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

You can get one 12-month extension from the date of your license expiration if you are out of the state or country. You must carry this document in addition to your expired license.

Endorsements

This extension includes only motorcycle endorsements. Once the extension expires you must reapply in person, take any necessary tests, and pay applicable fees.

How to apply

You may request an extension for up to 12 months by completing the Driver License Extension Request and mailing 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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