How to renew your Washington ID in person or by mail

Washington lets you renew your standard ID card by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at any Department of Licensing office. Mail renewal is faster and costs less, but you can only use it if your ID is not expired by more than five years, you have no address changes, and you do not need a new photo. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must renew in person.

The in-person process takes about 30 minutes at a licensing office. You will need your current ID, proof of residency, and payment. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the Department receives your materials.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal works only if your ID expired five years ago or less, your address has not changed, and you do not need a new photo.
  • In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office requires your current ID, proof of residency, and a fee that varies by ID type.
  • Washington charges different renewal fees depending on whether you want a standard ID, enhanced ID, or Real ID-compliant card.
  • You can renew in person at any of Washington's 34 Department of Licensing offices without an appointment, though wait times vary by location.
  • If your ID was lost or stolen, you cannot use mail renewal and must go in person with a police report or affidavit.

Mail renewal: what you need and how to send it

To renew by mail, fill out the process for ID Card form (DL 44) and mail it with your current ID card, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a photocopy of your proof of residency. Do not send cash. The address to mail to is on the form itself.

Your proof of residency must be a recent document showing your name and current Washington address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A photocopy is fine. Mail your packet to the address listed on the DL 44 form.

Processing takes about two weeks after the Department receives your materials. You will receive your new ID by mail at the address on your process. If you need your ID sooner, you must renew in person instead.

In-person renewal at a Department of Licensing office

Walk into any of Washington's 34 Department of Licensing offices during business hours with your current ID, proof of residency, and payment. No appointment is needed. Offices are open Monday through Friday, with some locations offering Saturday hours. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the Department of Licensing website.

Bring the same proof of residency you would mail — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Bring a check, debit card, or credit card for payment; some offices accept cash, but calling ahead to confirm is safer.

The process takes about 30 minutes on average, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will receive your new ID on the spot if you renew in person, or by mail within two weeks if you choose mail renewal at the office.

Renewal fees and ID type options

Washington charges different fees depending on which type of ID you want. A standard ID card costs $72 for an eight-year renewal. An enhanced ID, which allows entry into federal buildings and some border crossings, costs $172 for an eight-year renewal. A Real ID-compliant card, which meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and federal building access, costs $72 for an eight-year renewal.

All three types are valid for eight years from the date of issue. If you are renewing before your current ID expires, the new expiration date is eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your old expiration date.

If you are 62 or older, you may be charged a reduced fee. Ask at the office or call the Department of Licensing to confirm the senior rate before you go.

When you cannot use mail renewal

You must renew in person if your ID expired more than five years ago, your address has changed, you need a new photo, your ID was lost or stolen, or your name has changed. You also cannot use mail renewal if you want to change your ID type — for example, from a standard ID to a Real ID card.

If your ID was lost or stolen, bring a police report or a signed affidavit stating that your ID is lost or stolen. The affidavit form is available at any Department of Licensing office or on their website.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with your current ID and proof of residency.

Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal

Washington's Real ID card meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry into federal buildings. If you want to fly domestically or enter a federal courthouse or military base, you will need either a Real ID card, a passport, or a passport card. A standard Washington ID is not enough for these purposes.

When you renew, you can choose to get a Real ID card instead of a standard ID for the same $72 fee. You will need to bring the same documents — current ID, proof of residency, and payment — plus proof of your Social Security number and citizenship or legal residency status. A Social Security card, W-2, or tax return shows your Social Security number. A birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate shows citizenship.

If you already have a Real ID card, you can renew it by mail or in person using the same process as a standard ID renewal, as long as your address has not changed and you do not need a new photo.

Finding a Department of Licensing office and checking wait times

Washington has 34 Department of Licensing offices across the state. You can find the one nearest you, its hours, and current wait times on the Department of Licensing website. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you choose the best time to go.

Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some locations have extended hours or Saturday service. If you live in a rural area, the nearest office may be 30 miles or more away, which is why mail renewal is an option for those who meet the requirements.

You can also call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 to ask about office hours, wait times, or whether you meet the requirements for mail renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Washington ID online?

No. Washington does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if you meet the conditions, or in person at any Department of Licensing office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online renewal and takes about two weeks.

What happens if my ID expires while I am waiting for my renewal?

If you renew by mail before your ID expires, your new ID is valid even if it arrives after your old one expires. If you renew in person, you receive your new ID the same day. An expired ID is not valid for identification purposes, so plan ahead if you need it for travel or federal building access.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

No, unless you want one or your ID is more than 12 years old. If you do not need a new photo, you can renew by mail. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Department of Licensing office.

Can I renew someone else's ID for them?

No. The person whose ID it is must be present for in-person renewal. For mail renewal, they must sign the process form. You cannot renew an ID on behalf of someone else.

What if I moved to Washington from another state?

You cannot renew a non-Washington ID in Washington. You must get a new Washington ID instead. Bring your out-of-state ID, proof of Washington residency, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. The process is the same as in-person renewal, and the fee is the same.