Get a replacement license from the Department of Licensing in person or by mail

Washington's Department of Licensing (DOL) issues replacement licenses when yours is lost. You can request one in person at any DOL office, or by mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route is faster — most people walk out with a temporary license the same day — but the mail option works if you cannot visit an office.

You will need to prove your identity and Washington residency. A passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card works for identity. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

The replacement fee is $72 for a standard driver's license valid for eight years. If you are over 65, the fee is $36 and the license is valid for five years. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at an office, or by check or money order if you mail your request.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit any Washington Department of Licensing office with proof of identity and residency to get a replacement license on the same day.
  • You can mail your request with the same documents plus a completed DL 44 form if you cannot visit an office in person.
  • Bring your Social Security card, passport, or birth certificate for identity, and a recent utility bill or bank statement for your current address.
  • The replacement fee is $72 for a standard license, or $36 if you are 65 or older.
  • A temporary license issued at the office is valid for 30 days while your permanent replacement is being processed.

What to bring to a Department of Licensing office

Bring one form of identity and one form of residency proof. For identity, the DOL accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, Social Security card, tribal ID, military ID, or permanent resident card. For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance policy, or property tax statement all work.

If you have changed your name since your last license, bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their ID and proof of residency as well.

Bring payment in cash, check, or card. Most offices have ATMs if you need cash. You do not need to bring your old license — the DOL can look up your record by your name and date of birth.

Replacing your license by mail

You can mail a replacement request if you meet all of these conditions: your license has not been suspended or revoked, you have no outstanding tickets or fines, you are not required to take a vision or knowledge test, and your address has not changed since your last license was issued. If any of these do not explore to you, you must visit an office in person.

read and complete the DL 44 form from the Department of Licensing website. Write "REPLACEMENT" across the top. Include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of residency — photocopies are fine. Mail the form, documents, and payment (check or money order only) to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 10 to 15 business days after the DOL receives your packet.

Do not send cash by mail. If you are mailing from outside Washington, use certified mail with tracking so you know when it arrives. Keep a copy of everything you send for your records.

Finding a Department of Licensing office near you

Washington has DOL offices in most cities and counties. The main office is in Olympia, but there are branches in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, Bellevue, Everett, and many smaller towns. You can find the full list and hours on the Department of Licensing website by entering your city or ZIP code.

Call ahead if you are traveling a long distance. Some offices get busy in the afternoon or on certain days of the week, and a quick call tells you whether you should expect a wait. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though a few have Saturday hours.

If you live in a rural area far from any office, the mail option may save you a trip — as long as you meet the conditions listed above. If you do not, you will need to travel to the nearest office.

What happens after you get your temporary license

The DOL will give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal weight as your permanent license — you can drive with it, show it to police, and use it as ID. Keep it in a safe place because you will need it if you are stopped before your permanent replacement arrives.

Your permanent replacement license will arrive in the mail within 10 to 15 business days if you applied in person, or 10 to 15 business days after the DOL receives your mailed request. The envelope will have a tracking number so you can check its status on the USPS website. If your permanent license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the Department of Licensing to report it.

Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it as a record — you cannot use it to drive.

If your license was stolen or used fraudulently

If someone stole your license or you suspect it has been used fraudulently, report it to the Department of Licensing and to local police. The DOL can flag your record so that if someone tries to use your lost license, staff at an office will know it was reported missing. Police will give you a report number that you can reference if there are questions later.

Follow the same steps to get a replacement — bring your ID and residency proof to an office or mail your request. The process is the same whether the license was lost or stolen. If you are concerned about identity theft, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without a license while I wait for my replacement?

Yes. The temporary license the DOL gives you at the office is valid for 30 days and has the same legal status as a permanent license. You can drive, work as a delivery driver or rideshare driver, and show it to police. Keep it with you whenever you drive.

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

You can use a Social Security card, tribal ID, military ID, or permanent resident card instead. The DOL accepts any one of these as proof of identity. If you do not have any of these documents, contact the Department of Licensing to ask what other documents they will accept in your situation.

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

If you explore in person, you get a temporary license the same day and your permanent license arrives by mail in 10 to 15 business days. If you mail your request, the DOL processes it in 10 to 15 business days after receiving it. Mail delivery adds another few days, so plan for three weeks total.

Do I have to retake the written or vision test?

No. A replacement license does not require you to retake any test. You only need to retake tests if your license was suspended or revoked, or if the DOL has a reason to believe your vision or knowledge has changed. If you are unsure whether you need to test, call the Department of Licensing before you visit.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

You must visit a DOL office in person — you cannot mail a replacement request if your address has changed. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). The office will update your address and issue your replacement license.