Replace Lost or Stolen Washington Drivers License

Replace your license or instruction permit

• If your driver license is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement online or at a driver licensing office.
• If your instruction (learner’s) permit is lost or stolen, you must visit a driver licensing office in person to get a replacement.
• If your driver license license will expire within 3 months, please renew it instead of getting a replacement.

How to replace your driver license online

• You can replace your driver license online if:
  • You had a valid, unexpired driver license.
  • You haven’t replaced or renewed your license or permit online within the past 12 months.
  • We have your Social Security number and current address on file.
  • You are at least 18 years old. If you are under 18 years old, you and your custodial parent or legal guardian must go to a driver licensing office to get a replacement.
• You cannot replace your driver license online if:
  • You moved out of Washington State.
  • You moved to a new Washington residence address but didn’t tell us about the address change at least 1 month before applying for a replacement. If you recently changed your address, you must visit a driver licensing office in person to get a replacement.
  • You changed your name from what is printed on your license.
  • Your record shows you had a dishonored check, unpaid traffic fines, unpaid reissuance fee, a suspension, a revocation, or a cancellation.
  • You need to replace an instruction (learner’s) permit or Commercial Driver License (CDL).

Your replacement license

1. When you complete your online application, you can print a receipt to use as a temporary driver license.
2. After we approve your application, we will mail an exact copy of the lost or stolen license to the residence address we have on file for you. You should get your replacement license within 10 days. If you don’t get your replacement within 45 days, contact us at drivers@dol.wa.gov.

How to replace your driver license or instruction permit at an office

You can get a replacement driver license or instruction permit at any driver licensing office. When you visit the office, bring your proof of identity and cash or check for the fee. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian also must come with you to sign an affidavit.

Your replacement license or permit

1. If you qualify, you will get a temporary license or permit before you leave the licensing office.
2. You should get an exact copy of the lost or stolen license or permit within 10 days. If you don’t get your replacement within 45 days, contact us at drivers@dol.wa.gov.

Find information about specific to Seattle vehicle-related matters such as renewing your tags, transferring or replacing a title, ordering specialized or vanity plates or obtaining a bill of sale. If you’ve misplaced your Seattle, WA registration card, need to submit a change of address, or have questions on vehicle inspection and smog, you’ll find what you need here.

We also cover special vehicles such as motorcycles, boats, RVs and custom-built cars. Need information on registering a salvaged vehicle in Washington? No problem.

Because not all Seattle DOL-related business can be conducted online, we offer Seattle locations and hours info for the branch office nearest to your Seattle neighborhood. Just be sure you schedule an appointment in advance.