What you need to do right now

If you've lost your Washington driver's license, you can replace it by visiting a Department of Licensing (DOL) office in person, by mail, or through an online renewal if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your address or name. The fastest route is an in-person visit to your nearest DOL office, which takes about 15 minutes and costs $20. If you mail in your request, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.

You'll need to bring proof of identity and proof of your current address. A passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card works for identity. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement. If you're replacing a lost license (not a stolen one), you don't need a police report, though having one can help if you're concerned about identity theft.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost Washington license in person at any DOL office, by mail, or online if your license hasn't expired and your information hasn't changed.
  • In-person replacement takes about 15 minutes and costs $20; mail-in replacement takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • Bring one form of identity (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and one form of address proof (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
  • If your license was stolen, you may want to file a police report and monitor your credit, though it's not required to get a replacement.

Replacing your license in person at a DOL office

Walking into a Department of Licensing office is the quickest way to get a replacement. You'll fill out an process for Driver License or Identicard (form DL 44), show your documents, have your photo taken, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Washington has DOL offices throughout the state. You can find the one nearest you and check its hours on the DOL website. Some offices take walk-ins; others use an appointment system. Calling ahead or checking online before you go saves a trip. Bring your documents and $20 in cash or card—most offices take both.

If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives, the temporary paper license is valid when ready. It's not a physical card, so keep it safe and carry it with you.

Mailing in your replacement request

You can mail a replacement request to the Department of Licensing if you prefer not to visit an office. read and print the process for Driver License or Identicard (form DL 44) from the DOL website, fill it out, and mail it with copies of your identity and address documents and a check or money order for $20.

Send your packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the date DOL receives it, plus mail time both ways. If you need to drive while waiting, you won't have a temporary license, so plan accordingly. Mail-in replacement works best if you're not in a hurry.

Renewing online if your license is still valid

If your Washington license hasn't expired and you haven't changed your name or address, you can renew it online through the DOL website. This option is faster than mail and doesn't require a trip to an office. You'll pay the $20 fee online, and your new card ships within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal is available only if your information is current in the system. If you've moved, changed your name, or your license is expired, you must renew in person or by mail instead. Check the DOL website to see if you're may be able to access before you start.

What to do if your license was stolen

A lost license and a stolen one are treated the same way for replacement purposes—you follow the same process and pay the same fee. However, if you believe your license was stolen, consider filing a police report. This creates a record in case someone tries to use your license number for fraud or identity theft.

You should also monitor your credit report for suspicious activity. You can request a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you spot fraud, contact the Federal Trade Commission and your bank or credit card company right away.

Documents you need to bring or send

Washington requires one document proving your identity and one proving your current address. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of one of these:

  • U.S. passport or passport card
  • Birth certificate (certified copy)
  • Social Security card
  • Tribal ID card
  • Military ID

For address proof, bring an original or copy of one of these, dated within the last 60 days:

  • Utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet)
  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Bank or credit card statement
  • Mortgage statement
  • Insurance policy
  • Government mail (tax return, court document, or voter registration)

If you don't have a document with your current address, bring a letter from your landlord, employer, or a government agency on letterhead confirming where you live.

Timeline and what to expect

In-person replacement is fastest: you walk out with a temporary paper license and your permanent card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in and online renewal both take 7 to 10 business days from the date DOL receives or processes your request, plus mail delivery time on both ends. If you're mailing, add 3 to 5 days for your packet to reach the DOL office.

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready if you get it in person. If you're mailing or renewing online, you won't have a temporary license, so you can't legally drive until your card arrives. Plan your replacement timing around when you need to drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a police report to replace a lost license?

No. Washington doesn't require a police report to replace a lost license. However, filing one is a good idea if you're worried about identity theft, because it creates an official record. You can file a report with your local police department online or in person.

Can I drive with a temporary paper license?

Yes, if you received it in person at a DOL office. The temporary license is valid for driving when ready. If you're replacing your license by mail or online, you won't get a temporary license, so you can't legally drive until your permanent card arrives.

What if I've moved since my license was issued?

You must update your address when you replace your license. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). You can't renew online if your address has changed—you must go in person or mail in your request.

How much does it cost to replace a lost license in Washington?

The replacement fee is $20. You can pay in cash or by card at an in-person office, or by check or money order if you're mailing your request. Online renewal also costs $20 and is paid by card.

What if my name has changed since my license was issued?

Bring a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You must replace your license in person or by mail—online renewal is not available if your name has changed. The replacement fee is still $20.