How to replace your Washington driver license

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Washington driver license through the Department of Licensing (DOL) in person, by mail, or online. The fastest route is online at dol.wa.gov if your license is straightforward lost or damaged — you can order a replacement in minutes and it arrives in about two weeks. If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police first, then order the replacement. Mail and in-person options take longer but work if you prefer not to use the online system.

The cost is $20 for a replacement license, whether you go online, by mail, or in person. You'll need your current Washington ID number, Social Security number, and a payment method (credit or debit card for online; check or money order for mail). If you're replacing a damaged license, have it ready — you may need to describe the damage or upload a photo depending on which method you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Online replacement through dol.wa.gov is the fastest option and takes about two weeks from order to delivery.
  • You must report a stolen license to local police before ordering a replacement, and keep the police report number for your records.
  • Replacement costs $20 and requires your Washington ID number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
  • Mail and in-person replacement are available if you cannot or prefer not to order online.
  • A replacement license has the same expiration date as your original license, so you do not get extra time.

Ordering a replacement online

Go to dol.wa.gov and select "Order a Replacement License" from the main menu. You'll enter your Washington driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. The system will confirm your current license information and ask you to choose whether you're replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license.

If you're replacing a stolen license, you'll need the police report number from the report you filed. If the license is damaged, you can upload a photo of it or describe the damage. Pay the $20 fee with a credit or debit card, and the DOL will mail your replacement to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 10 to 14 business days, though it can vary depending on mail volume.

Replacing your license by mail

read the "process for Replacement Driver License or Identicard" form (DL 44) from dol.wa.gov, or pick one up at any DOL office. Fill out the form completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and the reason for replacement. If your license was stolen, include the police report number. If it's damaged, attach a photo or written description of the damage.

Mail the completed form with a check or money order for $20 to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your current license if possible. Mail processing takes 3 to 4 weeks from the date the DOL receives your envelope, so factor in postal delivery time on both ends. Keep a copy of what you send for your records.

Replacing your license in person

Visit any DOL office in Washington with your current license (if you have it), your Social Security number, and $20 in cash, check, or debit card. Bring a photo ID if your license is damaged or missing. The staff will verify your identity, process the replacement, and take a new photo if needed. You can usually walk out with a temporary paper license the same day, valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent replacement to arrive by mail.

In-person replacement is useful if you need to drive before your replacement arrives, since the temporary license is valid for driving. The permanent license still takes 10 to 14 business days to arrive by mail. Find your nearest DOL office and hours at dol.wa.gov before you go, as some locations have limited hours or require an appointment.

What happens to your license expiration date

Your replacement license will have the same expiration date as your original license. You do not receive extra time on your license term when you replace it. If your original license was set to expire in six months, your replacement will also expire in six months from the date you ordered it.

If your license is expiring soon anyway, you may want to renew it at the same time rather than replace it. Renewal costs $65 and extends your license for another five or eight years depending on your age. You can ask the DOL staff about combining replacement and renewal if you're doing it in person, or contact DOL to ask about your options if you're ordering online or by mail.

Reporting a stolen license to police

If your license was stolen, file a report with the local police department in the city or county where the theft occurred. You don't need to wait for the police to finish investigating — you can file the report and get a report number the same day. The report number is what you'll need when you order your replacement from the DOL.

Keep the police report number in a safe place. Some identity theft monitoring services ask for it, and it's useful if someone tries to use your stolen license. You don't need to bring the police report to the DOL, but having the number ready will speed up your replacement order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while I wait for my replacement license to arrive?

If you ordered online or by mail, you cannot drive legally until your replacement arrives. If you went in person to a DOL office, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, which you can use to drive while your permanent license is in the mail.

What if I don't have my current license number?

If you're ordering online, you'll need your license number to start the process. If you don't have it, call the DOL at 360-902-3900 and they can look it up using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. For mail or in-person replacement, you can still proceed without the number — just provide as much information as you have.

Do I need to take a new photo for my replacement license?

No. The DOL uses your existing photo from your current license unless you're replacing it in person at a DOL office, in which case they may take a new photo. Online and mail replacements use your old photo, so your new license will look the same as your original.

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

Update your address with the DOL before you order your replacement. You can change your address online at dol.wa.gov, by mail, or in person at any DOL office. Your replacement will be mailed to your current address on file, so make sure it's correct before you submit your order.

How much does a replacement license cost?

A replacement license costs $20, regardless of whether you order online, by mail, or in person. This is different from a renewal, which costs $65. If your license is expiring soon, you may want to renew instead of replace, since renewal gives you a new term.