What you need to do right now
To replace a lost driver's license in Utah, you'll go to a Driver License Division office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and take a new photo. The whole process takes about 30 minutes. You'll walk out with a temporary paper license the same day, and your permanent plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
You do not need to retake the written or road test — a replacement is not a retest. You keep your same license number and driving record.
Key Takeaways
- Visit any Driver License Division office in Utah with your ID and proof of where you live; you cannot do this by mail or online.
- Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card to prove your identity.
- The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license; you pay at the office when you explore.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, you can report it to the police first, but it is not required to get a replacement.
Documents to bring to the Driver License Division office
You need two things: proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, a passport card, or a state ID card. A photocopy of your old license is not enough by itself.
For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Utah address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You cannot use a PO box as your address.
If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you can bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. Call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 if you are unsure whether your documents will work.
Where to go and what to expect
The Driver License Division has offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Vernal, and Price. You can find the full list and hours at the Utah Department of Public Safety website. Walk-ins are welcome, but you can also schedule an appointment online to skip the wait.
When you arrive, tell the staff member you need a replacement license. They will check your documents, take a new photo, and process your process. The whole visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You will pay the $20 replacement fee by card or cash at the counter.
Before you leave, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works everywhere a regular license does — you can drive, show it as ID, and use it at banks or stores. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The $20 replacement fee and payment options
Utah charges $20 to replace a lost license. This is a flat fee — there are no additional charges or hidden costs. You pay at the Driver License Division office when you submit your process.
The office accepts cash and debit or credit cards. If you do not have payment with you, you cannot complete the replacement that day. Plan to bring your payment method before you go.
If your license was stolen
If someone stole your license rather than you straightforward losing it, you can report it to the police. This creates a record in case the thief tries to use it. However, reporting it to police is not required to get a replacement — you can go straight to the Driver License Division and explore for a new one.
If you are worried the thief might use your license to commit fraud, you can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This is a separate step from replacing your license and costs nothing.
Your temporary license and permanent card
The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for 30 days. It has the same legal weight as a plastic license — police will accept it as a valid ID, and you can use it to drive. Keep it in your wallet or purse until your permanent card arrives.
Your permanent plastic license will come in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. It goes to the address you listed on your process. If you do not receive it after 10 business days, call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 to check the status.
Once your permanent card arrives, you can throw away the temporary paper license. Your new license will have the same number as your old one — your driving record does not change.
What happens if you need a replacement before your card arrives
If you lose the temporary paper license before your permanent card shows up, go back to any Driver License Division office and ask for another temporary. You will need to pay another $20 fee. This is rare, but the office can print a new one on the spot.
If your permanent card arrives damaged or with an error on it, you can return to the office and request a corrected card. Corrections for errors made by the Division are free. Damage caused by wear and tear is treated as a replacement and costs $20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license by mail or online?
No. Utah requires you to appear in person at a Driver License Division office. You cannot mail in a replacement request or handle it through the website. You must bring your documents and have a new photo taken.
Do I have to retake the written test or road test?
No. A replacement license is not a retest. You keep your same license number and driving record. You only need to bring your ID, pay the fee, and have a new photo taken.
What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?
You can bring a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship instead. If you have none of these, call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 before you go — they can tell you what other documents might work.
How long does it take to get my permanent card in the mail?
Your permanent plastic license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. It goes to the address you listed on your process. If it does not arrive after 10 business days, call 801-538-3800 to check on it.
Can I use my temporary paper license to drive right away?
Yes. Your temporary paper license is valid the moment you receive it and works for 30 days. You can drive, show it as ID, and use it anywhere a regular license is accepted.