Renew your driver's license in District of Columbia

Online or in person

Yes, online (by mail if your notice says so) · Not needed if you renew online or by mailYou need your current name and address on file, your license number and the control number from your renewal notice, and a credit card. The DMV says you cannot change your address during the online renewal. In person, you can renew at any DC DMV service center.

Cost

$47, 8 yearsThe DMV fee page lists the driver license (first-time and renewal) at $47/8 years. The non-driver ID card (first-time and renewal) is listed at $20/8 years. The DMV added a 2.5% service fee to debit and credit card transactions on December 15, 2025.

You leave with

Card by mailOnline: the DMV mails your license within 15 business days and you can print a 45-day temporary license. By mail: allow up to 15 business days. The pages do not say what you receive after an in-person renewal.

Your plan

1. Gather your documents

   • To renew online: license number and control number · all that apply
     The control number is on your renewal notice. If you don't have it, give your first name, last name, Social Security number and date of birth. A valid credit card is also needed.
     Show accepted documents

     • Driver license number
     • Control number from your renewal notice
   • In person: your current DC driver license
   • In person: proof of identity
     One original source document that lists your full legal name and date of birth. The DMV does not accept documents that are not on its list. If your name changed through marriage, divorce or a court order, also bring that certificate or those court documents.
     Show accepted documents (bring 1)

     • Unexpired US passport or passport card
     • US birth certificate filed with a state office of vital statistics
     • Unexpired permanent resident card
     • Certificate of naturalization
     • Certificate of US citizenship
   • In person: two proofs of DC residency · 2 different documents
     Originals with a valid DC address (no P.O. boxes), not from the same business, company or agency. Printed copies of online bills count; screenshots do not.
     Show accepted documents (bring 2)

     • Utility bill, issued within the last 60 days
     • Unexpired lease or rental agreement
     • Mortgage statement, issued within the last 60 days
     • DC property tax bill or assessment, issued within the last 12 months
   • In person: Social Security number
     You give your number on the application and the DMV verifies it electronically with the Social Security Administration; no extra document is needed if it verifies. If you are not eligible for a number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying so.
   • In person, age 70 or older: medical practitioner's certification · all that apply
     Your medical practitioner completes the certification on the driver license application. If you have a medical condition that may impair safe driving, the DMV requires its medical and vision report form.

2. Look for your renewal notice

   The DMV mails a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires, or emails or texts it if you gave your email address or opted in to text notices. The notice tells you if you can renew by mail.

3. Pick the one that fits you:

   1. Option 1: Renew online

      Enter your renewal information, complete the medical questionnaire, update your organ donor information, pay by credit card and print the receipt and, if needed, the 45-day temporary license.

      Online Drivers License Renewal on dmv.dc.gov ↗

   2. Option 2: Renew by mail

      If you are eligible, the renewal notice carries the instructions. The DMV processes mail renewals within 7-10 business days of receipt; allow up to 15 business days to receive your card.

      Renewal rules on dmv.dc.gov ↗

   3. Option 3: Renew in person

      Visit any DC DMV service center with your documents and pay the applicable fees. The DMV renews expiring licenses as either a REAL ID or a Limited Purpose driver license, depending on which you qualify for.

      DC DMV service centers ↗