Renew Your Washington, D.C. Driver's License
When your Washington, D.C. driver's license is set to expire, you'll need to submit a renewal application to the Washington, D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (D.C. DMV). If you have an expiring DC DMV driver's license, it will either be renewed with a REAL ID driver's license or a Limited Purpose driver's license.
Continue reading this page to find out how to renew your D.C. driver's license before it expires.
D.C. REAL ID Licenses
REAL ID licenses are federally compliant and allow you entry onto domestic flights and into federal facilities. When renewing your license, you'll receive a REAL ID unless you cannot provide the required identification documents. See below for details.
To get info about other types of driver's licenses or permits, please visit any of the following links:
- Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewals
- Washington, D.C. ID cards
- Driver's permits
- Motorcycle licenses
When to Renew Your D.C. Driver's License
In order to drive, you must hold a D.C. driver's license and renew it every 8 years.
If the D.C. DMV has your current address, you should receive a renewal reminder in the mail 60 days before your driver's license expires. You are not required to bring this card with you to the D.C. DMV office when you renew.
Expired Driver's License
IMPORTANT: Expired D.C. driver's licenses must be renewed in person.
There are no additional fees if you let your driver's license expire; however, if you allow it to be expired for 365 days or more, you will need to re-take the written test when you renew. If your license has been expired for longer than 545 days, you must also take the road test again.
Renew Your D.C. Driver's License
If you're a U.S. citizen, your Washington, D.C. driver's license is valid for 8 years at a time. If you're a non-U.S. citizen, your driver's license will have an expiration date based on the expiration of your immigration documents.
Depending on your circ*mstances, you may be able to renew your D.C. driver's license:
- Online.
- By mail
- See below for these steps.
- In person at your local D.C. DMV office.
We'll walk you through the online and in-personoptions below.
NOTE: If you're 70 years old or older, you must renew your driver's license in person.
- Online
- In Person
Online
You CANNOT renew your D.C. driver's license using the online system if:
- Your last renewal was also completed online.
- You do NOTalready have a REAL ID or limited purpose driver's license.
- Your driver's license has been expired for more than 365 days.
- You recently changed your address or name and haven't notified the D.C. DMV.
- You are 70 years old or older.
- Your driver's license does NOT have a digital photograph and signature.
- You've had a recent change in your medical condition or vision.
If you're eligible, you'll need to have the following available:
- Your D.C. driver's license number.
- The control number from your renewal notice.
- If you do not have this number, you must provide your first and last names, Social Security number (SSN), and date of birth.
- Payment for the $47 renewal fee using VISA, MasterCard, or Discover credit/debit card.
You will receive an online driver's license certificate that you can use for 45 days until you receive your renewed driver's license in the mail. Contact the D.C. DMV to check the status of your driver's license renewal.
In Person
Depending on which you qualify for, upon renewalyou willreceive either aREAL IDORaLimited Purpose driver's license. The limited purpose licenseCANNOTbe used as identification to enter federal facilities or board domestic flights.
The license you'll receive depends on whether or notyou have a Social Security number. If not, you'll receive a Limited Purpose license. The proofs to bring are as follows:
- REAL ID—proof of:
- Identity.
- Social Security number.*
- D.C. residency(2 documents)that are not from the same agency, company, or business.
- Limited Purpose driver's license—proof of:
- Identity.
- Residency, including:
- 2 documents from the acceptable proofs list, each datedat least 6 months agoand notfrom the same agency, company, or business.
- A completedSocial Security Number Declaration for Limited Purpose Identification(Form DC DMV-SSN-001) affirming you've lived in the District for at least 6 months.
To renew your Washington, D.C. driver's license in person, visit your nearest D.C. DMV office and bring:
- The appropriate documents listed above.
- A completed DC Driver License or Identification Card Application (Form DMVR-4).
- If you are 70 years old or older, your physician must complete the appropriate section on the form.
- Your current D.C. driver's license.
- Payment for the $47 driver's license renewal fee.
Non-citizens must contact the DMV at (202) 737-4404 for information on renewing.
Out-of-State D.C. Residents & Military
Notice for Military Members Stationed in Germany
If you are currently stationed in Germany, please be aware that some states require you to have a valid U.S. driver's license in addition to your USAREUR license.Read our articlefor more information.
If you're temporarily living outside of Washington D.C. you will only be able to renew online if you have a REAL ID driver's license. With the change to REAL ID-compliant cards on May 1st, 2014, your personal information must be on file with the DMV. This information includes proof of:
- Identity (full legal name and birthdate).
- Social Security number.
- Lawful presence in the United States.
- D.C. residency.
If you have not done the verification process or you do not meet the requirements to renew online please contact the Department of Motor Vehicles at (202) 737-4404.
Renewal Fees
The cost to renew your Washington, D.C. driver's license is $47 and your renewed license will be valid for 8 years.
Washington, D.C. DMV offices currently accept the following payment methods:
- Cash.
- Check.
- Money orders.
- VISA, Discover, or MasterCard.
Online renewals must be paid by VISA, Discover, or MasterCard credit/debit card.
Some offices may not accept a specific payment method. Be sure to contact your local D.C. DMV office before your visit to make sure your method of payment is accepted.
