Where to go and what you'll need

To replace a lost driver's license in Washington State, you'll go to your local Department of Licensing (DOL) office in person. Washington does not allow you to replace a lost license by mail or online — you must appear with identification and pay a replacement fee.

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your current address. A passport works for identity. For address, bring a recent utility bill, bank statement, lease, or mortgage document with your name and current Washington address. If your address on file is already current, you may only need the identity document.

The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license (as of 2024, though fees can change). You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and the physical card arrives by mail in about two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person with proof of identity and current address; there is no online or mail replacement option.
  • The replacement fee is $20, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready while your card is mailed to you.
  • Find your nearest DOL office and check its hours on the Washington State Department of Licensing website before you go.
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and consider a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

Finding your nearest Department of Licensing office

Washington has DOL offices in most counties. The fastest way to find the one closest to you is to visit the Department of Licensing website and use their office locator tool. You can search by city or zip code.

Call ahead or check the office hours online before you go. Some offices operate by appointment only, and hours vary by location. A few offices are open evenings or Saturdays, but most keep standard business hours Monday through Friday.

What happens if your license was stolen

If your license was lost in a theft rather than straightforward misplaced, consider filing a police report. You don't need the report to replace your license, but it creates an official record in case someone tries to use your information fraudulently.

You may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can request one for free by contacting any of the three bureaus; they will notify the others automatically.

Temporary license and what it covers

The temporary paper license you receive at the DOL office is valid for driving when ready. It has the same legal weight as your physical card while you wait for the replacement to arrive by mail.

Keep the temporary license with you while driving. Some officers may be unfamiliar with the paper temporary and may ask questions, but it is a valid form of identification. If you're stopped and don't have it, you can explain that you're waiting for your replacement card and provide your name and date of birth.

Timeline and what to do if your card doesn't arrive

Your replacement license typically arrives within two weeks of your visit to the DOL office. Mail delivery times can vary, so allow up to three weeks before assuming there's a problem.

If your card doesn't arrive after three weeks, contact the Department of Licensing directly. Have your temporary license number or your driver's license number ready. They can check whether the card was mailed and, if necessary, issue a replacement or reprint.

Replacing your license if you've moved out of state

If you've moved to another state and lost your Washington license, you have two options. You can return to Washington in person to replace it at any DOL office, or you can obtain a license in your new state instead. Most people choose to get a license in their current state of residence.

If you do return to Washington to replace it, the process is the same: bring proof of identity and proof of your current address (which would now be out of state). The DOL will issue the replacement, though you may want to confirm with your local office that they can process an out-of-state address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license without going to an office in person?

No. Washington requires you to appear in person at a Department of Licensing office with identification. Online and mail replacement are not available for lost licenses.

What if I don't have a passport or other ID document?

You'll need some form of identity document to replace your license. Acceptable documents include a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or state ID from another state. If you don't have any of these, contact your local DOL office to ask what alternatives they accept.

Do I need to retake the written or driving test?

No. A replacement for a lost license does not require any test. You're straightforward getting a duplicate of the license you already held.

What if I lost my license and my address has changed since I got it?

Bring proof of your new address along with your identity document. The DOL will update your address on file and issue the replacement with the current address printed on it.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license?

The replacement fee is $20. Payment methods accepted vary by office, but most accept cash, debit, and credit cards. Check with your local office if you want to confirm payment options before you go.