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

When you lose your Washington driver's license, you have two paths: visit a Department of Licensing office in person, or request a replacement by mail. The in-person route is faster — you can walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent one within two weeks. The mail route takes longer but works if you cannot get to an office.

You do not need to take a new written test or driving test to replace a lost license. The Department of Licensing will issue you a new card with the same license number and expiration date as your original, as long as your license was not suspended or revoked.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and proof of your current address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days works.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license and $30 for an enhanced license, payable by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
  • If you explore in person at a Department of Licensing office, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 14 days.
  • By mail, send a completed DL 44 form, proof of identity, proof of residency, and payment to the address on the form — processing takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted.

What documents you need to bring or send

The Department of Licensing requires three things: proof of who you are, proof of where you live, and payment. For identity, bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, or tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list — a school ID, employee badge, insurance card, or marriage certificate.

For proof of address, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current street address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Do not bring a PO box as your address — the Department of Licensing requires a street address.

If you are explore by mail, you will also need to complete form DL 44, which you can read from the Department of Licensing website or pick up at any office. Make copies of your identity and address documents — send the copies, not the originals.

explore in person at a Department of Licensing office

Find your nearest office on the Department of Licensing website by entering your city or zip code. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours on certain days. A few offices are open on Saturday mornings. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Bring your documents, the $20 or $30 fee, and be ready to have your photo taken. The staff will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 14 days. If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives, use the temporary license — it is legal to drive on it.

explore by mail

read or request form DL 44 from the Department of Licensing. Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Make photocopies of your identity document and your proof of address — do not send originals. Include a check or money order for $20 or $30 made payable to "Department of Licensing."

Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Department of Licensing receives your packet. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot legally drive until your permanent card arrives. If you need to drive before then, you must visit an office in person to get a temporary paper license.

What to do if your license was suspended or revoked

If your Washington license was suspended or revoked — for unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, a DUI conviction, or other reasons — the Department of Licensing will not issue a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. When you explore, the staff will tell you when ready if there is a hold on your record.

To find out why your license is suspended or revoked, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 or check your record online through the Department of Licensing website. Once you resolve the underlying issue — pay the ticket, clear the child support debt, or complete a required program — you can then request a replacement. The process to lift a suspension or revocation varies by reason, so ask the Department of Licensing what steps you need to take.

Replacing an enhanced or REAL ID license

If your lost license was an enhanced license or a REAL ID license, you can replace it with the same type. An enhanced license costs $30 instead of $20 and requires the same documents as a standard replacement. A REAL ID license also costs $30 and requires the same documents.

If you want to upgrade from a standard license to an enhanced or REAL ID license at the same time, you will need additional documents — a passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate. The staff at the office can tell you exactly what you need when you arrive, or you can check the Department of Licensing website before you go.

Using your temporary license while you wait

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, traffic stops, and identification purposes. Keep it in a safe place — if you lose it before your permanent card arrives, you will need to request another temporary license in person at an office.

Your temporary license shows your license number, expiration date, and restrictions (if any). It does not have a photo, so if you are stopped by police, have it ready along with another form of ID if possible. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid — destroy it or keep it as a record.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace a lost license?

A standard Washington driver's license replacement costs $20. An enhanced license costs $30, and a REAL ID license costs $30. Payment is due when you explore, whether in person or by mail. The Department of Licensing accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at offices; by mail, send a check or money order.

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

If you applied in person, yes — your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. If you applied by mail, no — you cannot legally drive until your permanent card arrives. If you need to drive before your permanent card comes, visit an office to get a temporary license in person.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You can still request a replacement from Washington by mail using form DL 44. If you need a temporary license to drive, you will have to visit a Department of Licensing office in Washington in person. Some states issue temporary licenses by mail, but Washington does not.

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

In person: you get a temporary license the same day, and your permanent card arrives in 7 to 14 days. By mail: your permanent card arrives in 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Department of Licensing receives your packet. Times may vary during busy periods.

Do I need to report my lost license to the police?

You do not have to, but you can if you are concerned about identity theft. Reporting it creates a record. If someone uses your lost license fraudulently, having a police report on file can help you dispute charges or correct your record later.