What to do when ready after losing your Washington license

If you've lost your Washington driver's license, 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 online through the DOL website — you can report the loss and pay the replacement fee without leaving home, and your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you have two options: get a temporary permit printed at a DOL office the same day, or use your Social Security card and birth certificate as proof of identity if you're stopped by police (though this is not ideal and won't work for age-restricted purchases like alcohol). Most people choose the temporary permit route for peace of mind.

The replacement fee in Washington is currently $72 for a standard driver's license. If you lost your license within the last year, you may be able to request a duplicate at a lower cost — check the DOL website or call 360-902-3900 to confirm your situation before you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • Report your lost license and request a replacement online at dol.wa.gov, by mail, or in person at any DOL office.
  • Online replacement takes about 7 to 10 business days and costs $72; in-person replacement at a DOL office is faster but requires an appointment.
  • If you need to drive when ready, visit a DOL office to get a temporary permit printed the same day at no extra cost.
  • Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address when you report the loss, whether online or in person.
  • If your license was stolen rather than lost, consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus to protect against identity theft.

Reporting your lost license online

The DOL website lets you report a lost license and order a replacement without visiting an office. Go to dol.wa.gov, select "Replace a Lost, Stolen or Damaged License," and follow the prompts. You'll need your Washington driver's license number (if you remember it), Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. You can pay the $72 fee by debit card or credit card.

After you submit the form online, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your replacement license will be mailed to the address on file — if that address is no longer current, update it before you submit, or call the DOL to change it after. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days; if you need it faster, you cannot expedite through the online system, but you can request expedited service in person at a DOL office for an additional fee.

Getting a temporary permit on the same day

A temporary permit is a printed document that serves as a valid driver's license for up to 30 days. You can only get one in person at a DOL office, and you must have an appointment. Book your appointment online at dol.wa.gov or by calling 360-902-3900. Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

The temporary permit is free and is printed while you wait. You'll also submit your replacement order at the same visit, so your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary permit is no longer valid.

Replacing your license by mail

You can also mail in a replacement request form to the DOL. read the form from dol.wa.gov or request one by calling 360-902-3900. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $72 payable to "Department of Licensing," and mail it to the address listed on the form.

Mail-in replacement takes longer than online — typically 2 to 3 weeks from the time the DOL receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time both ways. Use this method only if you don't have internet access or a debit or credit card for online payment. Include a note with your current address if it differs from the address on your lost license.

What to bring if you replace your license in person

If you visit a DOL office in person, bring your Social Security card or number, a birth certificate or passport, and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. You'll also need to bring payment — $72 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

Book an appointment online or by phone before you go; walk-ins are not accepted at most offices. In-person replacement is faster than mail or online if you need your license the same day — you'll receive a temporary permit when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen, not just lost

If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward misplacing it, take an extra step: place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place a free alert by calling one bureau and asking them to notify the other two, or by visiting each bureau's website.

You don't need to file a police report to place a fraud alert, though you can if you want a record of the theft. The alert lasts one year and is free to place and remove. If you discover fraudulent accounts opened in your name later, you can extend the alert to seven years.

Replacing your license if you've moved out of state

If you've moved out of Washington and lost your Washington license, you can still replace it by mail or online — you don't have to visit a Washington DOL office. Report the loss online at dol.wa.gov or mail in a replacement form, and your new license will be sent to your current address, wherever that is. However, once you establish residency in your new state, you should transfer to that state's driver's license rather than renewing your Washington license.

If you're unsure whether you still need a Washington license or should switch to your new state's license, call the DOL at 360-902-3900 or contact your new state's licensing agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive without my license while I wait for the replacement?

You can drive with a temporary permit, which you get in person at a DOL office the same day. Without a temporary permit, you should not drive — carrying your Social Security card and birth certificate is not a legal substitute for a driver's license. If you're stopped, you could be cited for driving without a license.

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

The replacement fee is $72. If you lost your license within the last year and are requesting a duplicate rather than a full replacement, the cost may be lower — contact the DOL to confirm. Temporary permits are free.

What if I don't remember my Washington license number?

You don't need your license number to report it lost online or by mail. The DOL can look up your record using your name, Social Security number, and date of birth. If you're replacing in person, bring your Social Security card and birth certificate instead.

Will my new license have the same number as my lost one?

No. Your replacement license will have a new number. If you have accounts, insurance, or other records linked to your old license number, you may need to update them — contact those organizations to ask whether they need the new number.

How long does a temporary permit last?

A temporary permit is valid for 30 days. Your permanent replacement license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary permit is usually just a bridge while you wait. Once your permanent license arrives, discard the temporary permit.