Renew and Replace ID Cards in Washington
The procedures of renewing ID card documents and purchasing a DMV ID replacement in Washington can be finalized through the state Department of Licensing (DOL). While the ID card is often viewed as an alternative to the official Washington state driver’s license, procedures to renew or replace an ID card differ from those of a license. Individuals who need to apply for a WA DMV ID renewal or replacement will be able to complete their process via several methods.
Note that the ways to obtain a duplicate ID card and renew an identification document may vary depending on whether state residents hold a standard card or an enhanced credential, but they generally include online, via mail or in person. Find out how to finalize your Washington state ID renewal and replacement transaction by reading the below sections.
How to Renew Your ID Card in Washington
Your DMV identification card renewal in WA will depend on the type of card you possess (a standard identification document or an enhanced version). Prior to initiating your identification card renewal, you may receive a courtesy notice including specific guidelines on how and when to renew.
Though the state ID renewal period has changed from five to six years for most card holders, some individuals may be randomly selected to renew in less than six years. The Washington ID card renewal methods for standard credentials include online and in person. If you hold an enhanced identification card, you may be able to renew it via the internet, in person, by mail or by using License eXpress.
How to Renew ID Cards in Washington Online
In order to renew ID card online in Washington, individuals must first make sure they meet the set eligibility requirements. Holders of a standard document, for instance, will be able to complete their DMV ID renewal via the internet provided they have received a renewal letter from the DOL and they possess a valid credit card.
To initiate their electronic DMV identification card renewal procedure, applicants will need to locate the online service provider on the official DOL website and enter their ID card number, as well the last four digits of their Social Security Number (SSN), thus confirming they are eligible to utilize this method. Online WA ID card renewal applicants will also need a valid email address and/or printer for the receipt.
Their new credential will be mailed to them within four weeks and it will contain the last photograph on file with the Department of Licensing. Since the issued temporary ID card will not include their photo, it cannot be used for identification purposes. Holders of an enhanced credential may renew their ID card online in WA by following the same directions as for standard ID cards.
Applicants may also be eligible to use the state License eXpress service to renew their regular or enhanced card, as well as receive a list of documents they need to renew, among other services. Individuals must be between 24 and 70 years of age to renew their enhanced ID card online or through License eXpress.
How to Renew ID Cards in Washington by Mail
The mail-in Washington DMV ID renewal method is currently available to holders of enhanced identification cards. However, applicants may renew ID card credentials via mail only if their renewal letter gives this option.
Before submitting their DMV identification card renewal request by mail, individuals must contact DOL to find out whether they will need to provide additional identification documents. In general, payment for the set fees must be arranged in order for DOL to process their request.
How to Renew ID Cards in Washington in Person
If you are not eligible to renew your ID card online or via mail, you may complete your procedure in person at a local WA driver licensing office. Visiting a DOL branch to apply for a WA state ID renewal is generally necessary if you want to have a new photo displayed on your document.
When renewing your ID card in Washington personally, you will be required to provide DOL with your standard ID card and payment for the set fee.
If you hold an enhanced document and you wish to renew your ID card in person, you may also be required to provide DOL with specific documents along with payment for the applicable prices. Individuals younger than 24 or older than 70 years of age, as well as those requesting a new photograph may need to go to a licensing office to finalize their renewal.
How to Replace Your ID Card in Washington
In the event of a lost or stolen ID card in WA, individuals may obtain a replacement by addressing the state Department of Licensing. Holders of both standard and enhanced documents may order an ID card copy via the internet (if they meet the eligibility criteria) or in person at a licensing office.
To replace ID card online, individuals with an enhanced document must have a valid identification card, and have their SSN and current address on file with DMV. Applicants will not be able to submit their Washington application for lost ID card documents via the internet if they did any of the following:
- Renewed or replaced their enhanced ID card online within the last 12 months.
- Moved out of Washington.
- Changed their name on their EID.
- Have a record of dishonored checks, unpaid traffic fines or reissuance fees, revocation, suspension or cancellation.
Individuals with a standard ID that has been lost or stolen may order a WA replacement ID card provided the document is still valid and DOL has their current address on file.
Note: You will be required to apply for a state ID renewal instead of replacement if your credential expires in three months.
How to Replace ID Cards in Washington Online
To purchase a Washington copy of ID card via the internet, make sure you meet the set eligibility criteria. Initiate your online identification card replacement by accessing the online tool provided on the official DOL website and follow the given instructions.
To replace your stolen or lost state ID card in WA online, you will need to provide the last four digits of your SSN in addition to other information, and have a valid credit card, email address and a printer on hand for the temporary receipt. While your temporary credential will not display your photograph and is not valid identification, your DMV ID replacement will show your last photo on file with DOL.
How to Replace ID Cards in Washington in Person
The procedure of replacing ID card documents may also be finalized in person by individuals who need a new photograph or have completed their replacement via the internet within the past 12 months.
To obtain your WA ID card copy in person, visit a nearby driver licensing branch in WA and furnish proof of identity and payment for the set fee. If you are younger than 18 years of age and applying to replace your enhanced ID card, you will need to have a parent or legal guardian with you to sign an affidavit.
Once DOL processes your request for an identification card replacement in Washington, you will receive a temporary receipt and your new card will be mailed within 10 days.
Washington ID Card Renewal and Replacement Fees
If you wish to renew or replace ID card credentials timely and properly, you will need to arrange payment for the applicable fees. Your WA DMV ID renewal prices will vary depending on whether you apply to renew a standard license or an enhanced version.
The fee to renew your standard ID card currently amounts to $45 for five years and $54 for six years. When applying for an identification card renewal of your enhanced document, you will be subject to a fee of $65 for a five-year period of validity or $78 for six years.
The process of obtaining an ID card replacement will be completed after providing payment for a $20 fee, which is the same price both for standard and enhanced credentials. Please note that fees are subject to change without notice.