What you need to do to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Utah driver's license

You can replace a Utah driver's license in person at a Driver License Division office or by mail. The in-person route takes about 15 minutes and costs $20. The mail route takes two to three weeks and also costs $20, but you do not have to leave your home. Both methods require proof of identity and Utah residency — the documents are the same whether you are replacing a license because it was lost, stolen, or damaged.

You cannot replace a license online, even though you can renew one online. Replacement is treated differently because the state needs to confirm that you are the person requesting the new card and that the old one is actually gone or unusable.

Key Takeaways

  • In-person replacement at a Driver License Division office takes about 15 minutes and costs $20; mail replacement takes two to three weeks and costs the same.
  • You need one document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card) and one document proving Utah residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days).
  • If your license was stolen, you can report it to the police first, but the police report is not required to get a replacement.
  • The replacement license will have the same number as your old one, so your driving record stays attached to it.
  • If you need the license faster than mail allows, in-person is your only option — there is no expedited mail service.

In-person replacement at a Driver License Division office

Walk into any Driver License Division office in Utah with your identity document, residency document, and $20. You do not need an appointment. Bring the original documents, not copies — the staff member will look at them but will not keep them. If you have your old license, bring that too, though it is not required.

The office will take a new photo, print your new license on the spot, and hand it to you before you leave. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them for the photo. The new license will have the same number, expiration date, and restrictions as your old one.

Driver License Division offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. The Salt Lake City office on State Street tends to be busier than suburban or rural offices. You can find the full list of office locations and hours on the Utah Driver License Division website.

Mail replacement if you cannot go in person

Mail your identity document, residency document, a completed DL-44 form, and a check or money order for $20 to the Driver License Division. Do not send cash. Include a note saying you are requesting a replacement because your license was lost, stolen, or damaged.

The mailing address is Driver License Division, 1095 Motor Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84116. Mail service takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your envelope. You will not get a tracking number or confirmation email, so keep a record of when you mailed it. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 to check the status.

When you mail in, you are sending original documents through the postal service. Some people photograph their documents first as a backup, or use certified mail so they have proof of delivery. The Driver License Division will not return your documents to you, so do not send anything you need to keep.

Documents you need for either method

You need one document proving your identity and one document proving you live in Utah. The identity document must be current or expired no more than five years ago.

Identity documents that work: U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, Social Security card, tribal ID, military ID, or a current ID from another state or country.

Residency documents that work: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail addressed to you. The document must show your current Utah address and be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency — like a tax notice or court document — also works if it is recent enough.

If you do not have a residency document in your name, you can use a document in someone else's name if you live with them and bring a signed statement from that person saying you live there. This is less common and takes longer to process, so call ahead if this is your situation.

If your license was stolen

You do not have to file a police report to get a replacement, but you can if you want a record of the theft. A police report does not speed up the replacement process and is not required by the Driver License Division. If you are worried about identity theft — for example, if your wallet with multiple documents was stolen — a police report can be useful for your own records and for disputing fraudulent charges later.

If someone uses your stolen license to get a ticket or commit a crime, you can show the police your replacement license and the date you reported the theft. Keep the confirmation number or receipt from your replacement process as proof of when you reported it missing.

What happens to your old license number

Your replacement license will have the same number as your old one. This means your driving record, points, restrictions, and insurance history all stay connected to that number. You do not get a new driving record or a fresh start — the state knows it is the same person.

If your old license had restrictions like "corrective lenses required" or "automatic transmission only," those restrictions will appear on your replacement license too. If you want to change a restriction, you have to go through the testing process again, which is separate from replacement.

Cost and timeline comparison

MethodCostTime to receiveWhere to go
In-person at Driver License Division office$20Same day (15 minutes)Any Utah Driver License Division office
Mail to Driver License Division$20Two to three weeks1095 Motor Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84116

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a replacement license if my old one is suspended or revoked?

No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. You have to resolve the underlying issue — pay fines, complete a course, or satisfy whatever condition caused the suspension — before the Driver License Division will issue a new card. Call 801-538-3800 to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension.

What if I lost my license and do not have the documents I need?

You can get a birth certificate from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services or from the state where you were born. You can get a Social Security card from the Social Security Administration office in Salt Lake City or by mail. For residency, ask a family member or landlord for a recent utility bill or lease in their name, or use a bank statement if you have one. These steps take time, so plan ahead if you are missing documents.

Do I have to bring my old license to get a replacement?

No, you do not have to bring it. If you have it, bring it — the staff will take it and destroy it so there is no confusion later. If it is lost or stolen, that is the whole reason you are there, so just bring your identity and residency documents.

Will my replacement license have a different expiration date?

No. Your replacement license will expire on the same date as your old one. If your old license was about to expire, your replacement will too. You cannot extend the expiration date by getting a replacement — if you need more time, you have to renew separately.

Can I get a Real ID compliant replacement license?

Yes. When you replace your license in person, ask the staff member if you want a Real ID compliant license. You will need to bring an additional document proving your Social Security number — your Social Security card itself, a W-2, or a tax return. Real ID licenses cost $25 instead of $20. By mail, note on your form that you want Real ID compliance and include the extra document.