Get a replacement driver's license through the Washington Department of Licensing

To replace a lost driver's license in Washington, 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 DOL has to receive and process your request before sending the new license.

Washington does not charge extra for a replacement license — you pay the standard renewal fee, which is $72 for an eight-year license as of 2024. The fee covers the card itself and the processing. If you lost your license and need to drive before the replacement arrives, you can request a temporary permit at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace your license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Licensing office, with online being the fastest option.
  • You will need proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and proof of Washington residency (such as a utility bill or lease).
  • The replacement fee is $72 for an eight-year license, and you pay it when you submit your request.
  • A replacement license typically arrives within two to three weeks by mail, but you can request a temporary permit to drive while you wait.
  • If you lost your license outside Washington, you may need to contact that state's licensing agency first to report it lost.

Replace your license online through the DOL website

The Washington Department of Licensing website lets you request a replacement without visiting an office. Go to dol.wa.gov, find the "Replace a Lost or Stolen License" option, and follow the prompts. You will need to enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will ask whether you want the replacement mailed to your address on file or to a different address.

After you submit the request online, you pay the $72 fee by credit or debit card. The DOL will mail your new license to the address you provided. This process takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and your license should arrive within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can print a temporary permit from the same website when ready after submitting your request.

Replace your license in person at a DOL office

Walking into a Department of Licensing office is the fastest way to get a replacement if you need it the same day. Bring your proof of identity and proof of Washington residency (see the section below for what counts). Tell the staff member at the counter that you lost your license. They will take a new photo, verify your information, and process the replacement on the spot.

You pay the $72 fee at the counter by cash, check, or card. The DOL will mail your new license to your address on file, which takes two to three weeks. However, you can request a temporary permit at the same time, which the office will print for you when ready. This permit is valid for 30 days and lets you drive while you wait for the permanent license. Find your nearest DOL office and check their hours on dol.wa.gov before you go, because wait times vary by location and time of day.

Replace your license by mail

If you cannot visit an office or use the online system, you can mail a request to the Department of Licensing. read the "process for Washington State Driver License or Identicard" form (DL 44) from dol.wa.gov. Fill it out completely, including your name, date of birth, address, and the reason for replacement (lost). Include copies of your proof of identity and proof of residency — do not send originals, because the DOL will not return them.

Mail the form, copies of your documents, and a check or money order for $72 to the address listed on the form. The DOL processes mail requests in the order they arrive, which typically takes three to four weeks from the time they receive your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided on the form. This method is slower than online or in-person, so use it only if the other options are not available to you.

Proof of identity and residency you will need

The Department of Licensing requires one document that proves who you are and one that proves you live in Washington. For identity, the DOL accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, Social Security card, military ID, or tribal ID. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your current address. The residency document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have these documents, the DOL has a list of alternatives on its website. Some documents can substitute for both identity and residency — for example, a U.S. passport shows both. If you are unsure whether your documents will work, call the DOL at 360-902-3900 before you go to an office or mail your request.

Request a temporary permit while you wait

A temporary permit lets you drive legally in Washington for 30 days while your replacement license is being mailed to you. If you replace your license online, you can print the temporary permit when ready after submitting your request. If you replace it in person at a DOL office, ask the staff member to print one for you at the counter. If you replace it by mail, call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to request a temporary permit, and they will mail it to you separately.

The temporary permit is a printed document, not a card, so keep it with you when you drive. It is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. If your replacement license has not arrived by the time the temporary permit expires, you can request another one by calling the DOL. Most people receive their replacement license within two to three weeks, so a second temporary permit is rarely needed.

What to do if you lost your license outside Washington

If you lost your Washington license while traveling or living in another state, you still report it to the Washington Department of Licensing using the same process described above. You do not need to contact the other state's licensing agency unless you also have a license from that state. Report the loss to the Washington DOL online, by mail, or by phone at 360-902-3900.

If you are concerned that someone might use your lost license fraudulently, you can also report it to local police in the state where you lost it. This creates a record in case the license is found and used. However, the main step is to request a replacement from Washington so that a new license is issued and the old one becomes invalid.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a replacement license?

By mail or online, expect two to three weeks. In person at a DOL office, you get a temporary permit the same day and the permanent license arrives by mail in two to three weeks. If you need to drive before the permanent license arrives, use the temporary permit.

Can I get a replacement license if my address has changed?

Yes. When you request a replacement, you can provide your current address and the DOL will print it on the new license. Bring proof of your new residency (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) if you replace it in person or by mail.

What if I lost my license and my wallet was stolen?

You can still replace your license using the documents you have at home. Gather your proof of identity and residency, then go online, visit a DOL office, or mail a request. You do not need your old license to get a replacement.

Do I have to pay the full license fee if I just lost it?

Yes. Washington charges the standard renewal fee ($72 for an eight-year license) for a replacement, whether you lost it, it was stolen, or it was damaged. There is no separate "replacement" fee.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. The DOL mails replacement licenses directly to the address you provide. You cannot have someone else pick it up at an office. If you are moving, you can have the license mailed to a temporary address, but you will need to update your address with the DOL once you settle.