What to do when ready after losing your Washington 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 in person at any DOL office, by mail, or online through the DOL website. The fastest route is online or in person — both take about 10 business days for the new license to arrive by mail. By mail takes longer because you have to send documents first, then wait for processing.
You do not need a police report to replace a lost license, though you should file one if you suspect the license was stolen rather than lost. A stolen license can be used for identity fraud, so reporting it to police creates a record if someone uses it later.
While you wait for your replacement, you can request a temporary paper permit at the same time you report the loss. This temporary permit is valid for 30 days and works as proof of your driving privilege if you are stopped by police. After 30 days, you will need your new plastic license card.
Key Takeaways
- Report your lost license to the Washington Department of Licensing online, by mail, or in person at any DOL office.
- A replacement license costs $72 and takes about 10 business days to arrive by mail after you submit your request.
- You can request a temporary paper permit valid for 30 days while you wait for your replacement card to arrive.
- You do not need a police report to replace a lost license, but filing one protects you if the license is used fraudulently.
- If your license was suspended or revoked, you must resolve that status before the DOL will issue a replacement.
How to report the loss and request a replacement online
The Washington DOL website has an online form for reporting a lost license and ordering a replacement. Go to dol.wa.gov, find the "Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License" section, and select the online option. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the license number if you have it (though the system can look it up by name and date of birth).
The online form takes about 10 minutes. After you submit it, the DOL will mail your replacement license to the address on file. If your address has changed since you last renewed, update it during this process — the new license will go to the current address you provide. The replacement fee is $72, and you pay it online at the time you submit the form.
You will receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this number in case you need to check the status of your order or contact the DOL about your replacement.
Replacing your license in person at a DOL office
If you prefer to handle this in person, visit any Washington Department of Licensing office. Bring a form of identification (passport, state ID, or other government-issued ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
The DOL office will take your photo, process your replacement request, and issue a temporary paper permit on the spot. The plastic license card will be mailed to you within 10 business days. The replacement fee is still $72, paid in person at the time of your visit.
DOL offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times vary. Check the DOL website for the office nearest you and current wait times before you go.
Replacing your license by mail
You can also request a replacement by mail, though this is slower than the other two routes. read the "process for Washington State Driver License or Identicard" form (DL 44) from the DOL website, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your identification and proof of address to the address listed on the form.
Include a check or money order for $72 made payable to the Department of Licensing. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the DOL address on the form — currently the Olympia processing center, though this can change. Processing by mail typically takes 3 to 4 weeks from the time the DOL receives your packet, plus mailing time in both directions.
This method is slower and carries more risk of lost mail, so it is best used only if you cannot visit an office or use the online system.
What to do if your license was suspended or revoked
Before the DOL will issue a replacement license, any suspension or revocation on your record must be cleared. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or driving with a suspended license. If you have a revocation, the reason is usually more serious — such as a DUI conviction or multiple traffic violations.
Contact the DOL or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do to clear it. This might mean paying outstanding fines, completing a traffic safety course, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can request your replacement license using any of the three methods above.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the DOL at 360-902-3900 or check your status online through the DOL website before you request a replacement.
Getting a temporary paper permit while you wait
A temporary paper permit is a single sheet of paper issued by the DOL that proves you have a valid Washington driver's license. It is valid for 30 days and works as proof of your driving privilege if you are stopped by police. You can request a temporary permit at the same time you report your lost license, whether you are explore online, in person, or by mail.
If you explore in person at a DOL office, you will receive the temporary permit when ready. If you explore online or by mail, the temporary permit will be mailed to you along with your replacement license or shortly after your request is processed. The temporary permit is free and does not extend your replacement timeline.
After 30 days, the temporary permit expires and is no longer valid. Your new plastic license should arrive before then, but if it does not, contact the DOL to request an extension or a second temporary permit.
How to protect yourself if your license was stolen
If you believe your license was stolen rather than lost, file a report with your local police department. This creates an official record that the license was stolen, which protects you if someone uses it fraudulently. You do not need the police report to request a replacement from the DOL, but having one on file helps if the stolen license is later used to open accounts or commit fraud in your name.
After filing a police report, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. A credit freeze prevents creditors from accessing your credit report without your permission. Both are free and take about 5 to 10 minutes to set up online.
Monitor your credit report for the next year by checking it free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see accounts or inquiries you did not authorize, contact the credit bureau and the creditor when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license?
Yes, if you have a temporary paper permit. The temporary permit is valid for 30 days and works as proof of your driving privilege. If you did not request a temporary permit when you reported your loss, contact the DOL and request one — it will be mailed to you within a few days.
What if my replacement license arrives with the wrong information on it?
Contact the DOL when ready with your confirmation number and the error. Bring the incorrect license and proof of the correct information (birth certificate, passport, or court order if the name change was legal) to a DOL office, or mail copies to the address on the DOL website. Corrections are usually free and processed within 5 to 10 business days.
Do I have to pay the $72 replacement fee if my license was stolen?
Yes. Washington law does not waive the replacement fee for stolen licenses. The fee applies whether your license was lost or stolen. However, if the theft was part of a larger crime, your local police department may have victim information resources that can help cover costs.
How long does a Washington driver's license last once I get the replacement?
A standard Washington driver's license is valid for 8 years from the date of issue. Your replacement license will have a new expiration date 8 years from the date you receive it. You can check the expiration date on the front of your license card.
What if I lost my license while traveling outside Washington?
You can still request a replacement online or by mail from anywhere. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, request a temporary paper permit at the same time — it will be mailed to you. If you are traveling for an extended period and need proof of identity, a passport or state ID works in place of your driver's license in most situations.