Washington, DC
New Look, New Security, Same You! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the New Look, New Security, Same You! credential?
- When will the New Look, New Security, Same You! credential be available?
- How secure is the New Look, New Security, Same You! credential?
- What do I need to bring with me to obtain a DC DMV REAL ID driver’s license or identification card?
- Will my current DC driver license/identification card still be valid?
- Do I need to show my social security card? What if I don’t have one?
- What does the star on my driver license/identification card mean?
- Can I renew my driver license or identification card online or via the DC DMV mobile app?
- How do I change my address on my driver license or identification card?
- How do I change my name on my driver license or identification card?
- How long will it take for my driver license or ID card to arrive?
- What are the fees?
- If I’m an organ, eye and tissue donor, will that show on my driver license or identification card?
- Does the District of Columbia offer a military identifier for a driver license or identification card?
- I have the old DC credential design and I would like to convert to the new design? How can I do that?
Question 1: What is the New Look, New Security, Same You! credential?
The New Look, New Security, Same You! credential is the District of Columbia’s newest driver license and identification card design, which along with the current central issuance process, incorporates updated security features to reduce fraud attempts. The new design features vibrant colors and style options that include cherry blossoms, the wood thrush bird and the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge.
Question 2: When will the New Look, New Security, Same You! credential be available?
Effective Monday, July 17, 2023, the DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) will begin issuing a new driver license and identification card design to new applicants.
Question 3: How secure is the New Look, New Security, Same You! credential?
This new Multiple Laser Image (MLI) feature will bring superior security that will be difficult for counterfeiters to replicate and reduce fraud attempts.
Question 4: What do I need to bring with me to obtain a DC DMV REAL ID driver’s license or identification card?
Our driver license and identification card webpages explain the types of credentials Washingtonians are eligible to apply for and documents they must bring to a DC DMV Service Center. These documents will provide your proof of identity and age, lawful presence, DC residency and social security number. All documents must be originals, certified amended originals or true copies certified by the issuing agency.
If you do not qualify for a DC DMV REAL ID, you may be eligible for a DC DMV limited purpose driver license or identification card.
Question 5: Will my current DC driver license/identification card still be valid?
Yes. The previous version of the DC credential will remain valid until expiration for customers who have it.
Question 6: Do I need to show my social security card? What if I don’t have one?
You must provide your social security number (SSN) on the DC DMV DL/ID application. DC DMV will electronically verify the SSN with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If the SSN is verified, no additional documentation is required.
If your SSN does not verify, you will need to contact the SSA to have your records updated.
If you do not have a SSN you may be eligible for a DC DMV limited purpose driver license or identification card.
Question 7: What does the star on my driver license/identification card mean?
The star in the top right corner of your driver license or identification card indicates that your credential complies with REAL ID guidelines and efforts to improve the reliability and accuracy of state driver licenses and identification cards.
Question 8: Can I renew my driver license or identification card online or via the DC DMV mobile app?
If you currently have a DC DMV REAL ID (with a star printed in the upper right corner), you may renew your credential online or via the agency’s mobile app, as long as you meet all of the requirements for online renewals.
If you do not meet such requirements, you must visit a DC DMV Service Center and bring documents that verify your identity, residence in the District and social security number.
Question 9: How do I change my address on my driver license or identification card?
You must update changes in address with DC DMV within 60 calendar days of a move to keep your records current. Note: You may not list a temporary address and/or PO Box as your residence.
There are several ways you can submit a change of address to DC DMV:
Online: If you currently have a REAL ID, you may change your address online by uploading the required residency documents and submitting your request. Once you have successfully completed the application process and submitted the required documents, DC DMV will respond via email to inform you if your request is approved. If your request is approved, you will be directed to pay the required change of address fee. After the fee is paid, DC DMV will update your DC driver license or identification card, along with any corresponding vehicle registration.
By mail: If you currently have a REAL ID or a Limited Purpose credential, you may change your address by mail. Mail the necessary two proof of residency documents, a completed DC DMV DL/ID application form and the correct fee to:
DC DMV
ATTN: Change of Address
PO Box 90120
Washington, DC 20090
In-Person: If you have a REAL ID or Limited Purpose credential, you must bring your two residency documents, completed DC DMV DL/ID application form and fee payment to a DC DMV Service Center.
Question 10: How do I change my name on my driver license or identification card?
If your name has changed, you must first change or correct your name with the Social Security Administration. Next, to change your name on DC credentials, you will need to visit a DC DMV Service Center and bring your current DC driver license or identification card along with one of the following original documents:
- Certified marriage certificate (name change due to marriage)
- Divorce decree (name change due to divorce)
- Official U.S. Court Change of Name document (name change due to legal court order; includes adoption)
Question 11: How long will it take for my driver license or ID card to arrive?
DC DMV will issue you a temporary paper driver license or identification card after you have completed the process and paid the fees. This temporary document will be valid for 45 days; your actual license or card will be mailed to you within 10 business days. DC DMV does not mail licenses or ID cards to PO boxes.
Question 12: What are the fees?
Please visit our fees webpage for more information.
Question 13: If I’m an organ, eye and tissue donor, will that show on my driver license or identification card?
If you answered “yes” to the organ, eye and tissue donor question when you applied for your driver license or identification card, then a heart with “DONOR" in the center will show on the front of your license or ID card.
Question 14: Does the District of Columbia offer a military identifier for a driver license or identification card?
DC DMV offers a Veteran designation for the driver license or identification card. To be eligible for this designation, you must have been honorably discharged from a branch of the US Armed Forces and provide DC DMV with your DD 214 form, WD AGO form or DD 256 form certifying your veteran status. You can request the designation by visiting a DC DMV Service Center and presenting the required documentation.
Question 15: I have the old DC credential design and I would like to convert to the new design? How can I do that?
If a customer would like to convert their driver license or identification card to the new design, they can do so by obtaining a duplicate credential.
This process can also be completed if a customer needs to obtain a duplicate credential because of misplacement or damage.
A fee will be required for a duplicate credential.