What You Need to Do Right Now
To replace your Utah driver's license, you will go to a Driver License Division office in person, bring specific documents, pay a fee, and take a new photo. The whole process takes about 30 minutes on the day you visit. You cannot do this by mail or online — Utah requires you to appear in person and pass a vision test.
If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, though that is separate from replacing the license itself. Your replacement license will have a new number and will be mailed to your address within 5 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver License Division office in person with a valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to replace your license.
- The replacement fee is $30 for a standard license and $35 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you pay at the office when you explore.
- Your new license will be mailed to your Utah address within 5 to 10 business days; you cannot pick it up at the office.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report and consider a fraud alert with credit bureaus, but these steps do not replace the license itself.
Documents You Must Bring to the Driver License Division
Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity and one that proves your Utah residency. For identity, the Division accepts a passport, military ID, certified birth certificate, or tribal ID. Do not bring a photocopy unless it is certified.
For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice in your name. The document must show your current Utah address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works if it shows your name and address.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring it written down or memorized — you do not need to bring a card. If you have a current Utah license, bring that too, even if it is damaged or expired.
Where to Go and When to Go
The Driver License Division operates offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Price, Vernal, and Logan. You can find the full list and hours on the Utah Department of Public Safety website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have limited Saturday hours.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but calling ahead to check current wait times is a good idea, especially if you are visiting during lunch or late afternoon. If you live far from an office, plan to visit when you can spend 30 to 45 minutes there, including any wait.
The Fee and What Happens at Your Appointment
A replacement license costs $30 if you want a standard license or $35 if you want a REAL ID-compliant license. REAL ID is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building, but a standard license works for everyday driving. You pay the fee at the office when you submit your process.
When you arrive, you will fill out an process form (the Division provides it), show your documents, pass a vision test, and have your photo taken. The vision test is straightforward — you read a line of letters on a chart from a set distance. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, wear them during the test.
After you finish, the Division will mail your new license to your Utah address. This takes 5 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.
If Your License Was Stolen
Report the theft to your local police department and ask for a report number. You do not need this report to replace your license, but it creates an official record in case someone tries to use your stolen license fraudulently.
Consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place an alert by calling one bureau; they will notify the other two. This step protects your credit but does not replace your license.
Proceed with the replacement process as described above. There is no separate form or extra step for a stolen license — you straightforward bring your documents and pay the fee like anyone else replacing a lost or damaged license.
If Your License Is Expired or About to Expire
If your license is expired or will expire soon, you can renew it instead of replacing it, which is usually faster and cheaper. A renewal by mail costs $25 and takes about two weeks. However, if your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you must replace it in person at a Driver License Division office — renewal by mail is not an option.
If you are replacing a damaged license and it is also expired, you still pay the replacement fee ($30 or $35) and go through the in-person process. The new license will be valid for eight years from the date you replace it.
What to Do While You Wait for Your New License
The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for driving while your plastic license is in the mail. Keep it with you when you drive. It is not a substitute for your license in other situations — you cannot use it to board a flight or enter a federal building, even if you paid for REAL ID.
If you need to drive before your new license arrives and you did not receive a temporary license at the office, contact the Driver License Division to ask about your status. In rare cases, the Division can issue a temporary license by phone or email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license at a different office than the one where I got my original license?
Yes. Any Driver License Division office in Utah can replace your license. You do not have to return to the office where you originally obtained it. Just bring your documents and go to whichever office is most convenient for you.
What if I do not have a current utility bill or lease to prove residency?
The Division accepts many documents for residency: a mortgage statement, property tax notice, bank statement, insurance bill, or even a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your current address. If you have none of these, call the Driver License Division to ask what alternatives they accept in your situation.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card?
No. You only need to provide your Social Security number — you can write it down or tell it to the staff member. You do not need to bring the card itself. Bring your identity and residency documents instead.
How long does a replacement license take if I need it urgently?
The plastic license takes 5 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive when ready. If you need a license for a specific purpose before the plastic card arrives, contact the Driver License Division to discuss your situation.
What if my address has changed since my old license was issued?
Bring a document that proves your new address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). The Division will issue your new license with your current address. You do not need to update your address separately — it happens automatically when you replace your license.