Crossings TV Asian Television
By Staff Writer
This fall, as schools have reopened, so have more Washington driver licensing offices! The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) has reopened most of its offices to the public, but they are still operating by appointment only and at reduced capacity.
The good news is, DOL expanded its online services, with online license renewal being readily available to all Washington residents who are eligible. Washingtonians can renew anywhere, anytime—without needing to make an appointment or going to an office in person. For those without Internet access at home, the state is offering free, temporary access at over 300 Drive-In Wi-Fi Hotspots across Washington. For Seattle residents, there are additional public facilities that offer free Wi-Fi.
“During the pandemic, we have adjusted our service model to help as many people as possible as safely as possible. This includes making it easier for more people to renew online,” said Teresa Berntsen, DOL’s director. “We have seen an increase in online renewals over the last year, which means Washington residents are taking advantage of more access to online services.”
Renewing online is easy—all you need is an Internet connection, your current license number, and a form of payment. It’s so easy, in fact, that the average user spends about 10 minutes to complete the process.
Don’t wait to renew! But if more than a year has passed since your license expired, if you want to have a new picture taken, or if you want an Enhanced Driver License or Enhanced ID, you’ll need to make an appointment.
“We are happy to provide these expanded online services because the health and safety of our employees and customers is always our top priority,” Berntsen said.
Visit dol.wa.gov/renewandgo to learn more and see if you’re eligible to renew online.
