The procedures of renewing ID card documents and purchasing a DMV ID replacement in Washington can be finalized through the state Department of Licensing (DOL). While the ID card is often viewed as an alternative to the official Washington state driver’s license, procedures to renew or replace an ID card differ from those of a license.
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ID Cards in Washington
Washington State identification cards are available to all WA residents and can be used as photo identification. You can use a WA ID card to open a bank account, register to vote, and travel. You can now also apply for an enhanced identification card (EID) that you can use to travel by sea or land through U.S. border crossings.
WA ID Card Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Washington state ID card, you must be:
- A resident of Washington.
- Able to show proof of your identity.
- Able to provide your Social Security number or proof of your WA residence.
- Able to have your photo taken at a WA driver licensing office.
There is no age requirement to apply for an ID card.
Apply for a Washington ID Card
You can now apply for an enhanced ID card (EID) in Washington. An EID is more advanced than a standard ID card and can be used as an alternative to a passport when returning to the U.S. via land or sea border crossings. For more information on enhanced ID cards (EID) and how to apply, read the “Enhanced WA EID' section below.
To apply for a WA identification card, you must visit a WA State Department of Licensing (DOL) driver's licensing office in person. You cannot apply for a Washington ID card online or by mail.
1. Pre-Apply Online
To save time at the driver licensing office, you can pre-apply online. This step is recommended, but not mandatory.
You can pre-apply if you are a resident of Washington AND:
- You've never before held a Washington ID card, driver's license, instruction permit, or enhanced driver license or ID card.
OR - You have a current license or ID and want to upgrade to an Enhanced ID (EID) card.
You will need to create an account and fill out some basic personal information, including your address and date of birth. When you finish your online application, you will receive a confirmation ID, which you'll need to take to the driver licensing office.
2. Visit a WA Driver Licensing Office
To finish your application, you must visit a WA driver licensing office in person. You must bring with you:
- Your confirmation ID, if you pre-applied online.
- Proof of your identity (see below examples).
- Payment for your ID card (please see “Washington Identification Card Fees' below).
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. The DOL can verify your SSN electronically. If you don't have an SSN, you can follow these steps:
- Sign a declaration form (pick one up at the WA DOT).
- Any documents used that are in your spouse's name require you to present a marriage certificate.
Once your residence is verified, you will be issued a temporary WA ID card. You will receive your permanent ID in the mail in about 10 days. If 30 days have passed and you still don't have your ID card, visit your local DOL office.
Washington Proof of Identity
The WA state DOT only accepts original or certified copies of documents to prove your identity. Accepted documents fall into different categories—stand-alone, A-list, and B-list documents.
Stand-alone documents include:
- Washington State driver license (must be current or expired less than 1 year ago).
- Valid U.S. armed services ID card (must have a photo).
- Valid U.S. passport (an emergency passport is not acceptable).
A-list documents include:
- Driver's license from another country (acceptability varies by country).
- Original U.S. citizenship or naturalization certificate.
- Valid federal or state employee ID card (must show your signature and photo).
B-list documents include:
- Certified birth certificate (Puerto Rico-issued birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010 will not be accepted).
- U.S. driver's license (invalid or expired less than 6 years ago).
- U.S. passport (expired less than 6 years ago).
The documents you need to bring will depend on your age. Visit the Washington State DOT's website for a full list of accepted documents.
While some authentic foreign documents may be accepted, the WA DOT may need to fax your documents to another location for checking. Where translation of documents is required, you may need to provide certified English translations with the original document.
Apply for an Enhanced WA ID Card
The Washington State Department of Licensing offers an enhanced ID card (EID), which you can use as an alternative to a passport when re-entering the U.S. at land and sea border crossings. Anyone who is a Washington state resident can apply for an EID, regardless of age.
To apply for an EID you will need to visit an EDL/EID office in person. To visit an appointment-only office, call (360) 902-3900 to make an appointment.
You can pre-apply online to save time at the office the same way you pre-apply for a standard ID card.
At the EDL/EID office you will need to:
- Complete an application form. If you pre-applied online, bring the confirmation number you received to the EDL/EID office.
- Provide your Social Security number. You do not need to bring in your Social Security card, unless you are using it as one of your proofs of identity.
- Verify the information on your application with a licensing service representative.
- Have your photo taken.
- Pay the fee of $78.
- Sign a declaration stating you received documents describing the use and purpose of biometric identification and radio frequency identification.
- Turn in your out-of-state driver license or ID card, if you have one.
You must bring:
- Payment for $78 the fee.
- A document proving your citizenship (e.g. original or government-certified copy of your U.S. passport, citizenship certificate, or Washington state birth certificate).
- A document proving your identity (e.g. original or government-certified copy of your U.S. passport, U.S. military ID, or government ID).
- 2 documents proving your WA residence (e.g. original or government-certified copy of a home utility bill, mortgage document, or homeowner's insurance policy).
Use the checklist to see a full list of acceptable documents.
You will receive your EID in the mail in about 3 weeks. You will have a temporary EID to use for identification purposes only (not for border crossings), until your permanent card arrives in the mail.
Washington Identification Card Fees
Washington state ID cards and EIDs are valid for 6 years and expire on your birthday.
WA ID Card Fees
For a standard WA ID card, it will cost you:
- $54 for your first standard ID card.
- $54 to renew your standard ID card.
- $20 to replace a lost or stolen ID card.
Enhanced ID Card Fees
Enhanced ID cards have different fees to a standard WA identification card. It will cost you:
- $78 for your first EID.
- $4 per year of the time remaining on your WA ID card to upgrade to an EID.
- $78 to renew your EID.
- $20 to replace your lost or stolen EID.
Accepted Forms of Payment
WA DOL driver licensing offices accept the following forms of payment:
- Cash.
- Check.
- MasterCard and American Express credit or debit cards, and some VISA debit cards (except at Coulee Dam, Davenport, Friday Harbor, Forks, Goldendale, Newport, Republic, or South Bend).
If you pay by debit or credit card, you will be charged an additional convenience fee.
Renew Your Washington ID Card
Your Washington state ID card will expire every 6 years on your birthday. You will need to renew your ID card either online or in person at a WA Department of Licensing office. You cannot renew your WA ID card by mail.
Renew Online
If you received a letter from the WA DOT saying you can renew your ID card online, visit the WA DOL website to do so. You will need:
- Your ID card number.
- The last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- A valid VISA, MasterCard, or American Express card.
- An email address and/or printer.
Your card will be mailed to you within 10 days. If it still hasn't arrived within 30 days, send an email to [email protected].
The WA DOL will use the same photo that is on your current ID card. If you would like to have a new photo taken, you must renew your ID card in person at a Washington driver licensing office.
Renew in Person
To renew your ID card in person, visit a driver licensing office and bring your current WA ID card and payment for your new ID card.
Renew Your Enhanced ID Card
Your EID will expire every 6 years on your birthday.
If your information doesn't match, you will need to renew your EID in person to prove your address. You will need to provide documents such as utility bills, mortgage documents, and a Washington State voter card.
You can renew your EID online, by mail or in person. You must renew your card in person at a driver licensing office, if:
- Your address information doesn't match the USPS records. Check if your WA address matches the one on record by visiting the USPS website.
- You need to change your name on your EID.
A full list of acceptable documents can be found online.
Online
You can renew your EID online the same way as you would a standard WA ID card (see above).
By Mail
You can renew your EID by mail if you received a letter from the WA DOL saying you can do so. You will need to send the renewal form and payment coupon you received, and a check or money order to the address specified on the renewal.
In Person
You can renew your EID in person at a driver licensing office.
You will need:
- Your current or expired WA EID.
- Payment for the renewal fee.
- Documents proving your residence, if your address doesn't match the USPS records (e.g. utility bills, mortgage documents and WA State voter card).
Change Your WA ID Card Information
Change Your ID/EID Card Address
You must change your address on your ID/EID card within 10 days of moving within Washington. You can change your address online, in person, or by mail.
There is no cost to change your address on your WA driving record only, but you will need to pay a fee to receive an updated ID/EID card. See the “Washington Identification Card Fees' section above for fees and accepted payment methods.
Online
When you change your address online, you will have the option of ordering an updated WA ID/EID card with your new address, or just updating your driving record only.
You will need:
- Your WA ID/EID card number.
- The last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- Payment, if you want a replacement ID card.
Note: If your current card is a standard WA ID card, your replacement card will be a standard ID card, not an enhanced ID card.
By Mail
To change your Washington address by mail, you will need to complete the Driver License Change of Address (Form DR-500-039) and send it to any driver's licensing office in WA.
If you renew your Washington ID card by mail, you will not receive a new updated ID card. You must write your new address on the back of your current ID with permanent ink, in the space provided.
In Person
To change your address in person, visit any driver licensing office in WA. You will have the option of purchasing a replacement ID card with your new address printed on it. If you want a replacement ID, you will need to bring payment for the new ID card.
Change Your Name on a Washington ID Card
To change your name on your WA ID card, you will need to visit a WA DOL driver's licensing office in person. You cannot change your name online or by mail.
You must bring:
- A document proving your identity (e.g. U.S. passport, original or filed copy of your marriage certificate, or your original birth certificate).
- Payment for your new ID card.
Change Your Name on a WA EID Card
To change your name on your WA EID, you must visit a WA DOL driver's licensing office in person. You cannot change your name online or by mail.
You must bring:
- Your current WA EID.
- A court order, divorce decree (filed and verified by the court), or marriage certificate (original or certified copy). The document must show your new name.
- Payment for your new EID.
Replace a Lost or Stolen Washington ID Card
If your Washington ID card is lost or stolen, you can replace it if the ID hasn't expired and the WA DOL has your current address on file. If your WA identification card is going to expire within 3 months, renew it instead of replacing it.
You can replace your ID card online or in person. Be aware that you may only be able to request a replacement 3 times within 1 year. Check with the Washington DOL for specifics.
Online Replacement
To replace your ID card online, visit the WA DOL website. You will need:
- The last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
- A valid Visa, MasterCard, or American Express card.
- An email address and/or printer.
Your card will be mailed to you in 10 days. If it still hasn't arrived within 30 days, send an email to [email protected].
The WA DOL will use the same photo that is on your current ID card. If you would like to have a new photo taken, you must renew your ID card in person at a Washington driver licensing office.
In-Person Replacement
To replace your lost or stolen Washington ID card in person, visit a WA DOL driver licensing office and bring:
- Documents to prove your identity (see the “Apply for a Washington ID Card' section above).
- Valid payment.
A new photo will be taken for your replacement Washington identification card, unless you use a self-service station.
If there are self-service stations available at the WA DOL office you are visiting, you can use these to replace your ID card, if:
- The WA DOL has your current address on file.
- Your lost/stolen card hasn't expired.
You will need to pay the fee using a VISA, MasterCard, or American Express debit or credit card. If you use a self-service station, your new ID card will have the same photo as your last card.
Your replacement Washington identification card will be mailed to you within 10 days. If it still hasn't arrived within 30 days, send an email to [email protected].
Replace Your EID
You can replace your lost or stolen EID card online or in person at a Washington DOL driver licensing office. If your EID is expiring in the next 3 months, renew it instead of replacing it.
Your replacement card should arrive within 10 days of your application. If it still hasn't arrived within 30 days, call the WA DOL at (360) 902-3900 or email [email protected].
Online
You can replace your EID online if:
- Your lost or stolen Washington ID card is valid and unexpired.
- It has been over 12 months since you replaced or renewed your EID online.
- Your SSN and current address are on file with the WA DOL.
- You aren't changing your name on your EID.
- You are still a resident of Washington State.
- You don't have any dishonored checks, unpaid traffic fines, unpaid reissuance fees, suspensions, revocations, or cancellations on your record.
You will need:
- The last 4 digits of your SSN.
- A valid VISA, MasterCard, or American Express credit/debit card.
- An email address and/or printer.
In Person
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To replace your lost or stolen WA EID in person, visit a WA DOL driver licensing office and bring:
- Documents to prove your identity (same as documents accepted for applying for a new EID).
- Valid payment.
If you are under 18 years old, your parent or guardian must sign an affidavit.
You will have a temporary EID to use for identification purposes only (not for border crossings), until your permanent card arrives in the mail.
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The Washington enhanced driver’s license (EDL) credentials are official identification documents issued by the state Department of Licensing (DOL) that come with various privileges. This enhanced ID credential serves as proof of identity and citizenship, offers standard driving privileges and can be used to travel to the United States by land and sea.
Note that the requirements to obtain an enhanced driving license are slightly stricter than those that apply for a standard driver’s license. To apply for this drivers license passport, you will have to submit your request through a DOL location that accepts EDL applications. You will be required to submit several types of documents proving your eligibility and pay a higher-than-standard fee. Note that if you already hold a standard driver’s license, you will not be required to pass the driving exams when applying for this document.
Apart from issuing enhanced driving licenses in WA, the state DOL also issues enhanced ID cards (EID), which offer the same identification and border-crossing benefits without extending any driving privileges. To apply for an enhanced identification card, you will be required to meet the same documentation requirements. Therefore, you will have to prove your U.S. citizenship and state residency. Note that you will be required to submit your paperwork and fee payments in person, since the DOL staff must verify the submitted documents immediately.
After obtaining your enhanced ID card, you can use it to re-enter the U.S. by land or sea and board domestic flights. Continue reading the sections below to learn more about applying for an enhanced DL and ID card.
What is an enhanced driver’s license in Washington?
Many drivers do not know what the EDL is. In short, the license is a sort of cross between a driver’s license and a passport card. The enhanced driver license benefits allow holders to travel to the United States without a passport, drive your motor vehicle within the states and use it for official identification purposes. However, the enhanced driver’s license states list is limited, and if you would like to travel to other international countries, you will be required to obtain a conventional passport. However, you can still travel by plane within the country with only your enhanced license to drive.
What is an enhanced ID in Washington?
If you obtain a Washington enhanced ID card, on the other hand, you will be granted the same identification and border-crossing privileges extended to holders of EDL credentials without getting any driving privileges. Therefore, if you are unable or unwilling to drive, you can apply for an EID credential instead. By doing so, you will obtain a state-issued identification and citizenship document, which will also allow you to return to the United States by land or sea. You can likewise utilize the enhanced identification card to board domestic flights.
Washington Enhanced License Eligibility Requirements
Before learning how to get an enhanced license in Washington, you will need to review the requirements for these special DOL credentials. Note that the eligibility criteria for an enhanced ID card or an EDL document are stricter than those that apply for their standard counterparts. To get your enhanced license to drive, the following requirements must apply to you:
- You are a state resident and a U.S. citizen.
- You are at least 18 years of age, if applying for an unrestricted enhanced driver’s license.
- You have passed the licensing exams, if applying for an EDL credential.
- You have collected the necessary supporting paperwork.
- You have arranged payment for the WA enhanced driver’s license cost.
If you are applying for an enhanced driving license as a teenage driver younger than 18 years of age, the following must be true:
- You are at least 16 years of age.
- You have held a learner’s permit for at least six months.
- You have completed a driver training course.
- You have not been convicted of any traffic violations.
- You have parental permission to apply for your credential.
The above requirement list is not all-inclusive, as it contains only the general eligibility criteria. Depending on whether you are obtaining an enhanced license or an enhanced ID card and your age when you apply, the requirements may vary to a certain degree.
Documents Needed for an Enhanced Driver’s License in Washington
Motorists wondering, “What do you need to get an enhanced driver’s license in Washington?” must note that the state DOL requires the full set of supporting paperwork, including:
Proof of U.S. citizenship:
- A valid U.S. passport or passport card
- A U.S. birth certificate
- A U.S. Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
Proof of your Social Security status:
- A Social Security card
- An SSA-1099 form or a W-2 form
- A pay stub with your Social Security Number (SSN)
Two proofs of state residency:
- A vehicle registration
- Utility bills
- A school transcript
Proof of identity:
- A state-issued identification document
- A government ID card
- A military identification document
Proof of name change, if you have recently changed your legal name:
- A marriage document
- A divorce decree
- A court order
Note: The submitted paperwork must be in its original unaltered form or as copies certified by the agency that issued them.
How to Get an Enhanced License in Washington
To obtain the Washington drivers license passport or an EID credential, you will be required to submit an in-person request through a DOL location that processes enhanced credential applications. Note that the procedure to get your enhanced ID document will vary depending on whether you are obtaining a driving license or an ID card. For instance, if you would like to apply for a WA enhanced driving license, you will first have to pass all licensing exams, provided you have not done so already and you are not simply transferring a valid out-of-state credential.
Once you meet the requirements for a travel drivers license or an enhanced identification card, you can visit a nearby EDL/EID office and complete the following steps:
- Complete the mandatory interview.
- Fill out the corresponding application form.
- Submit your supporting paperwork.
- Have your photo taken.
- Pay the applicable licensing fees.
Note that you will be required to arrive at the DOL location at least 90 minutes before closing time to allow for enough time for the interview and the documentation verification procedure. If you are applying for an EDL or an EID document as a teenage applicant, you must also be accompanied by a parent who will provide his or her signature on your application form. You will receive a temporary enhanced identification card or driving license before leaving the office, which you can use until you receive the permanent document by mail.
How long does it take to get an enhanced license in Washington?
After approving your Washington enhanced license application, the state DOL will manufacture it and mail it to your address on file within two to three weeks of the date you submitted your request. Note that this longer processing period for an EDL or EID credential is due to the enhanced security features included in the enhanced credential. At the moment, you cannot expedite the manufacturing process for your enhanced license to drive or ID card. However, if you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the department to inquire about the status of your credential.
Enhanced Driver License Cost in Washington
One of the last steps when applying for a Washington enhanced driver’s license is arranging payment for the applicable licensing fees. Note that the total cost of the DOL enhanced ID credentials includes an enhanced license fee in addition to the standard cost for your driving license or ID card. For instance, to get an enhanced identification card in WA, you will be required to pay a $78 fee for a six-year credential, which is $24 higher than the basic $54 ID card fee. The enhanced driving license fee is $113 for the six-year credential, which is likewise higher than the cost for a standard license.
Enhanced Licenses vs. Passports in Washington
If you are wondering about the differences between the Washington DMV enhanced license and a standard passport document, note that these two official documents are dissimilar in various aspects. First, while you must apply with a nearby DMV office to get an enhanced license, you have to go through the U.S. Department of State if you would like to get a passport. Then, even though both an enhanced credential and a passport card serve as proof of identification and citizenship, the enhanced ID card and the EDL only provide limited border-crossing privileges.
If you are planning on traveling internationally, you will need to obtain a U.S. passport. However, while a WA enhanced driving license extends standard driving privileges, you cannot utilize your U.S. passport for that purpose. When choosing whether or not to obtain an enhanced credential, evaluate your current and future needs of owning a document that will allow you to drive legally and return to the U.S. from by land or sea.