What you need to do to renew your TAB card

Washington's Department of Labor issues a TAB card (Teamster, Agricultural, or Building trades identification) to workers in certain industries. To renew it, you contact the Department of Labor directly—either online through their website, by mail, or in person at their Olympia office. The renewal process itself is straightforward: you submit your current card or card number, confirm your information is still correct, and pay the renewal fee. Most renewals are processed within two to three weeks.

The timing matters because your card has an expiration date printed on it. You can renew up to 90 days before that date expires, which gives you a window to plan ahead. If your card has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may not be able to work in your trade until the new card arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the Washington Department of Labor directly to renew—they handle renewals by phone, mail, online, or in person.
  • You can renew your TAB card up to 90 days before the expiration date on your current card.
  • Have your current card number or the card itself ready when you contact them, along with payment for the renewal fee.
  • Processing typically takes two to three weeks, so plan your renewal before your card expires to avoid work interruptions.
  • If your card has expired, you can still renew it, but you may not be permitted to work in your trade until the new card arrives.

Where to contact the Department of Labor

The Washington Department of Labor's main office is located in Olympia. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about renewal, or you can visit in person if you are in the area. They also accept mail-in renewals if you prefer to send your card and payment by post.

Some workers find it faster to call first and ask whether they can renew online through the Department of Labor website. Online renewal is available for some card types and can be completed in minutes, with your new card mailed to you within the standard processing time.

What information and documents you will need

Have your current TAB card in front of you when you contact the Department of Labor. If you have lost the card, you will need to provide your card number instead. You will also need to confirm your name, address, and any other identifying information on file.

Be ready to pay the renewal fee. The amount varies depending on the type of TAB card you hold and whether you are renewing for one year or multiple years. Ask the Department of Labor what payment methods they accept—most offices take credit card, check, or money order.

Timeline for renewal and when to start

Start your renewal 60 to 90 days before your card expires. This gives the Department of Labor time to process your request and mail your new card before the old one runs out. If you wait until the expiration date is very close, you risk your card expiring before the new one arrives.

Processing takes two to three weeks under normal circumstances. If you renew by mail, add extra time for the card and payment to travel to Olympia and for the new card to reach you. If you renew online or in person, you may receive your card sooner.

What happens if your card expires before you renew

If your TAB card expires and you have not yet received the renewed card, you may not be able to work in your trade until the new card arrives. Some employers require the physical card on hand; others may allow you to show proof that you submitted a renewal. Check with your employer about their specific policy.

If you are concerned your card will expire before renewal is complete, contact the Department of Labor and ask whether they can issue a temporary card or letter of renewal status. Some offices provide this documentation to bridge the gap.

Renewing by mail versus online or in person

Mail renewal is the slowest option because your card and payment must travel to Olympia, be processed, and then your new card must be mailed back to you. This can take four to six weeks total. However, mail renewal works if you cannot reach the office by phone or visit in person.

Online renewal, if available for your card type, is the fastest. You complete the form, pay the fee, and your new card is mailed within the standard two to three weeks. In-person renewal at the Olympia office is also quick—you can often walk out with a temporary card or confirmation that your renewal is in progress.

If your information has changed

If you have moved, changed your name, or need to update any other information on file, tell the Department of Labor when you renew. They can update your address and other details at the same time. Bring proof of any changes—for example, a driver's license showing your new address or a marriage certificate if your name has changed.

Do not assume your old information is still correct. Verify everything with the Department of Labor before you submit your renewal, because errors can delay processing or result in your new card being mailed to the wrong address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my TAB card if it has already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired card. However, you may not be permitted to work in your trade until the new card arrives. Contact the Department of Labor to ask whether they can provide a temporary card or letter confirming your renewal is in progress.

How much does it cost to renew a TAB card?

The renewal fee varies by card type and renewal period. Contact the Washington Department of Labor directly for the current fee. They accept payment by credit card, check, or money order depending on how you renew.

What if I lost my TAB card and need to renew?

You can still renew without the physical card. Provide your card number to the Department of Labor instead. If you do not have your number, they can look it up using your name and other identifying information.

How long does it take to get a renewed TAB card?

Standard processing takes two to three weeks. Mail renewal takes longer—four to six weeks total—because of mailing time. Online or in-person renewal may be faster, and some offices can provide temporary documentation while you wait.

Can I work while my TAB card renewal is being processed?

That depends on your employer's policy. Some allow you to work with proof of renewal submission; others require the physical card. Check with your employer before your current card expires, and ask the Department of Labor whether they can provide a letter or temporary card showing your renewal is in progress.