Individuals usually purchase a DMV ID replacement in Washington DC in the event of a lost, stolen or damaged license. Initiating a state ID renewal is generally necessary in the event of an expired document or if a credential that is about to expire.

Both procedures of renewing and replacing ID card documents can be finalized through the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) once applicants submit the applicable paperwork and provide the necessary information in addition to paying the set fees. Individuals will be able to apply for a DC DMV ID renewal or obtain an ID card copy in person, via the internet or by mail. Continue reading below to find out more about how to renew or replace your identification document within the state.

How to Renew Your ID Card in Washington DC

When initiating a Washington DC identification card renewal, you will need to renew your document as either a REAL ID credential or a limited purpose identification document.

A DMV identification card renewal notice will be sent to you 60 days before your card expires that contains specific directions on how to complete the procedure. Three ID card renewal methods are currently available to you: online, by mail and in person.

How to Renew ID Cards in Washington DC Online

Individuals may be eligible to renew ID card online in DC provided they currently hold a REAL ID non-driver card or a limited purpose credential. Additional eligibility criteria to renew ID card documents via the internet include the following:

  • Your REAL ID or limited purpose document expires within 60 days.
  • DMV has your current name and address on file.
  • You hold a valid credit card.
  • You are able to provide your ID card number, first and last name, date of birth and Social Security Number (SSN).

To complete your DC identification card renewal online, you will need to access the online renewal system on the official DMV website and follow the given instructions. Your state ID renewal will require you to first enter your ID card information and update your organ donor status.

Next, you will need to provide payment for the applicable fees utilizing your credit card. Once you review your DMV ID renewal payment details and DMV processes your request, you will be issued a receipt, as well as a 45-day temporary certificate that you may print for your records. You will receive your permanent identification document via mail at the address on file with DMV within 10 business days.

How to Renew ID Cards in Washington DC by Mail

Holders of a REAL ID or a limited purpose card may also be eligible to renew their ID card in DC by mail. State residents who meet the requirements to initiate a procedure of renewing ID card documents via mail will receive a renewal notice 60 days prior to the date of expiration of their credential indicating they can finalize their procedure via this method.

Their Washington DC ID card renewal notice will also display instructions and important details pertaining to their mail-in renewal.

How to Renew ID Cards in Washington DC in Person

The in-person DC DMV ID renewal is mandatory for individuals who do not possess a REAL ID or a limited purpose document and need to upgrade their current non-driver credential to one of the aforementioned.

In order to finalize their state ID renewal in such case, applicants will need to visit a nearby DC DMV service center and bring documentation verifying their identity, DC residency and Social Security status depending on the type of card they are eligible for.

Individuals may also apply for a DMV identification card renewal of their REAL ID or limited purpose card by personally visiting a local DMV branch. Paying the applicable charge is also mandatory to finalize the process in a timely manner.

How to Replace Your ID Card in Washington DC

If you are currently dealing with a lost, damaged or stolen ID card in Washington DC, you have the option to obtain a copy of your credential through the state Department of Motor Vehicles. If you are still wondering how to replace ID card documents within the state, note that you can apply via three methods: online, in person or by mail (provided you are eligible).

How to Replace ID Cards in Washington DC Online

To initiate your replacement procedure for a stolen or lost ID card via the internet, you must hold either a REAL ID card or a limited purpose document, and you must have your current name and address on file with DMV. Additional requirements for requesting a DC identification card replacement online include having a valid credit card, and being able to provide DMV with your first and last name, SSN, date of birth and ID card number.

Once you gain access to the online DMV ID replacement system, follow the instructions (these are the same as with ID card online renewals) to obtain your duplicate document.

How to Replace ID Cards in Washington DC by Mail

Obtaining a Washington DC duplicate ID card via mail may be available to holders of REAL ID cards, as well as owners of limited purpose identification documents.

Prior to sending a mail-in request for a replacement ID card, it is best for applicants to contact DMV and find out whether they will need to submit documents proving their identity or residency among other things, or meet additional requirements.

How to Replace ID Cards in Washington DC in Person

If you have lost your REAL ID card, or it has been stolen, and you need to apply for an ID card replacement, you may personally visit a DMV service center, provide a document confirming your identity along with payment for the set fee and obtain a duplicate.

If your lost or stolen ID card in Washington DC is not a REAL ID or limited purpose credential, then you must visit a service center to replace and upgrade it to one of these types. The documents you will need to provide during the replacement of your Washington DC lost state ID card will depend on whether you are eligible for a REAL ID or a limited purpose card, and they generally include proofs of identity, District residency and Social Security status.

You will also need to submit payment for the applicable DMV ID replacement prices to complete your transaction.

Washington DC ID Card Renewal and Replacement Fees

Finalizing your procedures of renewing and replacing ID cards in DC is only possible upon providing payment for the fees set forth by DMV. The price to replace lost ID card credentials currently amounts to $20. You will be able to complete your DC ID card renewal for $20 as well.

Contact a local DMV service center in Washington DC to check whether the same renewal price applies to residents who are 65 years of age or older, homeless individuals and ex-offenders.

Last updated on Wednesday, March 6 2019.