Where to go and what to bring

In Utah, you replace a driver's license at a Driver License Division office, which is run by the state. The main office is in Salt Lake City, but you can also visit a local office in most counties. You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate), and proof of your current Utah address (a utility bill or lease works). If your license was lost or stolen, you do not need a police report — the Division does not require one.

You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Utah Driver License Division website. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to book a time slot online first. Call ahead or check the website for your specific location, because hours and appointment policies vary by office.

The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license. You will pay this fee at the office when you submit your paperwork. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (which you will need for domestic air travel starting in 2025), the fee is $35 instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit a Driver License Division office in person with your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of your Utah address.
  • The replacement fee is $20 for a standard license or $35 for a Real ID-compliant license.
  • Most offices require an appointment, which you can book online through the Utah Driver License Division website.
  • Your replacement license will arrive by mail within 10 to 15 business days after you visit the office.
  • You do not need a police report even if your license was stolen.

How long it takes to get your new license

After you visit the office and submit your paperwork, the Division mails your new license to the address you provide. This usually takes 10 to 15 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive in the mail.

If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited processing at the office. Expedited service costs an additional fee (check the Division website for the current amount) and reduces the wait to about 5 to 7 business days. This is not a same-day service — there is no way to walk out with a physical license the same day you explore.

What to do if your license was stolen

If your license was stolen rather than lost, the process is the same: you go to a Driver License Division office with your documents and pay the replacement fee. You do not need to file a police report first, and the Division does not require proof that the license was stolen. However, if you are concerned about identity theft, you may want to contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) 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 one for free by calling any of the three bureaus; they will notify the others. This is a separate step from replacing your license, but it is worth doing if you think someone might try to use your stolen license to open credit accounts.

Renewing versus replacing: which one you need

If your license is lost or damaged but not expired, you are replacing it, not renewing it. Replacement keeps your current license number and expiration date — you are just getting a new card. Renewal happens when your license is about to expire or has already expired, and it gives you a new expiration date (usually 8 years from the renewal date for adults).

The process and fee are the same for both, so it does not matter much which word you use when you call or visit. But if your license is expired, you will need to renew it at the same time you replace it. Bring the same documents either way.

Using your temporary license while you wait

The temporary paper license you receive at the office is valid for driving and identification purposes while your plastic license is in the mail. You can use it to drive, to board a domestic flight, and to show to police during a traffic stop. Keep it in a safe place — if you lose it too, you will have to go back to the Division office and get another one.

The temporary license is valid only until your new plastic license arrives. Once the new card comes in the mail, the temporary is no longer valid, so you can throw it away. If your new license arrives and you still have not received it after 20 business days, contact the Driver License Division to check on the status.

Real ID versus standard license: what the difference means

A standard Utah driver's license works for driving and most identification needs. A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID license to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building — a standard license will not work for these purposes.

When you replace your license, you can choose which type you want. The Real ID costs $35 instead of $20, and it requires one extra document: proof of your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return). If you are not sure whether you need Real ID, ask the staff at the Division office — they can tell you based on your situation.

What happens if you move out of state

If you move to another state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state. You cannot keep your Utah license once you become a resident elsewhere. Each state has its own replacement and renewal process, so you will need to look up the requirements for your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency.

If you are moving soon and your Utah license is about to expire, you can renew it before you leave. This gives you a valid license to use while you are getting your new state's license. However, you cannot renew a Utah license once you have moved and established residency in another state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace my license online or by mail?

No. Utah requires you to visit a Driver License Division office in person. You cannot replace a lost or damaged license online or by mail. You must bring your documents to an office, submit them in person, and pay the fee at that time.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, or contact the Driver License Division to ask about other options. Call the main office in Salt Lake City to discuss your specific situation before you visit.

Can I get a replacement license the same day?

No. Even with expedited processing, you will wait 5 to 7 business days for the plastic license to arrive by mail. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use when ready, but the permanent card takes time to produce and mail.

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

No. The Driver License Division does not require a police report to replace a stolen license. However, if you are worried about identity theft, you can file a report with local police and place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

What if my address on file is wrong?

Tell the staff at the Division office when you visit. They can update your address at the same time you replace your license. Bring proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) so they can verify it.