What you need to do to replace a Washington driver's license

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Washington driver's license, you must visit a Department of Licensing (DOL) office in person with proof of identity and proof of residency. Washington does not offer online or mail-in replacement for standard licenses. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license.

If your license was stolen, you should also file a report with local police or the sheriff's office. This creates an official record and protects you if someone tries to use your license number for fraud. Bring the police report number to the DOL office if you have it, though it is not required to process the replacement.

Key Takeaways

  • You must go to a DOL office in person with a valid ID and proof you live in Washington to replace your license.
  • The replacement costs $20 and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail after you visit the office.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that you can use while waiting for your permanent one.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first so you have a record in case the number is misused.
  • You do not need to retake the written or driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked.

Documents you need to bring to the DOL office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Washington. Your identity document must be current and show your photo. A valid passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. If you do not have a photo ID, you can bring two documents that together prove who you are—such as a birth certificate plus a Social Security card.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Washington address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you have recently moved and your ID shows an old address, bring both the old address document and the new one.

Bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. You will need it to complete the process. If you do not know your number, contact the Social Security Administration before your visit.

Where to go and how to schedule your visit

Find your nearest DOL office at dol.wa.gov. The website has a full list of locations, hours, and phone numbers. Some offices are busier than others, so call ahead to ask about wait times. Many offices now offer online appointment scheduling through the same website, which can cut your wait time significantly.

Walk-ins are accepted at all offices, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour or longer during peak times. Appointments are free and typically available within a few days. If you cannot reach an office by phone, you can also send an email through the DOL website contact form, though responses may take a few business days.

Bring all your documents in originals—photocopies are not accepted for proof of identity or residency. Arrive 10 minutes early if you have an appointment.

What happens at the DOL office

When you arrive, you will check in and wait to be called. A DOL employee will review your documents, verify your identity, and take a new photo for your license. You will also confirm or update your address, height, eye color, and other information on file. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

You will then pay the $20 replacement fee by cash, debit card, or credit card. The DOL will print a temporary paper license on the spot with your photo and license number. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works everywhere a regular license does—you can drive, use it as ID, and present it to police if stopped.

Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address you provide at the office. If you move before it arrives, you can update your address with the DOL online or by phone, and they will forward it to your new location.

Timeline and what to expect while you wait

The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid when ready and lasts 30 days. Your permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, though during busy periods it may take up to two weeks. The DOL does not send tracking information, so you will not receive a notification when it ships.

If your permanent license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DOL office where you applied. Have your temporary license number and the date you visited ready. They can check the status and reissue if needed, though this is rare.

Once your permanent license arrives, the temporary one is no longer valid. Destroy it or keep it as a record—you do not need to return it to the DOL.

Special situations: suspended, revoked, or expired licenses

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot straightforward replace it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DOL. This usually means paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or DOL. Contact the DOL directly to find out what you owe and how to clear the suspension before visiting an office.

If your license has expired, you can still replace it at the same time you renew it. Bring your expired license to the office along with your other documents. The DOL will charge you both the $20 replacement fee and the renewal fee, which varies based on how long your new license will be valid.

If your license was damaged but still readable, you can still replace it. Bring the damaged license with you so the DOL can see what happened and process the replacement without delay.

Cost and payment methods

The replacement fee for a standard Washington driver's license is $20. This is a flat rate regardless of whether your license was lost, stolen, or damaged. The DOL accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all offices. Some offices may also accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is wise.

If you are replacing a license that was suspended or revoked, you may owe additional fees to clear the suspension before you can replace it. These fees vary and depend on the reason for the suspension. The DOL office can tell you the total amount due when you call or visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license by mail or online?

No. Washington requires you to visit a DOL office in person to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You must provide proof of identity and residency in front of a DOL employee, and they will take a new photo. There is no mail-in or online option for replacements.

What if I don't have a photo ID?

You can bring two non-photo documents that together prove your identity, such as a birth certificate and Social Security card, or a passport and a utility bill. Call the DOL office ahead of time to confirm which documents they will accept in your situation.

Can I use my temporary paper license to drive out of state?

Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid in all 50 states and works the same as a permanent license for driving and identification purposes. It is valid for 30 days, which is usually long enough for your permanent license to arrive.

What if my permanent license arrives damaged or with wrong information?

Contact the DOL office where you applied and explain the problem. They can reissue your license at no additional charge. Bring the damaged license or provide details about the error, and they will send a corrected one by mail.

Do I need to retake the driving test to replace my license?

No. Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license does not require you to retake any tests. You only need to provide proof of identity and residency. If your license was suspended or revoked, you will need to clear that status first, which may involve additional requirements.