The fastest way to replace your Washington license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Washington driver's license in person at any Department of Licensing (DOL) office, by mail, or online through the DOL website — but the method that works depends on what happened to your license and how quickly you need it back.

If your license was stolen, you must report it to DOL in person or by phone before you can order a replacement, because Washington treats stolen licenses as a potential fraud risk. If it was lost or damaged, you can often skip the report and go straight to replacement. The online option is fastest for lost or damaged licenses and takes about 7 to 10 business days; in-person replacement at a DOL office takes the same time but you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day.

Key Takeaways

  • Stolen licenses require a phone or in-person report to DOL before you can order a replacement; lost or damaged licenses do not.
  • Online replacement through the DOL website is the fastest route for lost or damaged licenses and costs $20 for a standard replacement.
  • In-person replacement at any DOL office gives you a temporary paper license when ready while your permanent card is mailed to you.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card) to replace your license.
  • Your replacement license will have the same number and expiration date as your original, unless you choose to renew at the same time.

Reporting a stolen license to DOL

If your license was stolen, call the Department of Licensing at 360-902-3900 before you order a replacement. Tell them your license number (if you know it), your date of birth, and when you discovered it was missing. DOL will flag your license in their system so that if someone tries to use it fraudulently, there is a record that it was reported stolen.

You do not need a police report to report a stolen license to DOL, though you may want to file one with local police if you believe the theft is part of a larger identity theft. After you report it to DOL, you can proceed with replacement through any of the three methods below.

Replacing your license online

The DOL website lets you order a replacement license without leaving home if your license was lost or damaged. Go to dol.wa.gov, select "Replace a Lost or Damaged License," and follow the prompts. You will need your driver's license number, Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid credit or debit card.

The replacement fee is $20. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. This method does not give you a temporary license, so if you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you will need to use one of the other two methods instead.

Replacing your license in person at a DOL office

Walk into any Department of Licensing office in Washington with your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. Tell the staff member that you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. They will verify your identity, take a new photo, and process your replacement on the spot.

The fee is $20. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for driving while your permanent card is mailed to you. Your permanent license will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not know your Social Security number, bring a document that shows it, such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return.

DOL offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours at dol.wa.gov.

Replacing your license by mail

Mail replacement is the slowest option and requires you to print and complete a form before sending it in. read the process for Replacement License form (DL 44) from dol.wa.gov, fill it out completely, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $20.

Include a copy of your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport — DOL needs proof of your identity and date of birth. Mail replacement typically takes 3 to 4 weeks from the time DOL receives your form, and you will not receive a temporary license. This method is useful only if you do not need to drive in the meantime.

What to do if your license expires soon

If your license is expiring within the next few months, you have the option to renew it at the same time you replace it. This costs an additional $20 (for a total of $40) but saves you a trip to DOL later. When you replace your license online or in person, ask whether you want to renew at the same time.

If you choose to renew, your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date of replacement. If you do not renew now, your replacement license will keep the same expiration date as your original.

What happens to your old license number

Your replacement license will have the same number as your original license. Washington does not issue a new number when you replace a lost, stolen, or damaged card. The only time your license number changes is if you renew your license after it has already expired, or if you move to Washington from another state.

Because your number stays the same, you do not need to update your number with your employer, insurance company, or bank — your old number is still valid and recognized by all state systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license if I replace by mail?

No. Mail replacement does not include a temporary license. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, use the in-person method at a DOL office instead — you will get a temporary paper license when ready.

What if I do not have my Social Security number memorized?

Bring a document that shows it: a Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or bank statement. If you are replacing in person, show it to the DOL staff member. If you are replacing by mail, include a copy with your form.

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

No. You only need to report it to DOL by phone or in person. A police report is optional and is useful only if you suspect identity theft or want a record for insurance purposes.

How long does it take to get my replacement license?

Online and in-person replacement both take 7 to 10 business days for your permanent card to arrive by mail. Mail replacement takes 3 to 4 weeks. In-person replacement gives you a temporary paper license the same day.

Will my replacement license have a new expiration date?

No, unless you choose to renew at the same time. Your replacement license will expire on the same date as your original. Renewal costs an extra $20 and gives you a new expiration date five years out.