What to do when ready after losing your Washington driver's license

If your Washington driver's license is lost, you need to report it to the Department of Licensing (DOL) and request a replacement. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at a DOL office. The fastest route is the online replacement portal on the DOL website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $20. Your replacement license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have two options: request an expedited replacement (costs extra and arrives in 3 to 5 business days), or carry a printed temporary driving permit that you can generate when ready after submitting your replacement request online. The temporary permit is valid for 30 days and is recognized by law enforcement.

Do not wait to report the loss. A lost license can be used for identity theft or fraud, and the sooner you report it, the sooner the old license becomes invalid in the system.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your lost license to Washington DOL online, by mail, or in person; the online method is fastest and costs $20 for a standard replacement.
  • You can print a temporary driving permit when ready after submitting your replacement request online, valid for 30 days while you wait for your new license.
  • Standard replacement takes 7 to 10 business days; expedited replacement costs more and arrives in 3 to 5 business days.
  • If your license was stolen, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus to protect against identity theft.

Replacing your license online through the DOL website

The Washington Department of Licensing online portal is the quickest way to replace a lost license. Go to dol.wa.gov, select "Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License," and follow the prompts. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the license number if you remember it (the system can look it up if you don't). You will also need a valid payment method—the DOL accepts credit and debit cards only, not cash or checks.

After you submit your request, the system will when ready generate a temporary driving permit as a PDF. Print it and carry it with you; it is valid for 30 days and satisfies the legal requirement to carry proof of licensure while driving. Your permanent replacement license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

If the address on your lost license has changed, update it during the online replacement process. You cannot change your address after submitting the request without starting over or visiting an office in person.

In-person replacement at a DOL office

If you prefer to replace your license in person or cannot use the online system, visit any Washington Department of Licensing office. Bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it (such as a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2), proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $20. You do not need to bring the lost license itself.

Processing times vary by location and time of day. Some offices issue a temporary permit on the spot; others mail it to you. Ask the staff member when you arrive what to expect. If you need to drive when ready and the office cannot issue a temporary permit, ask whether you can print one from the online system once your replacement request is submitted.

DOL offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. Check the DOL website for the office nearest you and its specific hours before you go.

Replacing your license by mail

You can also request a replacement by mail, though this is the slowest method. read the process for Washington Driver License or Instruction Permit (form DL 44) from the DOL website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for $20 to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of identity and proof of your current address.

Mail processing typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DOL receives your envelope, plus time for your envelope to travel. You will not receive a temporary permit by mail, so you cannot legally drive while waiting unless you use the online system to generate one.

This method is useful only if you do not need to drive in the near term or if you have already printed a temporary permit through the online system.

Expedited replacement and temporary permits

If 7 to 10 business days is too long, the DOL offers expedited replacement. Request it when you submit your replacement online or ask for it at an office in person. Expedited replacement costs an additional $10 (total $30) and reduces the delivery time to 3 to 5 business days. The expedited license is mailed to you the same way as a standard replacement; the only difference is the processing speed.

A temporary driving permit is valid for 30 days and can be printed when ready after you submit your replacement request online. It shows your name, date of birth, license number, and expiration date, and it satisfies Washington's requirement to carry proof of licensure. If you lose the printed permit before your replacement arrives, you can print another one from the same online submission.

If you are unable to print a temporary permit and need to drive before your replacement arrives, contact your local DOL office to ask whether they can issue one in person.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, follow the same replacement steps with the DOL. However, you should also take steps to protect your identity. A stolen license contains your name, address, date of birth, and license number—information that can be used to open accounts or commit fraud in your name.

Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. You can place a fraud alert for free by calling any one of the three bureaus; they will notify the other two automatically. The alert lasts one year and can be renewed.

If you suspect your identity has been used fraudulently, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. Keep a copy of the report for your records.

Fees and payment methods

A standard replacement license in Washington costs $20. Expedited replacement costs an additional $10, for a total of $30. These are the only fees; there are no process fees or processing fees on top of the license cost.

The DOL accepts credit and debit cards for online and in-person payments. For mail-in requests, send a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail. If you pay by check and it bounces, the DOL will contact you to request payment; your replacement will not be processed until the fee is paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a printed temporary permit if I lose my license?

Yes. After you submit your replacement request online, the system generates a temporary driving permit as a PDF. Print it and carry it with you; it is valid for 30 days and satisfies Washington's requirement to carry proof of licensure. Law enforcement will accept it as proof that you have a valid license on file.

What if I don't remember my license number?

The online replacement system can look up your license number using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. If you are replacing your license in person or by mail, you do not need to provide the number; the DOL staff will find it in their records.

How long does expedited replacement actually take?

Expedited replacement is processed within 3 to 5 business days from the date the DOL receives your request, then mailed to your address. Add 2 to 3 days for mail delivery. In total, expect your license to arrive within 5 to 8 days from the date you submit your request.

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

Update your address during the online replacement process or tell the staff member at the office when you explore in person. If you are replacing by mail, write your current address on the form. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address you provide, not the old address on your lost license.

Can I replace my license if I don't have a Social Security number?

You will need either a Social Security number or a document that shows it. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact your local DOL office to ask what alternative documents you can provide. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) may be accepted in some cases.