What you need to do to change your Washington driver license

To change your Washington driver license, you visit a Department of Licensing (DOL) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a fee, and take a new photo. The process takes about 30 minutes. You cannot change your license by mail or online — Washington requires you to appear in person and pass a vision test.

A "change" means updating information on an existing, valid license — your name, address, or correcting an error the DOL made when they issued it. If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, that is a replacement, not a change, and follows a different process. If you need to renew because your license expired, that is also separate.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a DOL office in person with a valid ID and proof of your current address to change your license.
  • Name changes require a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree — the DOL will not accept a name change without legal proof.
  • Address changes can be done online through the DOL website if you do not need a new photo or other updates.
  • The fee for a license change is the same as a renewal fee and varies depending on how long your new license is valid.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license at the office and your new plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

When you can change your license online instead of visiting an office

Washington allows you to change your address online through the DOL website without visiting an office, but only if you meet all of these conditions: your license is not expired, you have a valid Washington ID or license already on file, and you are only changing your mailing address or residential address — not your name, not correcting an error, and not requesting a new photo.

To change your address online, go to dol.wa.gov, select "Change Address," enter your driver license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will pay a small fee (currently $5 for address changes only). The change takes effect when ready, and you do not receive a new plastic card unless you request one.

If you need anything beyond an address change — a new name, a corrected middle name, a new photo, or any other update — you must visit a DOL office in person.

What documents to bring for a name change

Washington requires legal proof of a name change. The DOL will not accept a name change based on your word alone. You must bring one of these documents:

  • A court order showing the name change (from a district court or superior court).
  • An original or certified copy of your marriage certificate if you took your spouse's name.
  • An original or certified copy of your divorce decree or dissolution order if you changed your name as part of the divorce.
  • An adoption decree if your name changed through adoption.

Bring the original document or a certified copy — photocopies are not accepted. If your document is from another state or country, bring it along with a certified English translation if it is not in English.

Documents you need for any in-person change

For any change that requires an office visit, bring:

  • Your current Washington driver license or ID card.
  • Proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
  • Proof of identity (your Social Security card, passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID).
  • If changing your name, the legal document listed above.

The address proof must show your name and current address. A cell phone bill or credit card statement will not work. If you live with someone else and the utility bill is in their name, bring a signed letter from them confirming you live there, plus the bill.

How to find a DOL office and what to expect

Washington has DOL offices in most counties. Find the nearest one at dol.wa.gov by entering your city or zip code. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to book an appointment online or by phone. Check the office's hours and appointment policy before you go — many offices are now appointment-only, and wait times can be long during peak hours.

When you arrive, bring all your documents and be ready for a vision test. The DOL will take a new photo of you for your license. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your new plastic card is printed and mailed to the address on file.

Your new plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the DOL to report it.

Fees for changing your Washington driver license

The fee depends on what you are changing and how long your new license will be valid. A standard change (name, address, or correcting an error) costs the same as a renewal. Washington charges different amounts based on whether you get a license valid for 5 years or 8 years. As of 2024, a 5-year license costs around $65 and an 8-year license costs around $95, but these amounts change periodically — check dol.wa.gov for the current fee.

If you are only changing your address online, the fee is $5. Payment methods at DOL offices include cash, debit card, and credit card. Online address changes can be paid by credit or debit card only.

What happens if the DOL made an error on your license

If your license has a mistake — a misspelled name, wrong date of birth, incorrect address, or other error the DOL created — you can change it for free. Bring your current license, proof of the correct information (such as your birth certificate for a birth date error), and visit a DOL office. The DOL will issue a corrected license at no charge.

If you caused the error by providing wrong information when you first applied, you will pay the standard change fee to correct it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on my license without a court order?

No. Washington requires legal proof of a name change. A court order, marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption decree is required. The DOL will not accept a name change without one of these documents.

How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?

Your new plastic license arrives within 7 to 10 business days after your office visit. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 30 days. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DOL.

Do I need an appointment to change my license at a DOL office?

It depends on the office. Many Washington DOL offices now require appointments, but some still take walk-ins. Check the office's website or call ahead to confirm their policy before you visit.

Can I change my address without getting a new photo?

Yes, but only if you do it online. If you change your address online through dol.wa.gov, you do not get a new photo or a new plastic card unless you request one. If you visit an office in person, you will receive a new photo and a new card.

What if I moved and my proof of address is in my old name?

If you changed your name and moved, bring both a document showing your old name at your old address and a document showing your new name at your new address. Alternatively, bring a signed letter from your current landlord or utility company confirming your new address, along with any document showing your new name.