Utah driver's license renewal: what you need to do and when
Utah sends you a renewal notice 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it to arrive. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office. The method you choose depends on whether your address has changed, whether you want to update your photo, and how much time you have before expiration. Most people renew online in under 10 minutes; renewal by mail takes 7 to 10 business days; in-person renewal is same-day.
Your Utah license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, or four years if you are 65 or older. You can renew up to one year before expiration, which means you can renew as soon as you receive that 60-day notice. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but you cannot renew online.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal costs $25, takes 10 minutes, and works only if your address has not changed and you do not want a new photo.
- Mail renewal costs $25, takes 7 to 10 business days, and requires you to mail in your current license and a completed form.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office costs $25, is same-day, and is required if your address has changed or your license has expired.
- You must renew in person if you want to update your photo, change your address, or add or remove a Real ID designation.
- Utah does not require a vision test for renewal unless you are over 65 or your medical history has changed.
Online renewal: fastest option if nothing has changed
Online renewal through the Utah Driver License Division website is the quickest path if your address is current and you are satisfied with your photo. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current license number. The system will verify your identity and process your payment by debit or credit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is not available if your license has already expired, if your address has changed since your last renewal, or if you want a new photo. It also does not work if you need to add or remove Real ID status. The fee is $25.
Mail renewal: no office visit required, but slower
To renew by mail, complete form DL-43 (process for a Utah Driver License), which you can read from the Utah Driver License Division website or request by phone. Mail the completed form along with your current license and a check or money order for $25 to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days from the date the division receives your envelope. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If your address has changed, update it on the form before you mail it. Mail renewal works even if your license has expired, but you cannot change your photo by mail — you must renew in person for that.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office
Visit any Driver License Division office with your current license and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). Bring proof of your current address if it has changed since your last renewal — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. The fee is $25, paid by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
In-person renewal is same-day. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. This is the only method that allows you to update your photo or change your address in real time. If you are over 65, the office may require a vision test; ask when you arrive.
Utah has Driver License Division offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Price, Vernal, and Blanding. Hours and wait times vary by location. Check the division's website for current hours and to see if your local office accepts walk-ins or requires an appointment.
What to bring: documents checklist
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Online | License number, Social Security number, date of birth | Debit or credit card |
| Current license, completed form DL-43 | Check or money order | |
| In-person | Current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address (if changed) | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card |
Proof of Social Security number for in-person renewal can be your Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099, or a tax return. Proof of address must be dated within the last 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name.
Real ID and address changes during renewal
If you want to add Real ID status to your license, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of Social Security number, proof of address, and proof of citizenship or lawful presence. Acceptable citizenship documents include a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. Real ID adds $15 to the renewal fee, making the total $40.
If your address has changed, you must update it during renewal. Online renewal will not let you proceed if the system detects an address mismatch. Mail renewal allows you to write a new address on form DL-43. In-person renewal requires proof of your new address — bring a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
What happens if your license expires before you renew
An expired Utah license cannot be renewed online. You must renew by mail or in person. If you renew in person with an expired license, you will still receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic card by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Driving with an expired license is illegal; do not wait until expiration to start the renewal process.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may be required to pass a written test and vision test in addition to renewing. Call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 to confirm what you will need before you visit an office.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not send cash by mail. The division will not process it, and you will lose your money. Use a check or money order instead. Do not assume your address is current in the system — if you have moved since your last renewal, you must update it in person or on your mail form, or the new license will go to your old address.
Do not wait until your license expires to renew. You can renew up to one year early, and doing so avoids the risk of driving with an expired license. If you choose online renewal and your address has changed, the system will reject your process — do not try to force it through. Switch to mail or in-person renewal instead.
Do not forget that if you are over 65, you may need a vision test. Call ahead to confirm whether your local office requires one. If you want a new photo, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Utah license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need to renew in person, you must visit a Driver License Division office in Utah; there is no way around this if your address has changed or your license has expired.
How long does my temporary paper license last?
Your temporary paper license is valid until your plastic card arrives by mail, which takes 7 to 10 business days. Keep the paper license with you while you drive. Once your plastic card arrives, the paper license is no longer valid.
What if I lost my current license before renewal?
You cannot renew online or by mail without your current license. You must visit a Driver License Division office in person. Bring proof of Social Security number and proof of address. The office will issue you a replacement license, which counts as a renewal if your license was not yet expired.
Do I need a new photo if my license is still valid?
No. You can keep your current photo during renewal unless you want to change it. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver License Division office.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name on it.