How to Replace Your Washington State Driver's License

What you need to do right now

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Washington driver's license, you have two main routes: go to a Department of Licensing (DOL) office in person, or order a replacement online through the Washington State DOL website if your license was lost or damaged (not stolen). The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and costs $20. The online route takes 7 to 10 business days and also costs $20, but you do not have to leave your house.

If your license was stolen, you must report it to police first and get a case number — the DOL will ask for this. If it was lost or damaged, you can skip the police report and go straight to DOL.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days if you order online, or you can pick it up at a DOL office the same day if you go in person. Your old license number stays the same.

Key Takeaways

Washington State allows you to order a replacement license online if it was lost or damaged, but a stolen license requires an in-person visit to a DOL office.
A police report and case number are required only if your license was stolen; lost or damaged licenses do not need a report.
Online replacement costs $20 and takes 7 to 10 business days by mail; in-person replacement also costs $20 and you can leave with your new license the same day.
Your license number does not change when you replace it, so your driving record and insurance information stay linked to the same number.
You will need your Social Security number and date of birth to order online, or your current license number and date of birth at a DOL office.

Ordering a replacement online

The Washington State DOL website lets you order a replacement if your license was lost or damaged. Go to dol.wa.gov, find the "Replace a Lost or Damaged License" option, and follow the steps. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your phone number. The system will verify your identity using information on file.

Once you complete the order, you will pay $20 by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you have moved recently and your address is not current with DOL, update it before you order — otherwise your license will go to the old address.

Online ordering is not available if your license was stolen. You must go to a DOL office in person for a stolen license.

Going to a DOL office in person

If your license was stolen, or if you prefer to pick up your replacement the same day, visit a DOL office. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it (a tax return, W-2, or bank statement works), and bring a second form of ID like a passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. If you do not have these, call the DOL office ahead of time to ask what they will accept.

If your license was stolen, bring the police report number or case number. If you do not have it yet, you can still go to DOL and they will help you understand what you need, but you will have to come back once you have the report number.

The visit takes about 30 minutes. You will fill out a form, pay $20, and your new license will be printed on the spot. You can pick it up when ready or have it mailed to you if you prefer.

Finding a DOL office near you

Washington State has DOL offices in most counties. Use the office locator on dol.wa.gov to find the one closest to you, check their hours, and see if they require an appointment. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to book a time slot online or by phone. Hours vary by location, so check before you go.

If you live far from an office or cannot get there during business hours, the online replacement option (for lost or damaged licenses) may be faster and easier. If your license was stolen and you cannot reach an office, call the DOL at 360-902-3900 to ask about your options.

What happens if your address has changed

If you have moved since your current license was issued, update your address with DOL before you order a replacement online. You can do this on the DOL website at the same time you order your replacement, or update it separately first. If you do not update it, your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license, and you will have to go to a DOL office to correct it.

If you are going in person to a DOL office, bring proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The office will update your address and print your new license with the correct information on the spot.

Replacing a license that is damaged but not lost

If your license is still in your possession but damaged — torn, faded, or the chip is not working — you can order a replacement online or go to a DOL office. Bring your damaged license with you if you go in person; if you order online, you do not need to send it in. The cost is the same: $20.

A damaged license that still works will remain valid until your replacement arrives, so you can still drive. Once your new license comes in the mail, you can throw away the old one.

If you need your license urgently

If you need to drive before your replacement arrives by mail, going to a DOL office in person is your only option — you will have your new license the same day. If you ordered online and your license has not arrived after 10 business days, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to check the status.

If you were in an accident or had a traffic stop and need proof that you reported your license lost or stolen, ask the DOL office or the online system for a receipt or confirmation number. Some insurance companies and police will accept this as proof while you wait for your replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to report a lost license to the police?

No. You only need a police report if your license was stolen. A lost license does not require a report — you can go straight to DOL and order a replacement. If you are not sure whether it was lost or stolen, treat it as lost and order a replacement; you can always file a police report later if you find out it was taken.

Will my new license have a different number?

No. Your license number stays the same when you replace it. Your driving record, insurance, and any other records linked to your license number will not change. The new card will have the same number printed on it.

What if I ordered online but my address changed before the license arrived?

Contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 as soon as possible to update your mailing address. If the license has already been mailed to your old address, they may be able to intercept it or have it forwarded. If it arrives at the old address, you can contact the new resident or the post office to ask them to forward it to you.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

Washington State does not issue temporary paper licenses for replacements. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, your old license (even if lost or stolen) remains valid for driving purposes until your new one is issued. If your old license is damaged and no longer readable, go to a DOL office in person to get your replacement the same day.

What if I lost my license out of state?

If you lost your Washington license while traveling, you can still order a replacement online from anywhere. If you need a license when ready and you are far from Washington, contact the DOL at 360-902-3900 to ask about mailing options or whether you can pick up a replacement at a different DOL office when you return to the state.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.