Replace your license or instruction permit

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

  • Join or login to License eXpress.
    Securely renew and manage your vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, boats, driver license and their addresses all in one place!
  • Get a replacement online.
    When you 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.
  • Get a replacement at an office.
    When you visit the driver licensing office 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.

Who can’t get a replacement online

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

About your replacement license or permit

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.

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.

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