Your New WA.gov Account

Changes are coming

Washington state is improving how you log in and access services by introducing WA.gov accounts. Your WA.gov account will become your unified log in for Washington state. WA.gov accounts will replace the state’s current unified log in tool, SecureAccess Washington (SAW).

If you have worked online with the state before, it’s likely you have used a SAW account to get something done, like renewing your vehicle tabs. Over the next few years, state agencies will switch from requiring a SAW account to requiring a WA.gov account when logging into websites and services. Here’s what you need to know.

What to know about the new WA.gov accounts

When is it happening

The replacement of SAW with WA.gov accounts started in mid - 2025 and will continue on a rolling basis over the next couple years. Throughout this time, more and more state agency websites will require a WA.gov account to log in. By the end of this transition from SAW to WA.gov accounts, SAW will no longer be in use and all state agencies will require a WA.gov account instead of a SAW account.

What do I need to do?

1. When prompted by a Washington state agency or website, create your WA.gov account. This is a valid request. Here are some tips for creating a WA.gov account:
   • Your email address is your username
   • Follow directions on screen to create a secure password
2. Use your WA.gov account on any state website that asks for a WA.gov account to log in. You only have to create one WA.gov account. Your account will work wherever WA.gov accounts are required. Save your account information so that you can use your WA.gov account as more agencies ask for a WA.gov account in the years to come.
3. Keep your SAW account (for now.) It will take a few years to complete the transition from SAW to WA.gov accounts. While we make the transition, some state websites may still require a SAW account. Hold onto your SAW credentials for state websites and services that have yet to switch to the new WA.gov accounts. Once the transition to WA.gov accounts is complete, you will only need your WA.gov account.
4. Return to WA.gov for more information about WA.gov information. We will be adding new account features, information, and guidance about WA.gov accounts on a regular basis over the coming months.

Thank you for your patience as we modernize the way Washingtonians log into and access state services. Please see the video below for additional details.