Utah driver's license renewal: timeline and basic steps
In Utah, you can renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. Most renewals are done online through the Utah Driver License Division website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $32 for a four-year license or $48 for an eight-year license. If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
If you cannot renew online—because your license is suspended, you need to change your address, or your license has been expired for more than one year—you must visit a Driver License Division office in person. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and requires the same fee plus your current license and proof of residency.
Utah does not require you to take a new written or vision test when you renew, unless your license has been expired for more than five years or you are over 65 and renewing for the first time after that birthday.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is available up to one year before expiration and costs $32 for four years or $48 for eight years, with delivery in 7 to 10 business days.
- You must renew in person if your license is suspended, expired for more than one year, or if you need to change your address or name.
- Utah does not require a vision or written test for standard renewals unless your license has been expired for more than five years.
- Driver License Division offices are located in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and Moab, plus several smaller cities; you can check wait times online before you go.
- If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), you must renew in person and may need to pass a medical exam depending on your certification type.
Online renewal: what you need and how to start
To renew online, go to the Utah Driver License Division website and log in with your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. You will need to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history. If you cannot answer enough questions, the system will direct you to renew in person instead.
During online renewal, you will confirm your address, emergency contact, and organ donor status. You can also update your address at this time if it has changed. You cannot change your name online; if you have married, divorced, or legally changed your name, you must visit an office in person with a certified copy of the court order or marriage certificate.
After you complete the online form and pay the fee by debit or credit card, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need your license sooner, some offices offer expedited in-person renewal for an additional $15 fee, though this is not available through the online system.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office
Utah has Driver License Division offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and Moab, plus smaller offices in Vernal, Price, Richfield, and Blanding. You do not need an appointment; offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The Utah Driver License Division website shows current wait times for each location, updated every 15 minutes.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment in cash, debit, or credit card. If you are renewing for the first time after turning 65, bring your current license and proof of residency; you will take a vision test at the office, and the fee is the same as a standard renewal.
If you are renewing after your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to pass a written test covering Utah traffic laws. The test is 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly. You can study using the Utah Driver Handbook, which is free online.
Renewing a suspended or revoked license
If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it online. You must visit a Driver License Division office in person. Before you renew, you must resolve the reason for the suspension—usually by paying a fine, completing a traffic safety course, or serving a suspension period.
Common reasons for suspension in Utah include unpaid traffic tickets, driving without insurance, accumulating too many points, or a DUI conviction. If you are unsure why your license is suspended, call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 or check your status on their website using your license number and date of birth.
Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person at any office. You will pay the standard renewal fee plus any reinstatement fees, which vary depending on the reason for suspension. A suspension for unpaid tickets or insurance violations typically costs $50 to $100 to reinstate, while a DUI-related suspension can cost $200 or more.
Commercial driver's license (CDL) renewal
If you hold a CDL, you must renew in person at a Driver License Division office. You cannot renew online. CDL renewals cost $48 for four years or $64 for eight years, and you must bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and a valid medical certificate if you hold a hazmat endorsement or drive a vehicle over 26,000 pounds.
The medical certificate must be issued by a certified medical examiner and is valid for 24 months. You can obtain one from your doctor or through the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. If your medical certificate has expired, you must get a new one before you renew your CDL.
You will not take a written or skills test during CDL renewal unless your license has been expired for more than one year or you are adding a new endorsement. If you are renewing after expiration, you will take the written test for your class and any endorsements you hold.
What to do if your license expires while you are out of state
If you are living or working outside Utah when your license expires, you can still renew online as long as your license has not been expired for more than one year. Online renewal does not require you to be in Utah, and your new license will be mailed to any address you provide.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Utah Driver License Division office. If you cannot travel to Utah, you may be able to renew through a reciprocal agreement with another state's DMV, though this depends on where you are living. Contact the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 to ask about your options.
Real ID and REAL ID-compliant licenses in Utah
Utah offers REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, which are required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025. A REAL ID license costs the same as a standard license ($32 for four years or $48 for eight years) and is marked with a gold star in the upper right corner.
To get a REAL ID license, you must renew in person and bring your current license, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of citizenship or legal residency (a birth certificate, passport, or green card). If you renew online, your new license will be a standard license without the REAL ID star.
If you already hold a REAL ID license, you do not need to do anything special when you renew. You can renew online or in person, and your new license will also be REAL ID-compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Utah driver's license if I have unpaid traffic tickets?
No. If you have unpaid tickets, your license will be suspended and you cannot renew it online. You must pay the tickets first, then visit a Driver License Division office to renew in person. The office staff can tell you the amount owed and accept payment.
How long does it take to get a renewed license if I renew in person?
You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, you can pay an extra $15 for expedited processing, though this is only available in person.
What if I move to a different address before my license expires?
You can update your address online through the Driver License Division website without renewing your license. You can also update your address during online renewal. If you prefer to update in person, visit any Driver License Division office with proof of your new residency.
Do I need to take a vision test when I renew my license in Utah?
No, unless you are renewing for the first time after turning 65 or your license has been expired for more than five years. In those cases, you will take a vision test at the office during in-person renewal.
What happens if my license expires while I am waiting for my renewed license to arrive?
If you renewed online, you will receive a confirmation number via email. Print this confirmation or show it on your phone—it is valid as proof of renewal for 30 days after your old license expires. You can also use the temporary paper license you receive if you renew in person.