washington drivers license replacement - WA

Quick Links

There are 3 options for replacing your driver license or instruction permit:

Note: If your driver license will expire within 3 months, please renew it (www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/renew.html) instead.

Online

https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/dsdddl//

You can’t replace your card online if:

• It expires within 3 months, please renew it instead.
• You’ve replaced it in the last 12 months.
• You’re under 18 years old.
• You need to replace a commercial driver license (CDL).
• You moved out of state.
• You changed your name from what’s printed on your license.
• Your record shows you have any of the following:
  • A dishonored check
  • Unpaid traffic fines
  • Unpaid reissuance fee
  • A suspension
  • A revocation
  • A cancellation

In order to replace online:

• You must be at least 18 years old. If not, you must get a replacement at an office. (See Who can’t get a replacement online for other restrictions.)
• The license or permit must be still valid.
• Pay with a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express debit or credit card (no gift cards).
• Print the receipt, it’s your temporary card. Since it doesn’t include your photo, you can’t use it as identification.

Your replaced card:

• Should arrive in 2 – 4 weeks. If you don’t get it within 45 days, contact us at drivers@dol.wa.gov.
• Will show the last photo we took.
• Will be mailed to the address we have on file. If it needs to be updated, change your address.

By Using License eXpress

secure.dol.wa.gov/

• Join or login to License eXpress.
  Securely renew and manage your vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, boats, driver license and their addresses all in one place!
  • At this time, you can’t replace your instruction permit in License eXpress. See Who can’t get a replacement online for other restrictions.
  • Pay with a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express debit or credit card (no gift cards).
  • To learn more, see What is License eXpress.

In Person

When you visit the driver licensing office (https://fortress.wa.gov/dol/dolprod/dsdoffices/) bring:

• Your proof of identity.
• Your glasses or contacts, if you need them to take the eye exam.
• If you’re under 18, your parent or guardian (so they can sign an affidavit).
• Payment for the fee. You may pay with:
  • Cash
  • Check
  • MasterCard and American Express credit or debit cards, and some Visa debit cards.
    • Credit and debit cards not accepted at Coulee Dam, Davenport, Friday Harbor, Forks, Goldendale, Newport, Republic, or South Bend.
    • A vendor-charged convenience fee is added to payments made with a debit or credit card.

Additional Info

If you’re under 21

If you’re replacing a vertical-format card because you're under 21, your replacement will still be vertical. You must wait until you renew and you’re 21 years old to get a license in the standard horizontal format.

By Mail (while out of state only)

If your driver license is lost or stolen while you’re out of Washington State:

• You can replace it by mail if:
  • Your license is in good standing (not suspended, revoked, surrendered, or cancelled).
  • You won’t be back in Washington within 30 days.
• You can’t replace it by mail if:
  • You have an enhanced driver license (EDL).
  • You have a commercial driver license (CDL).
  • Your license is suspended, revoked, surrendered, or canceled.
  • You don’t have a valid Social Security number on file with us.

Your replacement license:

• Expires on the same date as your lost or stolen license.
• Doesn’t include your photograph or signature.
• Is labeled “valid without photo” and “not valid for identification.”
• Includes your motorcycle endorsement, if applicable.

How to replace your license by mail

1. Send us all of the following:
   • A completed Driver License Replacement/Renewal Request While Out-of-State form. (If you need us to send you this form, call 360.902.3900 or email drivers@dol.wa.gov.)
   • A check or money order for the fees (payable to the Department of Licensing).
2. Mail the completed form and fee to:
   
   Department of Licensing
   301 E Wallace Kneeland Blvd, Ste 224, PMB 296
   Shelton, WA 98584-2987

Military personnel

To learn how to replace your driver license if you’re serving in the military outside of Washington State, see Military personnel.

Cost

http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/fees.html

Contact Info

If you have other questions, please contact call 360-902-3900 or email drivers@dol.wa.gov.

Documents Needed

Please open the following page to see the complete list of documents. Requirements vary based upon your age. 

http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/idproof.html

You must show:

• Proof of identity.
• Provide your Social Security number.
• If you don't have a SSN, you must show proof of Washington residence.