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Replace or Renew Your Driver License in Washington, DC

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In Person

If you do not qualify for online renewal, you can always renew your license at any DC DMV Service center without an appointment.

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Plan of Action

1

Step 1

Verify your identity and age. Choose documents from this list for a real ID license or this list for a Limited Purpose license.

If you have changed your name so that it no longer matches that on your documentation, you must have Social Security update your name, then you will verify the name change at the DMV with documentation selected from this list.

2

Step 2

Verify your residency in the District with documentation selected from this list.

3

Step 3

Verify your Social Security number or prove that you are ineligible for one. Choose documentation from this list.

4

Step 4

Pay the renewal fee of $47.00 by card, check, money order, or cash (cash isn’t accepted at the Brentwood Road Test and CDL Office).

5

Step 5

Get your temporary license. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within 10 days. While you are waiting to receive it, you can check its mailing status online.

If your license expired more than 365 days ago, you will have to pass a knowledge test or complete a DMV-approved online traffic school course.

If your license expired more than 545 days ago, you will have to pass both a knowledge test and a road test.
Find a DMV office near you

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By Mail

If the DMV finds you eligible to renew your license by mail, the DMV will mail you information and instructions along with the renewal notice. Just follow the instructions.

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Online

You may renew online if you meet the following requirements:

  1. Your real ID or Limited Purpose driver license is currently valid or has not been expired for more than 365 days.
  2. Your current name and address are on file at the DMV.
  3. You are younger than 70 years of age.
  4. You can provide your driver license number and the control number from your renewal notice. (If you don’t have the control number from your renewal notice, provide your first name, last name, Social Security number, and date of birth.)
  5. You can pay the $47.00 renewal fee with a credit card (not American Express or Discover Card).
  6. You have no medical conditions that might impair your ability to drive.
  7. You did not renew online the last time.

To renew online, visit this DMV webpage and follow the instructions. Note that you will be asked to take a short quiz about the rules of the road first. The quiz is not graded.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 days and will be valid for 8 years.
Renew Online

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