What you need to do to get a replacement license in Utah

To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver's license in Utah, you visit a Driver License Division office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and take a new photo. The process takes about 30 minutes. You'll leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Utah does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost or stolen licenses. You must appear in person at a Driver License Division office. If your license is damaged but still readable, some offices may issue a replacement without requiring you to retake the written test, though you will still need to appear in person and pay the fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver License Division office in person with proof of identity and proof of Utah residency to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license and $30 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you pay at the time of your visit.
  • You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days and your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or Social Security card, plus a utility bill or lease showing your current Utah address.

Driver License Division offices and hours in Utah

Utah has Driver License Division offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and Moab. The main office is located at 1095 Motor Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours vary by location. The St. George office has reduced hours and the Moab office is open fewer days per week, so check the Utah Driver License Division website or call ahead before traveling.

You do not need an appointment at most offices, but wait times can be long during peak hours—typically mid-morning and early afternoon. Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon often means a shorter wait. If you live far from an office, plan to arrive early or call the office directly to ask about current wait times.

Documents you must bring

Bring one original or certified copy of a document proving your identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, Social Security card, or military ID. If you do not have any of these, you may bring a combination of secondary documents such as a school ID, employee badge, or medical records showing your name and date of birth.

You also must bring proof that you live in Utah. A current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your name and current Utah address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and your utility bill still shows an old address, bring a lease or rental agreement instead.

If your license was stolen, bring a police report or case number if you have one. This is not required, but it helps document the loss. If your license was damaged, bring the damaged card itself if you still have it.

The replacement fee and payment methods

A standard driver's license replacement costs $20. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license instead, the fee is $30. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. You do not have to upgrade to REAL ID when replacing a lost or stolen license, but many people do at the same time to avoid a second trip.

The Driver License Division accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at all offices. If you pay by check, make it payable to the Utah Driver License Division. There are no additional fees for paying by card.

What happens after you pay and what your temporary license covers

After you pay the fee, you will be asked to sit for a new photo. The photo is taken on-site at the office. You cannot use an old photo from a previous license. Once the photo is taken, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and has the same driving privileges as your permanent license.

Your permanent plastic license card will be mailed to the address you provided as your Utah residency address. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during holidays or if mail is delayed. You can drive on the temporary license during this entire period. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.

If your permanent card does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Driver License Division office where you applied. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if necessary.

Replacing a license if you have an out-of-state address on file

If your current driver's license shows an out-of-state address because you recently moved to Utah, you will need to update your address before replacing the license. Bring your proof of Utah residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement) to the office. The staff will update your address in the system and then process your replacement. This adds no extra time to the visit, but make sure your residency document is dated within the last 60 days.

If you are a new Utah resident and do not yet have a Utah driver's license, you will need to take the written test and vision test in addition to the photo. This is a new license, not a replacement, and takes longer than a replacement visit.

What to do if your license was suspended or revoked

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot replace it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Driver License Division or the Utah courts to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps are needed to restore your driving privileges. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or DUI convictions. Once the suspension is lifted, you can then replace your lost or stolen license.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 before going to an office. They can tell you the status of your license over the phone and explain what you need to do to restore it.

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 to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You must bring proof of identity and residency, pay the fee, and have a new photo taken. There is no mail-in or online option for replacements.

How long does the permanent card take to arrive?

Your permanent plastic license card is mailed to your address and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your temporary paper license during this time. If it does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Driver License Division office where you applied.

Do I have to upgrade to REAL ID when replacing my license?

No. You can replace your license with a standard driver's license for $20. However, REAL ID-compliant licenses cost $30 and are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025. Many people upgrade at the time of replacement to avoid a second trip later.

What if I don't have a birth certificate or passport?

You can bring a combination of secondary identity documents such as a school ID, employee badge, medical records, or insurance card showing your name and date of birth. The Driver License Division staff can tell you which combination of documents they will accept before you complete the replacement process.

Can I replace my license if it was suspended?

No. You must resolve the suspension first by paying fines, appearing in court, or completing other required steps. Call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it. Once it is restored, you can then replace it.