What you need to do to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Utah driver's license
You can replace your Utah driver's license in person at a Driver License Division office or by mail. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you walk out with a temporary license the same day. The mail route takes 7 to 10 business days and costs less, but you cannot drive legally until the new license arrives. You will need to bring a Real ID-compliant document (a passport, certified birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of your current address.
Utah does not let you replace a license online, and you cannot use a digital license while waiting for the physical one. If you need to drive before your replacement arrives, you can request a temporary paper license at the office, which is valid for 30 days.
Key Takeaways
- In-person replacement at a Driver License Division office takes about 30 minutes and gives you a temporary license to drive home the same day.
- Mail replacement costs less but takes 7 to 10 business days, and you cannot drive legally until the new card arrives.
- You must bring a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and proof of your current address to either method.
- A temporary paper license issued at the office is valid for 30 days and lets you drive while you wait for the permanent card.
- The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license or $30 for a REAL ID-compliant license, whether you go in person or by mail.
In-person replacement at a Driver License Division office
Walk into any Driver License Division office in Utah with your documents and you can replace your license the same day. Bring a Real ID-compliant document (a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, passport card, or state ID), proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring the old license if it is lost or stolen.
The office will take your photo, process the replacement, and give you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The fee is $20 for a standard license or $30 if you want the REAL ID star, which lets you use your license at federal buildings and airports starting May 2025.
Driver License Division offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Utah Department of Public Safety website. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer during lunch hours or late afternoon.
Mail replacement if you cannot go to an office
You can mail in a replacement request if you do not have time to visit an office. Send a completed DL-43 form (process for Utah Driver License or Identification Card), a copy of a Real ID-compliant document, a copy of proof of your current address, and a check or money order for $20 (or $30 for REAL ID) to the Driver License Division at 1095 Motor Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84116.
Processing takes 7 to 10 business days from the day the office receives your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address you list on the form. You cannot drive legally during this time unless you have a temporary paper license from an office visit. If you need to drive before the card arrives, you must go to an office in person to get the temporary license.
Do not send cash through the mail. Make checks payable to the Utah Department of Public Safety. Include your current phone number and email address on the form so the office can contact you if documents are missing or unclear.
Documents you must bring or send
| Document Type | What Counts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Real ID-compliant proof of identity | U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, passport card, state ID, military ID, or tribal ID | Required for both in-person and mail. Must be an original or certified copy for mail. |
| Proof of current address | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail | Must be dated within 60 days. For mail, send a copy. |
| Social Security number | Your nine-digit SSN | Required in person. Include on the DL-43 form if mailing. |
| Payment | $20 (standard) or $30 (REAL ID) | Check or money order for mail. Cash or card accepted in person. |
The difference between a standard license and REAL ID
A standard Utah driver's license costs $20 and works for driving and most everyday identification. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $30 and has a gold star in the upper right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
If you are replacing your license now, you can choose either type. Many people choose REAL ID during replacement to avoid having to replace it again in a few years. The REAL ID process is the same — you bring the same documents and it takes the same amount of time. The only difference is the fee and the star on the card.
Temporary paper license and driving while you wait
If you go to an office in person, ask for a temporary paper license before you leave. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent card. Write down the temporary license number and keep it with you while driving, because police will ask for it if you are stopped.
If you mail in your replacement request, you cannot get a temporary license by mail. You must visit an office in person to receive one. If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives and did not get a temporary license, you are driving without a valid license, which can result in a citation.
What to do if your documents are lost or expired
If your Real ID-compliant document is also lost or stolen, you will need to replace that first before you can replace your license. For example, if your passport is gone, contact the U.S. State Department to request a replacement. If your birth certificate is lost, contact the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Records. These replacements take longer than a license replacement, so plan ahead.
If your proof of address is old or you have moved, get a new utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days. If you cannot get a document dated that recently, call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 to ask what other documents they will accept.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace my license if I do not have a Real ID-compliant document?
No. Utah requires a Real ID-compliant document to replace a license. If you do not have a passport, birth certificate, or state ID, you must get one first. A certified birth certificate from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.
How much does it cost to replace a license in Utah?
A standard license costs $20. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $30. Both prices are the same whether you go in person or mail in your request. The fee covers the replacement card and the temporary license if you get one in person.
What if I moved and my address on the license is wrong?
When you replace your license, you can update your address at the same time. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) along with your other documents. The new license will show your current address.
Can I drive with a temporary paper license from Utah?
Yes. A temporary paper license issued at a Driver License Division office is valid for 30 days and lets you drive legally. Keep it with you while driving. If you did not get a temporary license and are waiting for your permanent card by mail, you cannot drive legally until it arrives.
What if my permanent license does not arrive after 10 business days?
Call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 to check the status of your replacement. Have your temporary license number or Social Security number ready. If the card was lost in the mail, the office can reissue it or issue another temporary license while they investigate.