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

To replace a lost Utah driver's license, you must visit a Driver License Division office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have your photo taken. Utah does not allow you to renew or replace a license by mail or online. The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes at the office, and you will receive your new license on the spot.

You do not need to report the loss to police unless you suspect the license was stolen and used fraudulently. However, if you believe someone may use your lost license to commit identity theft, you can file a report with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection or contact the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit file.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore in person at a Driver License Division office; there is no online or mail option for replacements.
  • Bring a current passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate as proof of identity, plus a utility bill or lease as proof of residency.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license and $25 for a REAL ID-compliant license, payable by cash, check, or card at the office.
  • Your new license is printed and issued the same day you visit, so you can drive home with it when ready.
  • If you suspect fraud, contact the credit bureaus or the Utah Division of Consumer Protection, but a police report is not required for a straightforward lost license.

Documents you must bring to the Driver License Division office

Utah requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. For proof of identity, bring one of these: a current U.S. passport, a passport card, a certified copy of your birth certificate, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a consular report of birth abroad. A photocopy is not acceptable—the document must be an original.

For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Utah address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax notice, a bank or credit card statement, or a government check. A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency.

If your name has changed since your identity document was issued—through marriage, divorce, or legal name change—bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, the name on your new license will not match your identity document, and the office may refuse to issue it.

Where to go and what to expect at the office

Utah has Driver License Division offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Vernal, and Price. You can visit any office; you do not have to go to the one closest to your address. The Salt Lake City office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Most other offices have similar hours, though some close for lunch. Check the Driver License Division website or call ahead to confirm hours before you go, especially if you are traveling to an office outside your county.

When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the clerk you are replacing a lost license. Hand over your identity and residency documents. The clerk will verify your information in the system, confirm your current address, and ask whether you want a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. If you are unsure, ask the clerk which is right for you.

You will then have your photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable with for a photo; the camera is standard and the lighting is neutral. After your photo is taken, you pay the fee and receive your new license when ready. The entire visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Replacement fees and payment methods

A standard Utah driver's license replacement costs $20. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $25. These are one-time fees; there is no additional charge if you need to replace the license again later. Utah Driver License Division offices accept cash, checks, and debit or credit cards. They do not accept payment plans or defer payment to a later date.

If you are replacing a license that was damaged or defective (not lost), the fee is the same. If you are replacing a license because your address changed, that is considered a renewal, not a replacement, and may have different fees; ask the clerk if you are unsure which category your situation falls into.

What to do if you suspect fraud or identity theft

If you believe your lost license was stolen and may be used to open accounts or commit fraud in your name, contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts. You can place a fraud alert by calling one bureau; they are required to notify the other two.

You can also file a report with the Utah Division of Consumer Protection or the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Report tool at IdentityTheft.gov. These reports create a record and may help if fraudulent accounts are opened in your name. A police report is not required for a lost license unless you have evidence that it was used to commit a crime.

Temporary driving while you wait for your replacement

Because you receive your new license the same day you visit the office, there is no waiting period. You can drive home with your new license in hand. If for some reason the office cannot issue your license that day—for example, if there is a problem with your documents—the clerk will tell you what is missing and when you can return. In that case, you should not drive until you have your new license.

If you need to drive before you can visit an office, you have no legal option. Utah does not issue temporary licenses or permits for lost licenses. Your only choice is to visit an office as soon as you can.

Renewing versus replacing: which one do you need?

A replacement is for a license that is lost, stolen, or damaged. A renewal is for a license that is expiring or has expired. The two processes are different, and the fees may differ. If your license is still valid but you lost it, you need a replacement. If your license is expiring within the next 30 days or has already expired, you need a renewal, which may allow you to update your address or photo at the same time.

If you are unsure which one you need, call the Driver License Division or ask the clerk when you arrive at the office. They can tell you in seconds and make sure you are doing the right transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my replacement?

No. Utah does not issue temporary licenses or permits for lost licenses. You receive your new license the same day you visit the office, so there is no waiting period. If you cannot visit an office when ready, you cannot legally drive until you have your new license in hand.

Do I have to report my lost license to the police?

No, not unless you suspect it was stolen and used to commit fraud or a crime. A straightforward lost license does not require a police report. If you are concerned about identity theft, contact the credit bureaus instead.

What if I lost my license out of state?

You must visit a Utah Driver License Division office to replace it. You cannot replace a Utah license in another state. If you are traveling and need to drive, contact the office to ask about your options, though you will likely need to return to Utah or wait until you can visit an office.

Can I replace my license if my name has changed since I got it?

Yes, but you must bring proof of the name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Without it, the office cannot issue a license with your new name.

What is the difference between a standard license and a REAL ID license?

A REAL ID license has a gold star and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not. After May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or a passport to board a domestic flight. The REAL ID costs $5 more but lasts the same amount of time.