What you need to do to replace your Washington license
To replace a lost or damaged Washington driver's license, you submit a form to the Department of Licensing (DOL), pay a fee, and provide proof of identity. You can do this in person at a DOL office, by mail, or online through the DOL website. The fastest route is usually online or in person, which takes a few minutes to complete. By mail takes longer because the form and documents have to travel both ways.
Washington does not require you to take a new photo or retake a test unless your license has been suspended or revoked. A replacement license looks the same as your original and has the same expiration date — you are not renewing it, just getting a duplicate of what you already had.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace your Washington license online, in person at a DOL office, or by mail, with online and in-person being fastest.
- The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, and you do not need to retake the written or driving test.
- You will need to prove your identity with a document like a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card, depending on which method you choose.
- A replacement license keeps the same expiration date as your original, so you are not paying to renew it early.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a straightforward replacement — you must contact DOL to resolve the suspension first.
Replacing your license online
The Washington DOL website has an online replacement tool that works if your license was lost or damaged but not suspended or revoked. You log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, confirm your information, upload a photo of yourself (or use an existing one from your license file), and pay the $20 fee with a debit or credit card. The new license is mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.
Online replacement is the fastest option if your address and other details have not changed. If you have moved since your license was issued, you will need to update your address first — you can do this on the same DOL website before you request the replacement.
Replacing your license in person at a DOL office
Walk into any DOL office with your $20 fee and proof of identity. Acceptable documents include a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, tribal ID, or military ID. You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost. A staff member will take a new photo, verify your information, and hand you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent replacement arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
In-person replacement is useful if you need to drive when ready — the temporary license is valid right away. It also works if your address has changed or if you are not comfortable uploading a photo online. DOL offices are open Monday through Friday, and some locations have extended hours. You can find your nearest office and check hours on the DOL website.
Replacing your license by mail
Complete the process for Replacement Driver License or Instruction Permit (form DL 44), include a copy of your proof of identity, and mail both with a check or money order for $20 to the address listed on the form. The form is available on the DOL website as a PDF. Mail your packet to the DOL office address shown in the instructions — do not send it to a local office, as it will be redirected anyway.
Processing by mail takes 2 to 3 weeks from the day DOL receives your packet, plus the time for mail to travel both ways. This method works if you cannot visit an office or use the online tool, but it is the slowest option. Keep a copy of what you send in case the packet is lost in the mail.
What to do if your license was suspended or revoked
You cannot get a straightforward replacement if your license status shows a suspension or revocation. You must contact the DOL directly to find out why it was suspended and what you need to do to clear it. Suspensions can happen for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, unpaid court fines, or failure to appear in court. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set time; others require you to pay what you owe or complete a requirement.
Call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to ask about your specific suspension. They can tell you what triggered it and what steps to take. Once the suspension is resolved, you can then request a replacement using any of the three methods above.
Fees and what they cover
A replacement license costs $20. This is a flat fee whether you replace it online, in person, or by mail. The fee covers the new card and the processing. If you need to update your address at the same time, there is no additional charge — address changes are included with the replacement.
If you lose your license again within a certain period, you may face higher fees or additional requirements. Washington law allows you to request one free replacement within a five-year period if you report the loss to law enforcement. After that, replacements cost the standard $20 fee. Reporting the loss to police is optional but can protect you if someone uses your lost license fraudulently.
What happens if you drive without your license
Driving without a valid license in Washington is a traffic violation. If you are stopped by police before your replacement arrives, you can show the temporary paper license you received in person, or you can show your old license if you still have it. If you ordered online or by mail and do not have a temporary license, tell the officer you have requested a replacement and provide your driver's license number if you know it.
It is a good idea to carry proof that you requested a replacement — a confirmation email from the online tool or a copy of your mailed form. This is not a legal requirement, but it can help explain the situation if you are stopped.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement license in Washington?
Online and in-person replacements arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. In-person visits give you a temporary paper license to use right away. By mail takes 2 to 3 weeks of processing time, plus mail travel time on both ends, so plan for 3 to 4 weeks total.
Can I get a replacement if I do not have my Social Security number memorized?
You do not need to provide your Social Security number to get a replacement. You will need one form of identity like a passport, birth certificate, or tribal ID. If you are replacing in person, bring the physical document. If you are replacing online, you will answer questions about your identity instead.
What if my address changed since I got my license?
You can update your address on the DOL website at the same time you request your replacement, at no extra cost. If you are replacing in person, tell the staff member your new address and they will update it. If you are replacing by mail, write your new address on the form.
Do I have to take a new photo for my replacement license?
If you replace online, you can use your existing photo from your license file or upload a new one. If you replace in person, DOL takes a new photo. If you replace by mail, you do not submit a photo — DOL uses the one from your current license file.
What if I never got my replacement after waiting two weeks?
Contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to check the status of your replacement. If you replaced online or by mail, have your confirmation number or tracking information ready. If the license was lost in the mail, DOL can issue a new one. If you replaced in person, ask about the status of your mailed license.