A Washington State ID card is issued by the Department of Licensing to any resident who wants government-issued photo identification without a driver’s license. You choose between two versions: a standard card for everyday identification and an Enhanced ID (EID) that meets federal REAL ID requirements for airport security, federal buildings, and land or sea re-entry from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. Applying, renewing, and replacing all run through the Department of Licensing, and the documents you bring depend on which card you want.
Standard ID or Enhanced ID
Both cards are authorized under RCW 46.20.117. The standard ID works for banking, age verification, proving residency, and most day-to-day identification. Since May 7, 2025, though, it no longer gets you through a TSA checkpoint or into most federal facilities.1Washington State Department of Licensing. REAL ID If you have a valid U.S. passport, the standard card is fine for everything else.
The Enhanced ID is Washington’s REAL ID-compliant option. It satisfies federal identification requirements for domestic flights and federal facility access2Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID and also works as a limited travel document for re-entry to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean.1Washington State Department of Licensing. REAL ID It does not work for international air travel. Only U.S. citizens who can prove Washington residency are eligible.3Washington State Department of Licensing. Guide to Enhanced Driver Licenses (EDL)
Documents You Need to Bring
Washington uses a tiered document system. You’ll prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your Washington residency. For an EID, you’ll also prove U.S. citizenship. Gathering everything before your appointment saves a wasted trip.
Identity
One document from the Department of Licensing’s “Stand-Alone” list is enough on its own. That list includes a driver’s license or ID from any U.S. state or territory (valid or expired no more than one year), a U.S. military ID, a valid foreign passport, or a U.S. certificate of citizenship or naturalization with an identifiable photo and signature.4Washington State Department of Licensing. Identification Requirements Brochure
Without a stand-alone document, you can combine items from secondary lists, typically pairing something that establishes your name and date of birth (a certified birth certificate, or an expired U.S. passport) with a supporting document showing your photo or signature. Applicants 25 or under have another route: a parent or guardian can appear with their own qualifying ID and a document linking them to the applicant, such as a birth certificate or adoption papers.4Washington State Department of Licensing. Identification Requirements Brochure
Washington Residency
Bring at least two documents from different sources showing your name and a physical Washington address. Under WAC 308-104-040, that can include a utility bill or bank statement dated within 90 days of application, a voter registration card, a state tax document, a lease or rental agreement, a pay stub, a mortgage document, or first-class mail from a government agency.5Washington State Legislature. Washington Administrative Code 308-104-040 – Identifications Documents must be originals or certified copies, legible, and unaltered.
Citizenship for an EID
For an Enhanced ID, add proof of U.S. citizenship: a U.S. birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, or a valid U.S. passport. You’ll also provide your Social Security number.6Washington State Department of Licensing. Get an Enhanced ID Card (EID)
How to Apply
Start online through License Express. Pre-applying lets you enter your personal information before your office visit, and at the end you’ll get a Washington state ID number starting with “WDL” that you use to schedule an appointment.7Washington State Department of Licensing. Pre-Apply Online
At the appointment, a licensing representative reviews your documents, compares them against what you entered online, takes your photo, and captures your signature. After you pay, you walk out with a temporary paper ID that works for most purposes. The plastic card arrives by mail at your verified Washington address within seven to ten business days.8Washington State Department of Licensing. Renew ID Card For an Enhanced ID, the Department of Licensing says to allow up to two weeks.9Washington State Department of Licensing. Get an Enhanced Driver License (EDL)
Fees and Reduced-Cost Options
You choose a six-year or eight-year card. A first-time standard ID costs $61 for six years or $81 for eight years. A first-time Enhanced ID costs $103 for six years or $137 for eight years.10Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees The underlying fee is roughly $10 per year plus a small technology surcharge, with a statutory increase of $1 per year scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2028.11Washington State Legislature. RCW 46.20.117 – Identicards
A reduced-fee ID costs $5 if you receive public assistance through the Department of Social and Health Services, participate in WIC, are under 25 without a permanent address, or were recently released from a state correctional or juvenile rehabilitation facility. Bring a verification letter from DSHS, a benefits approval letter, a WIC provider confirmation, or documentation of your release. If you’re under 25 and experiencing homelessness, no letter is required for the $5 rate.10Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees People experiencing homelessness can also receive one free ID card per lifetime.12Washington State Department of Licensing. ID Help for the Unhoused
Renewing Your Card
You can renew up to one year before your card expires. The Department of Licensing offers online, phone, and in-person renewals. Phone renewal is available if you’re under 70 and your last renewal was done in person.8Washington State Department of Licensing. Renew ID Card In practice, online and phone renewals alternate with in-person visits, because the state needs a fresh photo periodically.
If your card has already expired, you can still renew, but the timing matters. Renewing within 60 days of expiration avoids a late fee. After 60 days, expect an additional $10 charge. If your card has been expired for eight years or more, you can no longer renew and must apply from scratch as a first-time applicant.13Washington State Department of Licensing. Renew Driver License An expired card isn’t valid for identification while you wait, so don’t let the deadline slide.
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Card
Request a replacement through the Department of Licensing’s website, by phone, or at a licensing office.14Washington State Department of Licensing. Replace ID Card One thing to watch: if your card will expire within 90 days, the Department of Licensing directs you to renew instead of replacing, which keeps you from paying twice in quick succession.
Updating Your Name or Address
After moving, you have 10 days to update your address with the Department of Licensing. The address change is free. A new physical card printed with the updated address costs $20.15Washington State Department of Licensing. Change Your Name or Address on Your Driver License Many people update the record electronically and skip the reprint, though having the correct address on the card itself avoids questions when you use it for verification.