How to Replace a Lost Driver's License in Utah

What You Need to Do Right Now

To replace a lost driver's license in Utah, you must visit a Driver License Division office in person with proof of identity and residency. Utah does not allow online or mail-in replacement for lost licenses. You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of Utah residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid form of ID. The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your plastic card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license was stolen rather than lost, you should also file a report with local police and bring that report number to the Driver License Division office. This protects you against identity theft and fraud. The process and fee remain the same whether your license is lost or stolen.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Driver License Division office in person; Utah does not process lost license replacements online or by mail.
Bring proof of identity, proof of Utah residency, and your Social Security number to complete the replacement.
The replacement fee is $20, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready while your plastic card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, file a police report first and bring the report number to the Driver License Division office.
Utah Driver License Division offices are located in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and Moab, plus several smaller cities.

Documents and Proof You Must Bring

Utah requires two forms of proof: one for identity and one for residency. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID. A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.

For residency, bring a current utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice with your name and Utah address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance policy also works if it shows your current Utah address. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease or rental agreement signed by both you and your landlord is the fastest alternative.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number at the office. Bring the actual number or a document that displays it, such as a Social Security card or tax return.

Where to Go and What Hours explore

The Driver License Division operates offices in five main cities: Salt Lake City (downtown), Ogden, Provo, St. George, and Moab. Each office handles lost license replacements during regular business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours vary slightly by location. The Salt Lake City office also opens on Saturday mornings.

You do not need an appointment for a replacement. Walk-in service is available, but wait times can be 30 minutes to over an hour during peak times (late morning and early afternoon). Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon typically means shorter waits. You can find the exact address and hours for each office on the Utah Driver License Division website.

The Fee and What You Receive

The replacement fee for a lost or stolen standard driver's license is $20. This fee is non-refundable. Payment methods accepted at all offices include cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are replacing a license that was damaged rather than lost or stolen, the fee is also $20.

When you pay the fee and complete the replacement form at the office, you will receive a temporary paper license printed on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent plastic card is being produced. Your permanent card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The mailing address on file with the Driver License Division is where the card will be sent, so verify it is correct before you leave the office.

If Your License Was Stolen: Police Report Steps

When a license is stolen rather than lost, filing a police report adds a layer of protection against identity theft. Contact your local police department's non-emergency line and report the theft. Provide them with your license number if you know it, your date of birth, and the approximate date and location where you believe the license was taken. The police will issue you a report number.

Bring this police report number (or a copy of the report itself) to the Driver License Division office when you explore for your replacement. The Division uses this information to flag your old license in their system and reduce the risk that someone else will try to use it. The replacement process and fee do not change, but the report creates an official record that protects you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is bringing only one form of proof instead of two. Utah requires both identity and residency documentation. A driver's license that expired does not count as current proof of identity for replacement purposes. If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, a military ID or tribal ID will work, but you must bring one of these four documents.

Another frequent error is bringing residency proof that is too old. Utility bills, lease agreements, and mortgage statements must be dated within the last 60 days. A bill from six months ago will not be accepted. If you have just moved to Utah and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, bring your lease or rental agreement signed by both you and your landlord instead.

Do not assume you can renew or replace your license by mail or online. Utah requires in-person replacement for lost licenses. Attempting to handle this by phone or through the mail will delay your replacement and waste time.

What Happens After You Leave the Office

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Use this to drive legally while you wait for your permanent card. Do not laminate the temporary license or write on it. Keep it in a safe place, as you will need to present it if you are stopped by police during those 30 days.

Your permanent plastic card will arrive by standard mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Driver License Division office where you applied. They can check the status of your card and reissue it if necessary. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid, though you do not need to return it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my lost license at any Driver License Division office, or do I have to go to the one in my county?

You can visit any Driver License Division office in Utah. The office does not need to be in your county or city. If you live near the Provo office but work near the Salt Lake City office, you can go to either one. All offices process replacements the same way and charge the same fee.

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

A military ID or tribal ID will work as proof of identity instead. If you do not have any of these four documents, you will need to obtain one before you can replace your license. A Social Security card, school ID, or work badge does not count as acceptable identity proof for this purpose.

How long can I drive on the temporary paper license?

The temporary license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. After 30 days, you must have your permanent plastic card in hand to drive legally. If your card has not arrived within two weeks, contact the Driver License Division office to check on it.

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

Reporting to police is not required, but it is recommended if your license was stolen rather than lost. A police report creates an official record and helps protect you against identity theft. If you only lost it and do not suspect theft, you do not need a police report to replace it.

Can someone else pick up my replacement license for me?

No. You must appear in person at the Driver License Division office to explore for your replacement. Someone else cannot explore on your behalf. However, once your permanent card arrives by mail, it will be addressed to you and can be received by anyone at your home address.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.