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Driver’s license and state ID in Washington

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  • Page changed: Driver licensing fees (2026-10-05) · #189
Update your name
YesAfter your legal name change
Gender markerThe sex or gender field (M, F, or X) printed on an ID document or stored in an agency's record.
YesM, F, or X with your own signed form

Washington lets you choose M, F, or X on your driver's license, permit, ID card, or enhanced license or ID on your own statement. No doctor's letter or court order. If you only change the gender designation, the new card is free.

Main cost
$20, can be waived
Apply
By mail or in person

Draft from official sources, September 24, 2026. Not yet checked by a person. How we verify

On this page
  1. How it works
  2. Steps
  3. Costs and fee waivers
  4. Forms
  5. Requirements
  6. After you finish
  7. Tips
  8. Laws and other guides
  9. Sources

How it works

The Department of Licensing (DOL) changes the gender designation on request. In person you simply confirm the designation you want (bring the form only for an enhanced license or ID). By mail you send the one-page Change of Gender Designation form (DLE-520-043), which you sign under penalty of perjury; no other document is required. X means "not exclusively male or female".

Changing your name is a separate update that needs proof of your legal name (a certified court order, for example) and an office visit for a new photo. Update Social Security first.

Steps

  1. Choose in person or by mail[1]

    • In person: make an appointment at a driver licensing office, bring your current card, and tell staff the designation you want. For an enhanced license or ID, bring the completed DLE-520-043.
    • By mail: mail DLE-520-043. DOL processes it and mails you an authorization letter; you then finish online through License Express or at an office.

  2. If your name is changing, update Social Security first and go in person[3][5]

    Update your name with Social Security, then visit a licensing office with a certified copy of your court order (or other accepted proof) for a new photo. If you have a sealed Superior Court order, email the DOL Identity Management Team at dol-psdidentitymanagement@dol.wa.gov before you go and do not email the order itself; DOL uses a special process that includes an interview and takes longer.

    Cost
    $20 revised driver's license (name or other change before renewal)

  3. Receive your new card[1][4]

    The card is mailed to you. A gender-only change is free; if you also change your name or other information, or renew, the usual fee applies.

    Cost
    Free new card with only the gender designation changed

Costs and fee waivers

Can’t afford it? You may not have to pay.[4][1]

No waiver for licenses, but a gender-only change is free. A reduced-fee ($5) standard ID card is available with proof of DSHS benefits or WIC, and without documents for people under 25 who have no permanent address.

WhatCostNotes
New card with only the gender designation changed[1]Free
Revised driver's license (name or other change before renewal)[4]$20A replacement ID card is also $20. A standard ID card costs $5 if you receive DSHS benefits or WIC, or if you are under 25 without a permanent address.

More detail

Forms1 form: DLE-520-043

Open a form for tips on filling it out.

DLE-520-043Change of Gender DesignationSometimes required: Needed for a mail request, or in person for an enhanced driver's license or enhanced ID.

Needed for a mail request, or in person for an enhanced driver's license or enhanced ID. For a standard card in person you only confirm your choice verbally.

How to fill it out

  • Print your name exactly as on your current card and your license or ID number.
  • Choose how DOL should notify you (email or U.S. mail).
  • Check M, F, or X.
  • Sign and date. No notary, no medical letter.
  • Mail to: Programs and Services, Record Response, Department of Licensing, PO Box 9030, Olympia WA 98507-9030.

Open DLE-520-043Official Spanish version[2]

RequirementsWhere you live, timeline
Where you live
You must hold or be applying for a Washington driver's license, permit, or ID card.[1][2]
How long it takes

One office visit, or a mailed request plus an authorization letter; then the card arrives by mail. Sealed name changes take longer.

After you finishYour license is the ID most places check first.

Your license is the ID most places check first. If you chose X or a changed marker, be aware that the U.S. passport and Social Security record currently cannot show X or a changed sex marker; your Washington card remains valid for state purposes, REAL ID purposes (enhanced cards), and voting.

Tips2 tips from people who have done this
  • You do not need a court order, amended birth certificate, or doctor's letter. If staff ask for one, ask for a supervisor and refer to the DOL gender designation page.
  • Change the gender designation and name in the same visit to pay only one fee.
Laws and other guides1 other guide

Other trusted guides

Sources

5 sources. Numbers in the text, like [1], point here.Show all
  1. Change your gender designationWashington State Department of Licensing, Official page. accessed
    “If you're only updating your gender designation, your new card is free.”
  2. Form DLE-520-043, Change of Gender Designation (R/11/19)Washington State Department of Licensing, Form. accessed
    “What gender designation would you like on your driver license or ID card? M F X”
  3. Change your name or address on your driver licenseWashington State Department of Licensing, Official page. accessed
    “If you have a sealed name change order from a Washington Superior Court, please contact our Identity Management Team.”
  4. Driver licensing feesWashington State Department of Licensing, Official page. accessed
  5. Name change guide (sealed name changes and the DOL)Northwest Justice Project, WashingtonLawHelp.org, Organization. accessed