How to Replace a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Washington Driver's License

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

You can replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Washington driver's license in person at a Department of Licensing office or by mail. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but works if you cannot reach an office. You will need to pay a replacement fee (currently $20 for a standard license) and bring proof of identity and residency.

If your license was stolen, you should also report it to the police and request a report number — some offices ask for this when you explore. If your license was damaged but still readable, some offices will accept it in person rather than requiring a full replacement, so call ahead to ask.

Key Takeaways

In-person replacement at any Department of Licensing office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license on the spot.
Mail replacement takes two to three weeks and requires the same documents as in-person, mailed to the address on your process.
You must bring a current document proving your identity (passport, state ID, or birth certificate) and one document proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement).
The replacement fee is $20 for a standard five-year license, and you can pay by cash, check, or card depending on the office location.
If your license was stolen, obtain a police report number before you explore — it speeds up the process and protects you from fraud.

In-person replacement at a Department of Licensing office

Walk into any Department of Licensing office in Washington with your documents and the replacement fee. You will fill out form DL 44 (process for Washington State Driver License or Instruction Permit) and submit it along with proof of identity and proof of residency. The staff will take your photo, process your process, and issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed.

The permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Bring the temporary license with you when you drive during that time — it is a legal document. If you need the permanent license sooner, you can pay an expedited fee (currently $10) to have it mailed faster, though this is not may provide to arrive before the temporary expires.

Department of Licensing offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some locations open Saturday mornings. Find the office nearest you and check their hours on the Washington Department of Licensing website before you go, because some offices close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days.

Mail replacement if you cannot visit an office

Request a replacement license by mail by downloading form DL 44 from the Department of Licensing website, filling it out completely, and mailing it with your documents and check or money order to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your identity document and residency proof — do not mail originals. Include the $20 replacement fee plus $10 if you want expedited processing.

Mail your packet to the Department of Licensing address shown on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your packet. You will not receive a temporary license by mail, so you cannot legally drive until your permanent license arrives. If you need to drive before then, you must visit an office in person to get the temporary paper license.

Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your packet does not arrive or gets lost, the Department of Licensing will contact you — but having your own copy protects you if there is a dispute about what you sent.

Documents you must bring or mail

You need one document proving your identity and one proving your current address. For identity, bring your passport, a state ID card, a birth certificate, a tribal ID, a military ID, or a permanent resident card. For address, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The address document must be dated within the last 60 days.

If you do not have a document with your current address, you can bring a notarized statement from someone who lives with you confirming your address, or a letter from a shelter, social service agency, or other organization on their letterhead confirming where you live. Call your local Department of Licensing office to ask which documents they accept in your situation — rules can vary slightly by location.

What happens if your license was stolen

Report the theft to the police department in the city or county where it was stolen and ask for a report number. Bring that number with you when you explore for replacement, or include it in your mail packet. This protects you because it creates an official record that the license was stolen, which helps if someone tries to use it fraudulently.

You may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) if you are concerned about identity theft. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. This is free and takes about 15 minutes per bureau, though you can do it online in one place and they will notify the others.

Replacement fees and payment methods

The standard replacement fee is $20 for a five-year license. If you want expedited mailing, add $10. Some offices also charge a small fee for the temporary paper license (usually $5), though many do not. Payment methods vary by office — most take cash, check, and card, but call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.

If you are replacing a license because it was damaged in a natural disaster, some counties waive the replacement fee. Contact your local Department of Licensing office to ask whether your situation qualifies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with the temporary paper license?

Yes, the temporary license is valid for 30 days and is a legal document. You must carry it with you when you drive. If your permanent license has not arrived by day 30, contact the Department of Licensing to ask about the status — delays are rare but do happen.

What if I moved and my address changed since I got my current license?

You can update your address at the same time you replace your license. Bring a document proving your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) along with your identity document. There is no extra fee for the address change.

Do I need to take a new photo for replacement?

Yes, in-person replacement includes a new photo. If you replace by mail, the Department of Licensing will use the photo from your current license if it is still readable. If the photo is damaged or very old, call your local office to ask whether they can use it or if you need to come in for a new one.

How long does expedited processing actually take?

Expedited processing is not may provide to arrive by a specific date — it just moves your process up in the queue. Most expedited licenses arrive within one week, but the Department of Licensing does not promise a timeline. If you need a license by a specific date, call the office to ask what they can do.

What if my name changed since I got my current license?

Bring a document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) along with your identity and address documents. The replacement process is the same, and there is no extra fee for the name change.

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.