What you need to do right now
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Utah driver's license, you'll visit a Driver License Division office in person, bring proof of identity and residency, pay a replacement fee, and have a new photo taken. The 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 — usually within 7 to 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you should also report it to local police and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, since a stolen ID can be used for identity theft. This step is separate from the replacement process but worth doing at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- You must go to a Driver License Division office in person; replacements cannot be done by mail or online.
- Bring a current government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or tribal ID) plus proof of Utah residency like a utility bill or lease.
- The replacement fee is $25 for a standard license and $35 for a REAL ID-compliant license, paid at the office.
- You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready and your plastic card by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license was stolen, file a police report and contact the credit bureaus to protect yourself from identity theft.
Documents to bring to the Driver License Division
You need two things: proof of identity and proof of residency. For identity, bring a current government-issued photo ID. This can be a U.S. passport, military ID, tribal ID, or passport card. A Social Security card or birth certificate alone will not work — the ID must have your photo on it.
For residency, bring a document showing your current Utah address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. If you've recently moved and don't have a bill in your name yet, a lease or rental agreement is your best option. A piece of mail from a government agency with your address also counts.
If you don't have a current government photo ID, you can bring two other documents that prove identity — such as a Social Security card, birth certificate, and school ID together. Call your local Driver License Division office before you go to confirm what combination they'll accept, since the rules can vary slightly by location.
Where to go and what to expect
Utah has Driver License Division offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Vernal, and Richfield. You can find the full list and hours on the Utah Driver License Division website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day. If you want to avoid a long wait, call ahead to ask when they're least busy, or check if your office offers online scheduling.
When you arrive, tell the staff member you need a replacement license. They'll check your documents, ask you to sign a form, take a new photo, and collect your fee. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. You'll leave with a temporary paper license that's valid for 30 days — this lets you drive legally while you wait for your plastic card.
Your new plastic license will be mailed to the address on file. If you've moved since your last license, update your address before you leave the office, or your card will go to your old address. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods.
Replacement fees and payment methods
A standard replacement license costs $25. If you want a REAL ID-compliant license — which is required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025 — the fee is $35. REAL ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and require one additional document proving citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.
The Driver License Division accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card at the office. If you're paying by check, make it out to the Utah Driver License Division. There are no online payment options; you must pay in person when you visit.
If your license was stolen
Beyond replacing your license, file a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office. You don't need the report to get a replacement license, but it creates an official record in case someone tries to use your stolen ID fraudulently. Keep a copy of the report for your records.
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 in your name. You can place a free fraud alert by calling any one of the bureaus, and they'll notify the other two automatically. The alert lasts one year and can be renewed.
If you're concerned about identity theft, you can also place a credit freeze, which prevents anyone from opening new accounts without your permission. Freezes are free in Utah and last until you remove them. The credit bureaus' websites have instructions for placing both alerts and freezes online.
What to do if your license is damaged
If your license is still readable but cracked, faded, or otherwise damaged, you can still use it to drive legally. However, if it's so damaged that the photo or information is hard to read, a police officer could ask you to get a replacement. The replacement process is identical whether your license is lost, stolen, or damaged — bring your documents, pay the fee, and get a temporary license on the spot.
If your license is damaged but you want to keep it as a keepsake, ask the staff member at the Driver License Division if they'll let you keep the old one. Some offices will return it to you after they process the replacement; others keep it. It doesn't hurt to ask.
Temporary licenses and what they cover
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive anywhere in the United States. It has the same legal weight as a plastic license — police will accept it as proof of licensure, and you can use it to rent a car or board a domestic flight. Keep it in your wallet or with your vehicle registration until your plastic card arrives.
If your plastic license doesn't arrive within 14 business days, contact the Driver License Division office where you got the replacement. They can check the status of your card and reissue a temporary license if needed. Delays are rare, but weather, mail volume, or address issues can slow delivery.
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 original documents and have a new photo taken. There is no mail-in or online option for replacements.
What if I don't have proof of residency?
You need a document showing your current Utah address dated within the last 60 days. If you've just moved and don't have a utility bill yet, a lease or rental agreement works. If you truly have nothing, call your local Driver License Division office and ask what alternatives they accept — some offices may allow a notarized statement of residency or a letter from a government agency.
How long does it take to get my new license in the mail?
Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days, so you have plenty of time. If you don't receive your card within 14 business days, contact the office where you got the replacement to check the status.
Do I need a REAL ID license?
REAL ID licenses are required for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025. If you fly or visit federal offices, you'll need one. If you don't, a standard license is fine. The REAL ID costs $10 more and requires proof of citizenship like a birth certificate or passport.
What if someone is using my stolen license?
File a police report and place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus when ready. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening accounts. If you see fraudulent accounts opened in your name, contact the creditors and the Federal Trade Commission. Keep copies of all reports and correspondence for your records.