Where to Start: Utah Driver License Division
To get a replacement driver's license in Utah, you submit your request to the Utah Driver License Division, which is part of the Department of Public Safety. You can do this in person at a Driver License Office, by mail, or online through the state's website. The fastest route is usually in person, where you can walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent card by mail within one to two weeks.
You will need to bring specific documents and pay a fee. The fee for a replacement license is around $30 to $35, though the exact amount depends on whether you need a standard or REAL ID-compliant license and how long you want it to be valid. If you lost your license, you report it as lost; if it was stolen, you report it as stolen; if it is damaged or worn, you report it as a replacement due to condition.
Key Takeaways
- You can replace your Utah driver's license in person at any Driver License Office, by mail, or online, with in-person being fastest for a temporary license the same day.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and the replacement fee, which is typically $30 to $35 depending on the license type.
- If your license was lost or stolen, you should report it to the Driver License Division; if it is damaged, you can request a replacement due to condition.
- A temporary paper license issued in person is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.
Documents You Need to Bring
The Driver License Division requires you to present a valid form of identification and proof of residency. Valid forms of ID include a passport, military ID, tribal ID, or an existing Utah ID card. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents such as a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, though the rules vary depending on your situation.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your current Utah address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a lease or rental agreement works as long as it is signed and shows your current address.
Bring the replacement fee in cash, check, or card, depending on which location you visit. Some offices accept all three; others accept only cash. Call ahead to confirm what your local office takes.
In-Person Replacement at a Driver License Office
Walk into any Utah Driver License Office with your documents and fee. You will fill out an process form (DL-43), have your photo taken, and pay the fee. The staff will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card will be mailed to the address on your process within one to two weeks.
Driver License Offices are located in most counties. The main office is in Salt Lake City, but you can visit any branch office in your area. Hours vary by location, so check the Driver License Division website or call before you go. Many offices are busier on certain days of the week and times of day, so arriving early or mid-week often means a shorter wait.
Bring all your documents even if you think you might not need them. Staff will tell you on the spot if something is missing, and you can often run out and get it rather than making a second trip.
Replacing Your License by Mail
If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail your request to the Driver License Division. You will need to complete the process form (DL-43), include copies of your ID and proof of residency, and send the fee. Mail your packet to the address listed on the Driver License Division website.
Processing by mail takes longer than in person — typically three to four weeks from the time the Division receives your packet. You will not receive a temporary license, so you will be without a valid driver's license during this time. If you need to drive before your new card arrives, you will need to visit an office in person to get the temporary paper license.
Keep copies of everything you send. Include a return address and consider using certified mail so you have proof the Division received your packet.
Online Replacement Through the Utah Website
Utah allows you to renew or replace a driver's license online if you meet certain conditions. You must have a valid Utah driver's license (not expired by more than five years), a Social Security number on file, and a valid email address. You cannot use the online option if your license was lost or stolen — only if it is damaged, worn, or you need a name change.
Visit the Driver License Division website and follow the prompts to request a replacement online. You will pay the fee by card, and your new license will be mailed to you. The process takes about one to two weeks. You will not receive a temporary license through this method, so plan accordingly if you need to drive when ready.
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements for online replacement, call the Driver License Division or visit an office to ask. Staff can tell you in a few minutes whether the online option will work for your situation.
What to Do If Your License Was Lost or Stolen
Report a lost or stolen license to the Driver License Division as soon as you realize it is gone. You can report it by phone, in person, or through the website. Reporting it does not cost extra — you straightforward pay the standard replacement fee when you request your new license.
If your license was stolen, consider also reporting the theft to local police and placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. A stolen license can be used to open accounts or commit fraud in your name, so monitoring your credit is wise. You do not need a police report to get a replacement license, but having one on file gives you documentation if fraud does occur.
Once you report it lost or stolen, the old license is deactivated in the system. You can then request a replacement through any of the methods above — in person, by mail, or online (if you meet the online requirements).
Fees and Timeline
The replacement fee for a standard Utah driver's license is typically $30 to $35. A REAL ID-compliant license costs more, usually around $40 to $45, because it meets federal identification standards for air travel and federal building access. The fee depends on how long you want the license to be valid — a four-year license costs less than an eight-year license.
In-person replacement gives you a temporary license when ready and a permanent card within one to two weeks. Mail replacement takes three to four weeks. Online replacement takes one to two weeks. If you need to drive before your permanent card arrives, only the in-person method gives you a valid temporary license on the same day.
| Method | Time to Temporary License | Time to Permanent Card | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| In person | Same day | 1–2 weeks | $30–$45 |
| By mail | None | 3–4 weeks | $30–$45 |
| Online | None | 1–2 weeks | $30–$45 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a temporary paper license?
Yes. A temporary paper license issued in person is valid for 30 days and can be used to drive, just like your permanent license. Keep it with you while driving. Once your permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer needed.
What if my address changed since my last license?
Update your address when you request your replacement. Bring proof of your new residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days) and fill out the process with your current address. Your new license will show the updated address.
Do I need a REAL ID license?
A REAL ID license is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you fly or visit federal offices, you will need one. If you do not travel by air or visit federal facilities, a standard license is sufficient. You can choose which type when you request your replacement.
How long is a replacement license valid?
Utah driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years, depending on which you choose. You select the validity period when you explore. A four-year license is cheaper; an eight-year license costs more but does not need to be replaced as often.
What if I moved out of state after getting my Utah license?
If you no longer live in Utah, you should get a driver's license from your new state instead of replacing your Utah license. However, if you still have a Utah address or property, you can replace your Utah license by mail. Contact the Driver License Division to discuss your situation.