Wish you could renew your driver license or identification card less often? You’re going to like the changes coming Jan. 1, 2022.
That’s when Washington residents can begin choosing an 8-year renewal cycle instead of a 6-year term. The new, longer option is the result of Substitute House Bill 1207, passed earlier this year to provide residents with more online services and choices amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The cost per year isn’t changing, so it’s simply a matter of deciding how long you want your license or ID to remain valid — 6 years or 8? — before you must renew it again.
| Document type | Per-year cost | Cost for 6 years | Cost for 8 years |
| Standard driver license/ID card | $9 | $54 | $72 |
| Enhanced driver license (EDL)/Enhanced ID card (EID) | $13 | $78 | $104 |
| Motorcycle endorsement | $14 | $84 | $112 |
| Commercial driver license (CDL)* | $26 | $156 | $208 |
* In accordance with federal guidelines, CDLs with a hazardous materials endorsement must be renewed every five years or less.
The fastest and easiest way to renew is to go online to dol.wa.gov using any smartphone, computer/laptop, or tablet. Renewing online takes only a few minutes.
You can renew up to a year before your license or ID expires. So if your credential expires any time before 2023, you can renew it online for 8 years (beyond its current expiration date) as soon as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.
You can choose between the 6- and 8-year options while renewing online or during an appointment at a driver licensing office. If you’re renewing by mail, only the 8-year term is available.
Please note that first-time driver licenses, enhanced driver licenses, commercial driver licenses, intermediate driver licenses, and enhanced intermediate driver licenses will start off with a different renewal cycle:
- First licenses issued in 2022 will have a 6-year term.
- First licenses issued in 2023 and 2024 will have a 5-year term.
- First licenses issued in 2025 will have a 4-year term.
- First licenses issued in 2026 and beyond will have a 6- or 8-year renewal option.
- First IDs and enhanced IDs are not included and will have a 6- or 8-year renewal option.
DOL to continue offering online instruction permit options
Due to SHB 1207, the following also applies into the new year and beyond:
- Non-photo instruction permits can be obtained online.
- Photo and non-photo instruction permits can be renewed online.
Previously, these services had been offered via a governor’s proclamation. Now, they’re here to stay.
