Where to go and what to bring

In Washington, you replace a lost or damaged driver's license at a Department of Licensing (DOL) office. You can visit any of the 15 full-service DOL locations across the state, or you can mail in your request. The in-person route is faster — most people walk out with a temporary license the same day — but the mail route works if you cannot reach an office.

Before you go, gather these documents: a completed process for Washington State Driver License or ID Card (form DL 44), proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or previous license), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Washington residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your license was lost or stolen, bring a police report if you have one — it is not required, but it can speed things up.

You will also need to pay a replacement fee. As of 2024, a standard replacement license costs $72 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license. Fees can change, so check the DOL website before you go to confirm the current amount.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any Department of Licensing office in Washington with proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency to replace your license in person.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license on the same day and your permanent card by mail within two to three weeks.
  • If you cannot visit an office, you can mail your completed form DL 44 and documents to the DOL, though processing takes four to six weeks.
  • The replacement fee is $72 for a four-year license or $96 for an eight-year license, and you must pay at the time of replacement.
  • If your license was stolen, a police report is not required but can help speed up processing.

Getting a temporary license on the spot

When you replace your license in person at a DOL office, you leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as a permanent one — you can drive, use it for ID, and show it to police. The permanent plastic card arrives by mail in two to three weeks under normal circumstances, though delays can happen during busy periods.

Keep the temporary license in your wallet until the permanent one arrives. Once the plastic card comes, the paper license is no longer valid. If your permanent license does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DOL to check on the status — you can call their customer service line or visit a local office.

Mailing in your replacement request

If you cannot visit a DOL office, you can mail your replacement request. Fill out form DL 44, include copies of your proof documents (do not send originals), and mail everything to the address listed on the form. You will also need to include a check or money order for the replacement fee — the DOL does not take credit cards by mail.

Processing a mailed replacement takes four to six weeks, and you will not receive a temporary license. This means you cannot legally drive until your permanent license arrives. For this reason, mailing is best only if you do not need to drive during the processing time, or if you have a valid passport or other ID you can use instead.

Mail your request to the Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9030, Olympia, WA 98507-9030. Include a return address so the DOL can send your new license back to you.

Finding a DOL office near you

Washington has 15 full-service Department of Licensing offices. The main locations are in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, Olympia, Yakima, Bellingham, Tri-Cities, Wenatchee, Longview, Port Angeles, Bremerton, and Pullman. Each office handles license replacements, but hours and wait times vary by location.

Before you go, check the DOL website to find the office closest to you and confirm its hours. Many offices are busiest on Tuesdays through Thursdays and during lunch hours, so going early in the morning or late in the afternoon can mean a shorter wait. Some offices accept walk-ins only, while others allow you to schedule an appointment online — check your local office's policy.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the process is the same, but you have an extra step. File a police report and bring a copy with you when you replace your license. The report is not required — the DOL will replace your license without it — but it protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license to open accounts or commit fraud.

When you file the police report, give the officer the license number if you remember it. If you do not, the DOL can look it up for you during the replacement process. After you replace your license, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to make it harder for someone to open credit in your name.

Renewing versus replacing: which one do you need?

Replacement and renewal are different things. A replacement is what you do when your license is lost, stolen, or damaged — you are getting a new card with the same information. A renewal is what you do when your license is still valid but expiring soon — you are extending it for another four or eight years.

If your license is damaged but still has time left before it expires, you can replace it. If your license is expired or about to expire, you need to renew it instead. The forms, fees, and documents are different for each. If you are unsure which one applies to you, call the DOL customer service line or visit a local office — staff can tell you in a minute which process you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with the temporary paper license?

Yes. The temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same legal standing as a permanent license. You can drive, use it for identification, and show it to police. Once your permanent card arrives, the paper license expires and you should not use it.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use other documents to prove identity, such as a previous driver's license, a military ID, or a tribal ID. The DOL website lists all accepted documents. If you do not have any of these, contact a local DOL office — staff can tell you what alternatives they will accept.

How long does it take to get the permanent license by mail?

Four to six weeks is typical, but delays can happen. If you do not receive your license within four weeks, contact the DOL to check the status. You can call their customer service line or visit a local office with your temporary receipt.

Do I need a police report to replace a stolen license?

No, a police report is not required. The DOL will replace your license without one. However, filing a report protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license fraudulently, and bringing a copy to the DOL can speed up processing.

Can I replace my license online?

No. Washington does not offer online license replacement. You must either visit a DOL office in person or mail your request. In-person replacement is faster and gives you a temporary license the same day.