What you need to do to get a replacement license in Utah
To replace a lost driver's license in Utah, you visit 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 valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Utah does not issue replacement licenses by mail or online, and you cannot have someone else pick one up for you. You must appear in person at a Driver License Division office.
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 license.
- The replacement fee is $25 for a standard license and $35 for a REAL ID-compliant license, and you pay at the time of your visit.
- You receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days, and your plastic license arrives 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 previous license.
- Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your current Utah address.
Documents to bring to the Driver License Division office
You need two categories of documents: one proving who you are, and one proving where you live in Utah. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of a passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, previous driver's license, or state ID card. A photocopy of any of these does not work—the document itself must be original or certified.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax notice, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card) showing your name and current Utah address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count as proof of residency in Utah.
If you do not have an original identity document, you can bring a certified copy from the issuing agency. For example, you can order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the state vital records office.
Where to go and how long it takes
The Driver License Division operates offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Price, Vernal, and Blanding. You can find the full list of office addresses and hours on the Utah Driver License Division website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours on certain days.
Walk-in service is available at all offices, but wait times vary. During mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays, waits are typically shorter than during lunch hours or late afternoon. You can also check the Driver License Division website for current wait times at each office before you go.
The replacement process itself takes about 30 minutes once you reach the counter. You will answer questions, have a new photo taken, and pay the fee. You leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
Fees and what you pay for
A standard replacement license costs $25. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license instead, the fee is $35. 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 pay the fee at the time of your visit, and most offices accept cash, debit, and credit cards.
The fee covers the replacement license only. If you also need to renew your license (because it has expired or is about to expire), you pay a separate renewal fee of $30 for a standard license or $40 for REAL ID. If your license is expired, you must renew it at the same time you replace it.
Your temporary license and when your new card arrives
After you complete your replacement appointment, you receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification during that time. Keep it with you while you wait for your plastic card.
Your new plastic driver's license is mailed to the address you provide at the office. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of your visit. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the Driver License Division office where you applied.
If you need to travel or drive before your plastic card arrives, your temporary paper license is sufficient. You do not need to request anything extra—it is issued automatically.
What to do if you cannot find your documents
If you do not have an original identity document, you can order a certified copy. Birth certificates come from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records office. Social Security cards are replaced through the Social Security Administration. Previous driver's licenses can sometimes be reissued as certified copies by the Driver License Division itself if you call ahead.
If you have no identity documents at all, the Driver License Division can work with you, but the process takes longer. Bring whatever documents you do have—a school ID, employee badge, insurance card, or medical records—and explain your situation to the office staff. They may ask you to provide additional information or to return with documents you can obtain.
For proof of residency, if you have no utility bill or lease, a recent piece of government mail (tax return, voter registration, jury summons) with your name and address works. If you have just moved to Utah and have no mail yet, some offices will accept a signed statement from a landlord or property manager on their letterhead, though policies vary by office. Call ahead to ask.
If your license was stolen or you suspect fraud
If your license was stolen rather than straightforward lost, or if you suspect someone may use it fraudulently, tell the Driver License Division staff when you explore for your replacement. They can flag your old license number in the system so it cannot be used. This does not cost extra and takes no additional time.
If you believe your identity has been compromised, you may also want to place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and monitor your credit report. This is separate from replacing your license but protects you against identity theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license online or by mail?
No. Utah requires you to appear in person at a Driver License Division office. You cannot mail in an process or complete the process online. You must bring original documents and have a new photo taken.
What if I don't have a proof of residency document?
Call the Driver License Division office before you go and explain your situation. Some offices will accept a signed letter from a landlord or property manager on their letterhead. Government mail (tax return, voter registration) dated within 60 days also works. Staff can tell you what alternatives they accept.
Do I need to bring my Social Security number?
You do not need to bring a Social Security card, but you should know your number. The Driver License Division will ask for it during your appointment. If you do not know it, you can look it up on a tax return, W-2, or bank statement before you go.
How long is the temporary paper license good for?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date you receive it. Your plastic license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary usually covers you until the card shows up. If your plastic license does not arrive within two weeks, contact the office where you applied.
What if I need my license for a job or travel before my plastic card arrives?
Your temporary paper license is valid for driving and identification during the 30-day period. It is sufficient for employment and travel purposes. You do not need to request anything extra—you receive it automatically when you complete your replacement appointment.