What You Need to Do Right Now

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 pay a replacement fee. Washington does not issue replacements by mail or online. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The entire process takes about 30 minutes at the office.

If your license was stolen, you should report it to local police first — not because DOL requires it, but because you may need the report number for fraud monitoring. Bring that report number to your DOL visit if you have it, though it is not mandatory for the replacement itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You must appear in person at a Washington DOL office with valid proof of identity; no online or mail-in replacement is available.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard driver's license and $35 for an enhanced driver's license, as of 2024.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card within 7 to 10 business days by mail.
  • If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to your DOL visit to document the theft.
  • Bring your Social Security number or an ITIN, proof of Washington residency, and proof of identity — a passport or state ID card works for both.

Documents You Must Bring to the DOL Office

Washington requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. You do not need to bring your old license if it is lost or stolen — the DOL will look up your record by your name and date of birth.

Proof of identity means one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a valid passport card, a valid state ID card issued by Washington or another state, a valid military ID, a Tribal ID card, or a U.S. Permanent Resident Card. A passport or state ID card is the easiest choice because it covers both identity and residency in one document if it shows your current Washington address.

Proof of residency is required if your identity document does not show a current Washington address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax statement, or a bank or credit card statement — all dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address. A phone bill does not count. If you live with someone else and do not have a document in your name, a notarized letter from the homeowner or leaseholder stating you live there will work.

Bring your Social Security number or ITIN — you will need to provide this verbally or in writing at the office. You do not need a card; the number itself is enough.

Step-by-Step Process at the DOL Office

Washington DOL offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis at most locations, though some now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the DOL website to see whether your nearest office takes appointments or walk-ins.

When you arrive, take a number or check in at the counter. Tell the staff member you need a replacement license. They will ask for your documents, verify your identity and residency, and confirm your Social Security number. They will also ask whether you want a standard driver's license or an enhanced driver's license (EDL). An EDL costs $15 more but allows you to cross the Canada border by land without a passport.

Next, you will be asked to confirm or update your address, emergency contact, and organ donor status. If any of this information has changed since your last license, update it now — you cannot change it later without another office visit. You will then have your photo taken. Wear something you would wear in a professional photo; the camera will capture you from the shoulders up.

Pay the fee — $20 for a standard license or $35 for an EDL — by cash, debit card, or credit card. The office will print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for driving, voting, and age verification. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within 14 days, contact DOL to report the delay.

Fees and Payment Methods

The replacement fee for a standard Washington driver's license is $20. If you want an enhanced driver's license (EDL) instead, the fee is $35. These fees are set by state law and do not vary by office or circumstance.

Washington DOL offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but this varies by location — call ahead if you plan to pay by check. No office accepts payment by phone or online for a replacement license.

If you are replacing a license that was damaged in a natural disaster (flood, wildfire, earthquake), you may be exempt from the replacement fee. Contact your local DOL office to ask whether you may have access to and to bring documentation of the disaster.

Where to Find Your Nearest DOL Office

Washington has 34 Department of Licensing offices statewide. The main office is in Olympia, but you can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the one in your county. Use the DOL office locator on the Washington State Department of Licensing website to find hours, address, and phone number for the office nearest you.

Some offices are busier than others. Offices in Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma typically have longer wait times, especially on Fridays and at midday. If you can visit a smaller office in a nearby town, you may wait less. Call the office before you go to ask about current wait times.

Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some variation. A few offices have Saturday hours. Check the specific office's hours before you visit — some close for lunch or have different hours on certain days.

What Happens If Your License Was Stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You do not need the report to get a replacement license, but having one on file protects you if someone tries to use your stolen license for fraud or identity theft.

Bring the police report number to your DOL visit. The staff member will note in the system that your license was stolen, which flags your record. This does not prevent you from getting a replacement, but it documents the theft in case questions arise later.

If you are concerned about identity theft beyond the stolen license, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) by contacting any one of them. This is separate from the DOL process but worth doing if your license contained sensitive information or if you have other reason to suspect fraud.

Timeline and What to Expect After Your Visit

You will leave the DOL office with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license works for all purposes — driving, voting, age verification, and boarding domestic flights. Keep it with you until your permanent card arrives.

Your permanent card will arrive by U.S. mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail delivery times vary slightly depending on where you live and current postal volume. If your card does not arrive within 14 days, contact the DOL by phone or through the website to report the delay. They can reissue the card or investigate whether it was lost in the mail.

Once your permanent card arrives, destroy the temporary paper license. You do not need to return it to DOL, but do not carry it after your permanent license arrives — it is no longer valid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license at the same time I replace it?

No. A replacement and a renewal are two separate transactions. If your license is also expired or expiring soon, you will need to handle the renewal separately, either at a later DOL visit or by mail once your replacement arrives. Ask the DOL staff member at your replacement visit whether you should renew now or wait.

What if I do not have proof of residency in my name?

A notarized letter from your landlord, homeowner, or the person whose name is on the utility bill stating that you live at that address will work. The letter must include the address, your name, and the date. Have it notarized before you go to the DOL office. Some offices will also accept a lease agreement or mortgage statement in someone else's name if you bring a document showing you live there — call ahead to ask.

Do I need to bring my old license if I still have it?

No. If your license is damaged, you can bring it to show the damage, but it is not required. If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot bring it. The DOL will look up your record by your name and date of birth.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the DOL office to get a replacement license. The temporary paper license is issued to you on the spot, and the permanent card is mailed to your address on file. No one else can collect it for you.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

Update your address at the DOL office during your replacement visit. Tell the staff member your new address, and they will update it in the system and print it on your new license. You do not need to bring proof of your new address if you are updating it at the same time as your replacement — the staff member will note the change in the system.