duty.

Your driver license will remain valid as long as you are on active duty. For more information about driver licenses for service members, including how to request a driver license with a “military” expiration date, see Military personnel.

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Frequently asked questions

How can I replace a lost or stolen license while out of Washington State?

See Replace your driver license while out of state.

If I change my name while I’m out of state, can I update it on my license?

No, you can only change the name on your license in person at a driver licensing office. You can still request a license extension or renewal, but it will show the name currently on your license.

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Find information about specific to Seattle vehicle-related matters such as renewing your tags, transferring or replacing a title, ordering specialized or vanity plates or obtaining a bill of sale. If you’ve misplaced your Seattle, WA registration card, need to submit a change of address, or have questions on vehicle inspection and smog, you’ll find what you need here.

We also cover special vehicles such as motorcycles, boats, RVs and custom-built cars. Need information on registering a salvaged vehicle in Washington? No problem.

Because not all Seattle DOL-related business can be conducted online, we offer Seattle locations and hours info for the branch office nearest to your Seattle neighborhood. Just be sure you schedule an appointment in advance.