Your Washington State ID number is the twelve-character code the Department of Licensing (DOL) assigns to your identification card or driver license. It appears near the top of the card, labeled “ID” or “License,” and starts with “WDL” followed by nine randomly generated letters and numbers. The number links to your DOL record and is used by government agencies, banks, and law enforcement to confirm your identity.1Washington State Department of Licensing. Pre-apply Online
What the Number Looks Like
Every number issued or renewed since September 4, 2018 follows the same twelve-character pattern: the letters WDL plus nine random alphanumeric characters.
Before that date, Washington encoded personal details directly into the number. The old format used the first five letters of the holder’s last name followed by initials and digits derived from the birth date, which meant anyone who saw the number could reverse-engineer the name and birthday. The randomized format eliminates that privacy problem. If you still carry a pre-2018 card, you’ll receive a new-format number the next time you renew.
Standard, REAL ID, and Enhanced Cards
Washington issues three tiers of identification, and the tier you hold affects what the card can do beyond proving who you are. Since May 7, 2025, federal agencies enforce the REAL ID Act for domestic air travel and entry to certain federal facilities. A standard Washington ID card does not meet REAL ID requirements and will not get you through a TSA checkpoint.2Washington State Department of Licensing. REAL ID Standard cards remain valid for everything else inside the state. For flying, you need one of these:
- A U.S. passport or passport card, accepted at all TSA checkpoints and federal facilities.3Transportation Security Administration. Acceptable Identification at the TSA Checkpoint
- A Washington Enhanced ID card (EID) or Enhanced Driver License (EDL), which satisfies REAL ID and also works as a limited border-crossing document for Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean nations. Only U.S. citizens are eligible.4Washington State Department of Licensing. Guide to Enhanced Driver Licenses
How to Get Your WDL Number
The process starts online and finishes in person. Create or log into a License Express account on the DOL website, then use the pre-apply tool to enter your personal information ahead of time. At the end of the pre-apply process, you’ll receive your WDL number.1Washington State Department of Licensing. Pre-apply Online
Next, schedule an appointment at a driver licensing office.5Washington State Department of Licensing. Get an ID Card A DOL employee will verify your documents, take your photo (hats and sunglasses off unless you have a medical or religious reason), and collect the fee. You’ll leave with a temporary paper document, and the permanent card arrives by mail at the Washington address on file within seven to ten business days.6Washington State Department of Licensing. Renew ID Card The paper document is not accepted at TSA checkpoints, so plan around any upcoming travel.
Bring documentation in these categories:
- Proof of identity. At least one document showing your photo and signature, such as a valid U.S. passport, a current or recently expired driver license from any state, a military ID, a permanent resident card, or a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services document.7Washington State Department of Licensing. Documents for Proof of Identity
- Social Security number. If you don’t have one, you can sign a declaration stating so rather than being turned away.7Washington State Department of Licensing. Documents for Proof of Identity
- Proof of Washington residency. Utility bills, bank statements, and signed lease agreements are commonly accepted.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship, if you’re applying for an EID or EDL. Green cards and work visas do not qualify for enhanced cards.4Washington State Department of Licensing. Guide to Enhanced Driver Licenses
You choose either a six-year or eight-year card at application. The card expires on your birthday in the matching year.8Washington State Legislature. RCW 46.20.117 – Identicards
Fees
Washington charges by the year. The base rate is $10 per year, which puts a standard six-year ID at roughly $61 and an eight-year card at roughly $81 after processing surcharges. Enhanced IDs cost more: $103 for a six-year EID or $137 for an eight-year EID.9Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees Paying by credit or debit card adds a convenience fee.
Reduced-cost and free cards are available for people receiving public assistance, participating in the WIC program, or experiencing homelessness. The statute sets the reduced fee at the actual cost of production.8Washington State Legislature. RCW 46.20.117 – Identicards The DOL’s ID help page explains who qualifies and what verification letter to bring.10Washington State Department of Licensing. ID Help for the Unhoused
Replacing a Lost or Stolen Card
You keep the same WDL number when you replace a card. Request the replacement through the DOL website for $20.9Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees The DOL reuses your existing photo and record, so no office visit is required unless the card has expired. If your card expires within 90 days, the DOL directs you to renew instead of replacing.11Washington State Department of Licensing. Replace ID Card The replacement arrives in the same seven-to-ten business day window as a new issuance.
If the card was stolen, file a police report before requesting the replacement. The report creates an official record that protects you if someone uses your ID number fraudulently.
Updating Your Name or Address
Washington law requires you to notify the DOL within 30 days of moving.12Washington State Legislature. RCW 46.20.205 – Change of Address or Name You can update your address online through License Express without visiting an office. Keeping it current matters most around renewal time, when the new card is mailed to the address on file.
Name changes take more work. Update your name with the Social Security Administration first, then schedule an in-person appointment at a DOL office.13Washington State Department of Licensing. Change Your Name or Address on Your Driver License Bring proof of the change: a certified marriage certificate, a court order, or a divorce decree. A church or wedding chapel certificate by itself is not accepted; the document must be filed with the county. You’ll take a new photo and pay the fee for a new card.