New law raises plate fees starting July 1, 2022
As of August 31, 2017, you can get a Veteran designation on your driver license or ID card. It's free if you're only adding your Veteran status.
Make an appointment to bring 1 of the following to a driver licensing office.
If you don't have your DD Form 214 you can request your military service records online, by mail, or by fax (archives.gov).
There's a fee if you're:
We no longer issue licenses with a "Military" expiration date. They now show an expiration date. When you're on active duty the expiration date can lapse. This means if your license "expires" it's still valid, regardless of the expiration date.
Make an appointment to visit a driver licensing office to get a DOL Authorization card for you and your family. Make sure you and your family carry their:
You or your family don't need to renew your driver license during your term of military active duty. Carry your DOL Authorization card. This indicates your driver license is valid 90 days after you're discharged or until the expiration date of your WA license or ID, whichever is longer.
If you're out of state or out of country and you've lost your card, complete the Driver License Renewal/Replacement Request While Out-of-State
Due to security requirements, we can't mail a replaced enhanced card to an out-of-state address. If you're going to be out of state for more than 30 days, you may get a standard license or ID card to replace your EDL/EID.
See How to replace your EDL while out of state for more information.
If you got a license without a photo while you were stationed outside of WA, you can get a photo license when you return at a driver licensing office. You'll need to make an appointment and bring your WA license and another ID with your photo, such as a passport or military ID.
If your license is "expired", it's still in effect for the length of your service. You should carry your military ID and DOL Authorization card as evidence that your license is valid.
A spouse or dependent child should carry their Military Dependent ID and DOL Authorization card. Domestic partners should carry proof of their relation to the military personnel along with our DOL Authorization card.
Yes, military personnel may get an EDL/EID, with the correct documentation. Make an appointment to visit a driver licensing office.
The Department of Homeland Security allows military personnel to travel across land and sea borders with an expired EDL/EID. Make sure you carry your military ID, traveling orders and a DOL Authorization card.
When you return to WA, make an appointment to visit a driver licensing office to get a new one.
No, Commercial Driver Licenses (CDL) are not allowed an indefinite military expiration. The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR 383.73(b) (9)) does not allow expirations beyond 8 years. Once your CDL is expired you must return to WA to renew it at full cost.
Yes, see How to get your endorsement or permit: Motorcycles (2-wheel).