What you need to do to get a replacement license in Washington

To replace a lost driver's license in Washington, you'll visit a Department of Licensing (DOL) office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office. You'll walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Washington does not allow you to replace a lost license by mail or online. You must appear in person at a DOL office, even if your license was lost out of state. If you cannot get to an office quickly and need to drive, the temporary license they issue is legal for driving during the waiting period.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Department of Licensing office in person with proof of identity and proof of current Washington residency.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, and you'll receive a temporary paper license when ready that's valid for 30 days.
  • Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can drive legally on the temporary license until it arrives.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card.
  • Proof of residency requires a document showing your current Washington address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days.

Documents you need to bring to the DOL office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Washington. For identity, the DOL accepts an original or certified copy of your U.S. passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or permanent resident card. A foreign passport works if you also bring a valid visa or I-94 arrival/departure record.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current Washington address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all work. A government-issued ID with your current address also counts. If you've recently moved and don't have a document yet, a signed letter from your landlord or a mortgage company statement can work in some cases—call your local DOL office first to confirm.

You do not need to bring your old license. If you have it, bring it anyway—the office will destroy it for you. If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police first, though it is not required to get a replacement.

Finding a DOL office and checking wait times

Washington has DOL offices in most counties. Use the office locator at dol.wa.gov to find the one nearest you and check its hours. Some offices are busier than others; smaller county offices often have shorter waits than Seattle or Tacoma locations.

Many DOL offices now show estimated wait times online. Check before you go. If the wait is long, you can visit a different day or office. Some offices accept walk-ins only; others use an online appointment system. The website for your specific office will tell you which system it uses.

The replacement fee and what it covers

The replacement fee for a standard Washington driver's license is $20. If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you pay the replacement fee, not the full renewal fee. The fee covers the temporary paper license issued when ready and the permanent plastic license mailed to you.

Payment methods vary by office. Most accept cash, debit, and credit cards. A few smaller offices may accept cash only, so call ahead if you're unsure. The $20 fee does not include any optional upgrades like a Real ID endorsement; if you want to add Real ID at the same time, that costs an additional $32.

What happens at the DOL office

When you arrive, check in and wait to be called. Bring all your documents. The staff member will verify your identity and residency, ask you to confirm your address and any other information on file, and take a new photo for your license. The photo is taken at the office—you cannot bring your own.

You'll then pay the $20 fee and receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for driving, getting pulled over, and any other use of your license for 30 days. Write down the number on it or take a photo for your records. Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

If the address on your old license is no longer current, tell the staff member before they print the temporary license. They can update it so your new permanent license arrives at your correct address.

If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud

If your license was stolen, you can report it to local police, though it is not required to get a replacement. A police report can be useful if someone uses your stolen license fraudulently. Keep the report number for your records.

If you suspect your license has been used fraudulently—for example, you received a traffic ticket you didn't get, or a debt collector contacted you about a violation—contact the DOL directly at 360-902-3900. They can check the record and help you dispute fraudulent activity. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.

Driving while you wait for your permanent license

Your temporary paper license is a legal, valid driver's license. You can drive, work as a delivery driver or rideshare driver, and use it as ID at bars or banks. Police will accept it as proof of a valid license. Keep it in your wallet or vehicle at all times while it's valid.

If you lose the temporary license before your permanent one arrives, return to the DOL office and request a replacement temporary license. There is no additional fee. If your permanent license arrives and you still have the temporary, you can throw it away—the permanent license is now your valid license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You need a valid visa, I-94 arrival/departure record, or permanent resident card along with your passport or other identity document. Your visa or immigration status must be current. If you're unsure whether your immigration status qualifies, call the DOL at 360-902-3900 before visiting an office.

What if my address changed and I don't have a recent utility bill?

Bring any document dated within 60 days showing your new address: a lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or a signed letter from your landlord. If you just moved and have none of these yet, call your local DOL office—some accept a combination of documents or a signed statement from your landlord.

How long does the permanent license take to arrive?

The plastic license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days and usually arrives within two weeks. Mail delivery times vary by location. If your license doesn't arrive within three weeks, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 with your temporary license number so they can track it.

Do I need a Real ID to replace my lost license?

No. A standard Washington driver's license is still valid for driving and most ID purposes. Real ID is required only for federal buildings and domestic flights starting May 2025. You can add Real ID at replacement for an extra $32, or wait and add it when you renew.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You must still visit a Washington DOL office in person to replace it. If you're out of state and can't return soon, you can request an extension of your temporary license by calling the DOL, though this is not may provide. Your best option is to visit a DOL office as soon as you return to Washington.