What You Need to Do to Replace Your Utah Driver's License
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Utah driver's license, you must visit a Driver License Division office in person with proof of identity and residency. Utah does not allow online or mail-in replacements for lost or stolen licenses. The process takes about 15 minutes at the office, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license is damaged but still in your possession, you can also request a replacement at any office. The fee for a replacement license is $20, and you must bring the same documents as you would for a lost or stolen license.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver License Division office in person with a valid ID and proof of Utah residency to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license.
- The replacement fee is $20, and you will receive a temporary paper license when ready and a permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Utah has 11 Driver License Division offices across the state; you can visit any location, not just the one nearest your address.
- If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and request a police report number to include with your process.
Documents You Must Bring to the Office
Bring one form of primary identification and one form of proof of Utah residency. Primary identification includes a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two secondary forms of ID instead, such as a school ID, work ID, or Social Security card.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Utah address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license renewal notice from the state also counts as proof of residency.
If you are replacing a damaged license, bring the damaged card with you. If the license was stolen, you do not need to bring it, but having a police report number can speed up the process.
Where to Find a Driver License Division Office
Utah operates 11 Driver License Division offices statewide. The main office is located in Salt Lake City at 1095 Motor Avenue, but you can visit any location regardless of where you live or work. Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some locations offering extended hours on certain days.
You can find the full list of office addresses, phone numbers, and hours on the Utah Driver License Division website. Some offices are busier than others; calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you plan your visit. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour during peak times, especially mid-morning and early afternoon.
What Happens at the Office
When you arrive, check in at the front desk and tell the staff member that you need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license. You will be asked to fill out a short form and present your documents. The staff will verify your identity and residency, take a new photo if your old license photo is more than five years old, and process the replacement.
You will pay the $20 fee by cash, check, or debit card (credit cards are not accepted at all offices, so call ahead if you plan to use one). The office will issue you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card. Keep this temporary license with you while driving; it is a legal form of identification.
Your permanent plastic license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address at the office before you leave, or your new card will be sent to your old address.
If Your License Was Stolen
If your license was stolen rather than lost or damaged, you may want to file a police report. While not required to get a replacement, a report creates an official record and can protect you if the stolen license is used fraudulently. Contact your local police department's non-emergency line to file a report, and ask for a report number.
Bring the police report number with you to the Driver License Division office. Some staff members will note it in your file, which can help if someone tries to use your stolen license. You can also contact the Utah Driver License Division directly at 801-538-3800 to report the theft before you visit in person.
Timeline and What to Expect After Your Visit
You will leave the office with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days under normal circumstances. During busy periods or if there are processing delays, it may take up to two weeks.
If your permanent license does not arrive within 14 days, contact the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 to check the status. Have your temporary license number or Social Security number ready when you call. If the card was lost in the mail, the office can issue a replacement at no additional charge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume you can renew your license by mail or online if it is lost or stolen. Utah requires an in-person visit for replacements. Bring documents dated within the last 60 days for proof of residency; older bills or statements will be rejected.
If you bring a secondary form of ID instead of a primary one, you must bring two secondary forms. A single school ID or work ID is not enough. Also, make sure your proof of residency document shows your current address; if you have moved, bring a recent utility bill or lease in your new name and address, not an old one.
Do not discard your temporary paper license before your permanent card arrives. You need it to drive legally during the 7 to 10 day wait. If you lose the temporary license, return to the office and request a replacement; there is no additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement license the same day I visit the office?
You will receive a temporary paper license on the same day that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card is mailed to you and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. There is no way to receive the plastic card on the same day.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
You can bring two secondary forms of ID instead, such as a school ID, work ID, Social Security card, or military dependent ID. Call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 before your visit to confirm that the specific documents you have will be accepted.
Do I have to visit the office in my county?
No. Utah allows you to visit any of the 11 Driver License Division offices statewide, regardless of where you live or work. Choose whichever location is most convenient for you.
What if my address has changed since my last license was issued?
Tell the staff member at the office before you leave. They will update your address in the system, and your new license will be mailed to your current address. If you forget to update it, your card will be sent to your old address, and you will need to contact the office to request a remail.
Is there a fee to replace a stolen license if I have a police report?
No. The replacement fee is $20 regardless of whether the license was lost, stolen, or damaged. A police report does not change the fee, but it does create an official record of the theft.