Where to go and what to bring
To replace your Washington driver's license, you will go to a Department of Licensing (DOL) office in person. Washington does not allow you to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license by mail or online. You can find your nearest office and check its hours at the Washington Department of Licensing website — search for "office locations" to see the full list by county.
Bring your Social Security number (or a document showing it), proof of your current address, and a form of payment. The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license. If your license was stolen, you may also want to bring a police report, though it is not required — the DOL will issue the replacement regardless.
If your license was damaged but still readable, you can bring it with you. If it is lost or stolen, you do not need to have it to explore for a replacement.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person; replacements cannot be done by mail or online in Washington.
- Bring your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and $20 in cash or card to pay the replacement fee.
- The replacement process takes a few minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Your permanent replacement license will arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, a police report can help but is not required to get a replacement.
What counts as proof of your address
Washington accepts several documents as proof of your current address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If you do not have any of those, a government-issued document with your name and address — such as a property tax statement or vehicle registration — is also acceptable.
The document must show your full name and current address. If you recently moved and have not yet received mail at your new address, bring whatever document you have from your previous address along with a letter from your new landlord or a recent lease showing the new address.
The temporary license and when your permanent one arrives
When you finish at the DOL office, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and works for identification purposes. You can use it while you wait for your permanent card.
Your permanent replacement license will be mailed to the address you provide at the office. Standard delivery takes 5 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, ask the DOL staff whether expedited mail is an option — some offices offer it for an additional fee, though this varies by location.
If your license was stolen
A stolen license does not require a police report to replace, but filing one protects you if someone tries to use your information. If you do file a report, bring a copy to the DOL office — it may speed up the process slightly, though it is not mandatory.
When you report your license stolen, the DOL will flag your record so that if someone attempts to use your stolen license, you have documentation that you reported it missing. This is especially important if you are concerned about identity theft.
Replacing an expired or damaged license
If your license is expired, you can replace it using the same process as a lost or stolen license. Bring the expired license itself if you still have it, along with your proof of address and Social Security number. The $20 fee applies whether your license is expired, damaged, or lost.
If your license is damaged but still has a readable photo and signature, you can bring it to the office. The DOL will assess whether it can be read by their systems. If it cannot, they will issue a replacement. If it can still be read, they may straightforward renew it rather than replace it, which may cost less depending on how much time remains on your current license.
What to do if you cannot get to an office
Washington requires an in-person visit for license replacement, so there is no way around going to a DOL office. However, if you have mobility issues or other barriers, call your local DOL office directly. Some offices have accommodations or can discuss options with you over the phone.
If you live far from an office, check whether a smaller satellite location near you is open on days that work for your schedule. The DOL website lists all locations and their hours, and many rural counties have offices with limited but regular hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I do not have a Social Security number?
You will need either your Social Security number or a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact your local DOL office to discuss what documents they can accept instead.
What if I do not have proof of my current address?
You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and address. If you have just moved and have not received mail yet, bring a lease or letter from your landlord along with an older utility bill or bank statement. Call your local DOL office if you are unsure whether your documents will work.
How long does the temporary license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid for driving and identification while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary one is no longer needed, though you do not have to turn it in.
Can I replace my license if it was damaged in a car accident?
Yes. Bring the damaged license and your proof of address to a DOL office. The $20 replacement fee applies. You do not need a police report or accident documentation — the DOL only needs to see that the license is too damaged to use.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or legal name change, you will need to bring documentation of the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. This is treated as a replacement with a name change, and the process is the same as a standard replacement.