Renewing Your Utah Driver's License: The Basic Steps
You can renew your Utah driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office. Most people renew online through the Utah Department of Public Safety website — it takes about 10 minutes, costs $32, and your new license arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired more than one year, you have no medical conditions that need to be reviewed, and you have not changed your name or address since your last renewal.
If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal process or visit a Driver License Division office in person. The in-person route is fastest if you need your license when ready, but it requires a trip to an office during business hours. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but works if you have time and prefer not to leave home.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Utah Department of Public Safety website is the quickest option for most people and takes about 10 minutes.
- You can only renew online if your license expired less than one year ago, you have no medical restrictions to review, and your name and address have not changed.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office gives you a temporary license the same day and takes 30 to 45 minutes.
- Mail renewal is the slowest option but requires no office visit; send your process and fee to the address on the renewal form.
- Your new license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal, and you can renew up to one year before your current license expires.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route for Most People
Go to the Utah Department of Public Safety Driver License Division website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your information against state records and ask you to confirm your address and any other details that may have changed.
Once you submit your renewal online, you pay the $32 fee by credit or debit card. Utah does not charge extra for online renewal — the fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if your current license has been expired for more than one year, if you have medical conditions that require a doctor's statement, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, or if you have changed your address and need to update it. In any of those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Division Office
Visit any Driver License Division office in Utah with your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and the $32 renewal fee. You do not need an appointment — offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy early in the morning and on weekdays.
Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have changed your address, bring proof of your new address.
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Your permanent license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. The entire in-person process usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.
Mail Renewal: When You Cannot Visit an Office
Request a renewal process by mail from the Utah Department of Public Safety, or read the form from their website. Fill out the process completely, including your current driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Sign and date the form.
Mail the completed process, your current driver's license, and a check or money order for $32 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a copy of your proof of residency if your address has changed since your last renewal. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the office receives your envelope, plus mail delivery time on both ends.
You will not receive a temporary license with mail renewal, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives. Your permanent license will be mailed to the address you listed on the process.
When You Need a Medical Exam or Vision Test
If you are 65 or older, or if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, Utah may require you to submit a medical exam or vision test before your renewal is approved. The Driver License Division will notify you if this is required — you cannot renew online in this situation.
You will need to visit a Driver License Division office in person and bring a completed medical form signed by your doctor. Your doctor will assess whether your condition allows you to drive safely. If your doctor clears you, the office will process your renewal. If there are concerns, the division may issue a restricted license, require you to take a road test, or deny renewal until the condition improves.
Renewing Before Your License Expires
You can renew your Utah driver's license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. Your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.
For example, if your license expires on March 15, 2025, you can renew starting March 15, 2024. If you renew on January 1, 2025, your new license will expire on January 1, 2033. Early renewal does not extend your total driving privilege — it straightforward resets the eight-year clock.
What to Do If Your License Has Expired
If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can still renew it using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. The process is the same as a regular renewal, and there is no penalty or extra fee for renewing a license that is already expired.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license as if you were a first-time driver. This means you will need to pass a written test and a road test, and you will need to provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and residency. Contact a Driver License Division office to begin the new license process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?
No. If you have outstanding traffic violations or unpaid fines, the Driver License Division will not renew your license until those are resolved. Contact the court or the agency that issued the ticket to pay the fine or arrange a payment plan before you attempt to renew.
What if I lost my current license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online if you do not have your current license number. You must renew in person or by mail. For in-person renewal, bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number, proof of residency, and the $32 fee. The office will look up your license number in the system and process your renewal.
How long is my new license valid?
Your renewed Utah driver's license is valid for eight years from the date you renew it. The expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires.
Can I change my address when I renew?
Yes. If you have moved, you can update your address during renewal. For online renewal, you will be asked to confirm or update your address as part of the process. For in-person or mail renewal, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person or by mail and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name.