Washington State ID Renewal: What You Need to Know

Washington State issues two types of general identification: the standard ID card and the Real ID card, which meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. Both can be renewed in person at a Department of Licensing (DOL) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's MyDMV portal if your card is not expired by more than five years. The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed, whether your card is still valid, and how quickly you need the new one.

Most people renew by mail or online because it costs less and takes fewer steps than an in-person visit. However, if your address has changed, if you need a Real ID for the first time, or if your card expired more than five years ago, you must go to a DOL office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington allows ID renewal by mail, online through MyDMV, or in person at a Department of Licensing office, depending on your situation and how long your card has been expired.
  • Mail and online renewal cost less and are faster than in-person visits, but you cannot change your address or get a Real ID through either method.
  • If your card expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DOL office.
  • Real ID cards require proof of citizenship or lawful presence and a Social Security number, and can only be obtained or renewed in person.
  • Processing times vary: online renewal takes about one week, mail renewal takes two to three weeks, and in-person renewal can be done the same day if you have all required documents.

Renewing Online Through MyDMV

The Washington MyDMV portal is the fastest and cheapest option if your standard ID card is not expired by more than five years and your address has not changed. You log in with your Washington driver's license or ID number and date of birth, answer questions to confirm your identity, upload a new photo if you want one, and pay the renewal fee online. The new card is mailed to the address on file.

Online renewal costs $72 for a standard ID card valid for eight years. The card arrives in about one week. You cannot use this method to change your address, add a Real ID designation, or renew if your card has been expired for more than five years.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is available for standard ID cards that are not expired by more than five years and when your address has not changed. You request a renewal form from the Department of Licensing website or by calling 360-902-3900, fill it out, include a new photo (or request to keep your current one), and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address provided on the form.

Mail renewal costs $72 for an eight-year standard ID card. Processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DOL receives your envelope. Like online renewal, you cannot change your address or convert to a Real ID by mail. If your card expired more than five years ago, the DOL will reject your mail process and you will need to visit an office in person.

Renewing in Person at a DOL Office

In-person renewal is required if your card expired more than five years ago, if you want to change your address, if you want to obtain or renew a Real ID card, or if you are renewing a standard ID and prefer to do it face-to-face. You visit a Department of Licensing office with your current ID card (or expired ID if your card is more than five years old), proof of your current address, and payment. Bring your Social Security card if you are obtaining a Real ID for the first time.

In-person renewal for a standard ID card costs $72 and is usually completed the same day. Real ID cards cost $72 as well. Wait times at DOL offices vary by location and time of day; calling ahead or checking the DOL website for current wait times at your nearest office can help you plan. You can make an appointment online through the MyDMV portal to reduce wait time at many locations.

Real ID Cards and Federal Requirements

A Real ID card is a standard ID with a gold star in the upper right corner. It meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights, entering military bases, and accessing certain federal buildings. Washington began issuing Real IDs in 2009, and the federal government has required them for air travel since May 2025.

To obtain or renew a Real ID card in Washington, you must visit a DOL office in person and bring proof of citizenship or lawful presence (a passport, birth certificate, or immigration document), your Social Security card or number, and proof of your current address. The card costs $72 and is valid for eight years. You cannot convert a standard ID to a Real ID by mail or online; you must explore in person.

Documents and Fees You Will Need

For mail or online renewal of a standard ID card, you need your current ID card number and date of birth, a new photo (or permission to use your existing one), and payment of $72. For in-person renewal, bring your current ID card, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and $72.

For a Real ID card obtained or renewed in person, add proof of citizenship or lawful presence (a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or immigration document) and your Social Security card or number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Fees do not vary based on whether you are renewing a standard or Real ID card; both cost $72.

What Happens If Your Card Is Expired

Washington allows a grace period for renewal: you can renew by mail or online if your card expired within the last five years. If your card expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DOL office. An expired ID card is still accepted as proof of identity at a DOL office, so you can use it to renew even if it is no longer valid for other purposes.

If you have lost your card or it has been damaged, you cannot renew by mail or online; you must visit a DOL office and request a replacement. The cost is the same as renewal ($72), and the new card is issued the same day if you have all required documents.

Finding a DOL Office and Making an Appointment

Washington has Department of Licensing offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you, check current wait times, and make an appointment online through the MyDMV portal or by visiting the DOL website at dol.wa.gov. Some offices accept walk-ins, but appointment availability varies by location. Calling ahead at 360-902-3900 can tell you whether your nearest office has same-day appointments available.

Appointments typically reduce wait time from 30 minutes to an hour or more down to 15 to 30 minutes. If you cannot make an appointment, arriving early in the day (before 10 a.m.) usually means a shorter wait than arriving in the afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Washington ID online if I changed my address?

No. Online and mail renewal both require that your address remain the same. If you have moved, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days.

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

Online renewal takes about one week. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DOL receives your envelope. In-person renewal is usually completed the same day. Actual times can vary depending on mail delivery and DOL processing volume.

Do I need a Real ID card to drive in Washington?

No. A standard Washington ID card is sufficient for driving and most everyday identification. A Real ID is required only for boarding domestic flights, entering military bases, and accessing certain federal buildings. A standard ID card or passport works for all other purposes.

What if my ID card was lost or stolen?

You cannot renew a lost or stolen card by mail or online. You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person with proof of your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of your current address. The replacement card costs $72 and is issued the same day.

Can I renew my ID card if it expired more than five years ago?

Yes, but only in person at a Department of Licensing office. Mail and online renewal are available only if your card expired within the last five years. Bring your expired card, proof of your current address, and $72 to the office.