A Washington state ID card is issued by the Department of Licensing (DOL) to residents who need government-issued photo identification but don’t hold a driver’s license. You apply in person at a licensing office with proof of identity, a Social Security number, and proof of Washington residence. A standard card costs $60 for six years or $72 for eight years as of January 2026; the Enhanced ID runs $103 or $137 for the same terms.
Standard ID or Enhanced ID
Washington issues two versions, and picking the right one matters. Since May 7, 2025, TSA and other federal agencies no longer accept a standard Washington ID for boarding domestic flights or entering secure federal facilities.1Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID The standard card still covers everyday uses like age verification, banking, and state transactions, but it is marked “Federal Limits Apply” to show it isn’t REAL ID compliant.2Washington State Department of Licensing. REAL ID
The Enhanced ID (EID) is Washington’s REAL ID-compliant card. It also works as a border-crossing document for land and sea travel between the United States, Canada, and Mexico under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.3Washington State Legislature. RCW 46.20.202 – Enhanced Drivers License and Identicard TSA accepts the EID at airport checkpoints even though it lacks the star found on other states’ REAL ID cards.4Transportation Security Administration. REAL ID Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Apply
Any Washington resident can apply for a standard ID card regardless of citizenship status. The DOL accepts foreign passports, consular identification cards from several countries, and other international documents as proof of identity for standard cards.5Washington State Department of Licensing. Documents for Proof of Identity The Enhanced ID is available only to U.S. citizens, since it doubles as a citizenship-verified travel document.6Washington State Department of Licensing. Enhanced ID Card
There’s no minimum age. Applicants under 18 generally need a parent or guardian present at the licensing office.
Documents to Bring
The documentation rules sit in WAC 308-104-040 and differ by card type.7Washington State Legislature. WAC 308-104-040 – Application for Drivers License or Identicard
For a Standard ID
Bring at least two identity documents, and at least one must show both your signature and date of birth. Common examples are a U.S. or foreign passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or an out-of-state license. The DOL divides accepted documents into a primary “A-list” and a secondary “B-list,” so review the document guide before you go.5Washington State Department of Licensing. Documents for Proof of Identity
You’ll also need to provide your Social Security number, which the DOL verifies electronically with the Social Security Administration rather than keeping a copy of your card.7Washington State Legislature. WAC 308-104-040 – Application for Drivers License or Identicard Proof of your Washington residence address is required too. Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements all work. Bring originals or certified copies; the licensing office won’t accept photocopies.
Additional Documents for an Enhanced ID
On top of the standard requirements, the Enhanced ID requires proof of U.S. citizenship. A certified U.S. birth certificate or valid U.S. passport are the most common options. A Consular Report of Birth Abroad also qualifies. The DOL publishes a separate enhanced document checklist to help you prepare.8Washington State Department of Licensing. Get an Enhanced ID Card
How to Apply
The process has three stages: prepare online, visit a licensing office, and wait for the card to arrive by mail.
Pre-Apply Online
You can start your application through the DOL’s License Express portal before your office visit. Pre-applying saves time because you enter your personal details in advance and receive a reference number to bring in.9Washington State Department of Licensing. Pre-Apply Online It’s optional but useful for first-time applicants or anyone upgrading from a standard card to an Enhanced ID.
Visit a Licensing Office
You must appear in person. Appointments aren’t required, but the DOL strongly recommends scheduling one online, because walk-in wait times can be long and offices at capacity may turn people away.10Washington State Department of Licensing. Get an ID Card A licensing agent will review your documents, take a digital photo, and capture your electronic signature. You’ll be asked to remove hats and sunglasses for the photo, with exceptions for medical or religious head coverings.
After Your Visit
You won’t leave with your permanent card. The DOL issues a paper temporary ID on the spot, but it lacks your photo and signature and won’t be accepted at airports, banks, or other places that need photo identification. Your plastic card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it hasn’t shown up after 30 days, call the DOL at 360-902-3900.10Washington State Department of Licensing. Get an ID Card
What It Costs
Washington sets ID card fees in RCW 46.20.117, updated by Senate Bill 5689 effective January 1, 2026.11Washington State Legislature. RCW 46.20.117 – Identicards The current prices:
- Standard ID, 8 years: $72
- Standard ID, 6 years: $60 (calculated at $10 per year)
- Enhanced ID, 8 years: $137
- Enhanced ID, 6 years: $103
These fees apply to both first-time applications and renewals. If you’re upgrading a current standard ID to an Enhanced ID mid-cycle, you pay $7 per remaining year on your card instead of the full price.8Washington State Department of Licensing. Get an Enhanced ID Card
Card payments carry a surcharge on top of the base fee. At a licensing office, debit and credit transactions add a $2.25 convenience fee, or 3% if your total tops $75. Online card payments carry a 3% fee, but paying online from a checking account avoids the surcharge.12Washington State Department of Licensing. Replace ID Card
Reduced-Fee and Low-Cost Cards
A $5 ID card is available to people who receive public assistance through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) or participate in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Bring a DSHS benefits approval letter, a DSHS-issued request form, or proof of WIC enrollment. Applicants under 25 without a permanent home address qualify without providing documentation.13Washington State Department of Licensing. Driver Licensing Fees People released from a juvenile or adult correctional facility within the last 30 days also qualify.11Washington State Legislature. RCW 46.20.117 – Identicards
Renewing Your Card
Washington offers three renewal channels: online, by phone, or in person. Online through License Express is fastest; pay the fee and the new card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Phone renewal at 360-902-3900 is available if you’re under 70 and your last renewal was in person.14Washington State Department of Licensing. Renew ID Card
If you need a new photo or your last renewal was done remotely, you’ll have to renew in person. The DOL sends reminders by mail or email before your card expires, but you can renew as soon as you’re inside the renewal window. If you need to update your address, do that separately through License Express before starting the renewal.14Washington State Department of Licensing. Renew ID Card
Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Card
If your unexpired ID is lost, stolen, or damaged, order a replacement online through License Express or visit a licensing office. You pay the same per-year rate as a new card. When the existing card is within 90 days of expiring, the DOL directs you to renew instead, since renewing gives you a fresh validity period for the same transaction.12Washington State Department of Licensing. Replace ID Card