Washington State lets you change your driver license through the Department of Licensing, either online for certain updates or in person at a local office

The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) handles all driver license changes. What you can change and how you change it depends on what information needs updating. Some changes — like a name or address — can be done online if you meet specific requirements. Others, like a gender marker or correcting a mistake on your license, require an in-person visit to a DOL office.

You do not need to renew your entire license to make most changes. The DOL issues a replacement license with the updated information, and you keep your current license number and expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Address changes can be completed online through the DOL website if your license is not expired and you have a valid Washington ID or Social Security number.
  • Name changes require an in-person visit to a DOL office and proof of the legal name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
  • Gender marker changes need an in-person appointment and a signed statement from a healthcare provider or a court order.
  • You can find your nearest DOL office and book an appointment through dol.wa.gov; walk-ins are accepted but appointments are faster.
  • A replacement license costs $20 in Washington, and you will receive it by mail within 10 business days of your visit.

Changing Your Address Online

An address change is the fastest update you can make. You can do this online through the DOL website without visiting an office, as long as your current license is not expired and you can verify your identity.

Go to dol.wa.gov, select "Change Address," and enter your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need to provide your new address. The system will confirm the change when ready, and you will receive a replacement license by mail within 10 business days. There is no fee for an address change.

If your license is expired, you cannot use the online system. You will need to visit a DOL office in person to update your address at the same time you renew.

Changing Your Name in Person

A name change always requires an in-person visit to a DOL office. You must bring proof that your name has legally changed. Acceptable documents include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or a court order from a name change petition.

Bring your current driver license, your proof of name change, and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form works). You will fill out an process for Replacement Driver License or Identicard (form DL 44) at the office. The replacement license costs $20 and will arrive by mail within 10 business days.

If you changed your name through marriage or divorce, bring the original or certified copy of the certificate. If you obtained a legal name change through the court, bring the certified court order.

Updating Your Gender Marker

Washington allows you to change the gender marker on your driver license. This change must be made in person at a DOL office.

You have two options for proof. The first is a signed statement from a licensed healthcare provider (a doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or mental health professional) confirming that you have been treated or evaluated for gender dysphoria or that you are undergoing gender transition. The second is a court order from a name change or gender marker petition.

Bring your current driver license, your proof document, and proof of your Social Security number. Fill out form DL 44 at the office. The replacement license costs $20 and arrives within 10 business days. You do not need to change your name to change your gender marker.

Correcting Errors on Your License

If your license contains a mistake — a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, or incorrect address — you can have it corrected at a DOL office. Bring your current license and any documents that prove what the correct information should be (a birth certificate for date of birth, a marriage certificate if your name was recorded wrong, etc.).

The DOL will not charge you a fee to correct an error the department made. If the error was yours (for example, you provided wrong information when you first applied), you may be charged the $20 replacement fee. Ask the DOL staff which applies to your situation before you complete the form.

Finding a DOL Office and Making an Appointment

Washington has DOL offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on dol.wa.gov. The website also lets you book an appointment online, which is faster than walking in.

Appointments typically have shorter wait times, but walk-ins are accepted at all offices. During busy periods, walk-in wait times can exceed an hour. If you book an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all required documents.

Some smaller towns do not have a full DOL office but have a service center that handles certain transactions. Check the website to see what services are available at your location.

What to Bring to Your In-Person Visit

For any in-person change, bring your current driver license and proof of your Social Security number. Proof can be a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return.

Bring the specific documents that match your change: a marriage certificate or court order for a name change, a healthcare provider statement or court order for a gender marker change, or a birth certificate if you are correcting your date of birth. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for legal documents.

You will also need to complete form DL 44 (process for Replacement Driver License or Identicard) at the office. You can read and fill it out ahead of time from dol.wa.gov to save time, or you can fill it out when you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my replacement license after I make a change?

The DOL mails replacement licenses within 10 business days of your visit. Delivery by mail typically takes another 3 to 7 days depending on where you live. Your current license remains valid until the replacement arrives.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No, you cannot use the online address change system if your license is expired. You will need to visit a DOL office in person to update your address and renew your license at the same time. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

Do I need a court order to change my gender marker, or is a doctor's letter enough?

A signed statement from a licensed healthcare provider is enough. You do not need a court order unless you prefer to use one. The provider must confirm that you have been treated or evaluated for gender dysphoria or are undergoing gender transition.

What if I lost my Social Security card and cannot bring proof of my number?

You can bring other documents that show your Social Security number, such as a W-2, 1099, or tax return. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before your DOL visit.

Is there a fee to change my address online?

No, address changes online are free. In-person changes (name, gender marker, or corrections) cost $20 for a replacement license. You pay this fee at the DOL office when you complete your transaction.