Renew Your Utah License Online, by Mail, or In Person

Utah lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at a computer, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office. Which route you can use depends on your license type, how long it has been expired, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online because it takes 10 minutes and costs less than the other methods.

Your current license must not be expired by more than five years. If it is older than that, you must renew in person. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can use any of the three methods. Online renewal is available 24 hours a day and you get your new license by mail in 5 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Utah driver's licenses are valid for eight years; you can renew up to six months before expiration or up to five years after it expires.
  • Online renewal costs $33 and takes 10 minutes, but you cannot use it if you need a new photo or if your license expired more than five years ago.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and a Social Security number, and takes about 30 minutes.
  • Mail renewal requires the same documents as in-person renewal and takes 2 to 3 weeks, but you do not have to visit an office.
  • If your address has changed, you must update it during renewal; changing your address alone does not require a full license renewal.

Online Renewal: Requirements and Steps

Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if you meet the requirements. You can renew online only if your license expired fewer than five years ago, you do not need a new photo, and you have a valid email address. You also cannot have any medical or vision restrictions that changed since your last renewal.

Go to the Utah Driver License Division website and select "Renew Driver License Online." You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using these details. Pay the $33 renewal fee with a debit or credit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in 5 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not include a new photo. Your new license will use the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person instead.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Division Office

Renewing in person is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you need a new photo, or you have medical or vision changes to report. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to use the online system. The Driver License Division has offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and Moab, plus smaller offices in other cities.

Bring these documents: your current driver's license or ID, proof of Utah residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security card or a document showing your full Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). You will have a new photo taken at the office.

The fee for in-person renewal is $33 for a standard eight-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, valid for 30 days while your new license is printed and mailed. Your permanent license arrives in 5 to 10 business days. Bring your temporary license with you when you drive until the new one arrives.

Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline

Mail renewal uses the same documents as in-person renewal but does not require a visit to an office. You cannot renew by mail if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need a new photo. You also cannot use mail renewal if you have medical or vision changes to report.

Request a mail renewal form from the Driver License Division website or by calling 801-538-3800. Fill out the form completely and include a photocopy of your current driver's license (front and back) and proof of Utah residency. Do not send original documents. Mail the form and copies to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $33 payable to the Utah Driver License Division.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Division receives your form. You will not receive a temporary license. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives by mail. Keep your current license with you while driving. If your renewal is lost in the mail, contact the Division to request a replacement.

Address Changes and License Updates

If you move to a new address in Utah, you must update your address on your driver's license. You can change your address online through the Driver License Division website without renewing your full license. The address change is free and takes effect when ready.

If you move out of Utah, you must get a new license from your new state. Utah will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state. If you are moving and your license is expiring soon, renew in Utah before you move, then transfer to your new state's license after you arrive.

What Happens If Your License Expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Utah, even if you have applied to renew. If you are stopped by police, you can face a citation and fine. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it through the normal process and must take the written and driving tests again, as if you were a new driver.

If your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have already submitted a renewal form by mail or in person, you can drive on a temporary license or the paper receipt you received at the office. Keep that receipt with you. If you renewed online, your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, even if the expiration date has passed, as long as you renewed before it expired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Utah license if I live out of state now?

No. Utah will not renew a license for someone who no longer lives in the state. If you have moved, you must get a license from your new state. If your Utah license is expiring soon and you are moving, renew it before you leave Utah, then transfer to your new state's license after you arrive.

How long does it take to get my new license by mail?

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the Driver License Division receives your form. In-person and online renewals take 5 to 10 business days for the new license to arrive by mail. If you need your license faster, renew in person and use the temporary paper license while you wait.

What if my name changed since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to your in-person renewal appointment. If you are renewing by mail, include a photocopy of the certified document with your form. Online renewal cannot process name changes; you must renew in person or by mail.

Do I have to renew my license in person if I wear glasses or contacts?

No. Vision correction (glasses or contacts) does not require in-person renewal. You can renew online or by mail. In-person renewal is required only if your vision has changed significantly since your last license, or if you have a new medical condition that affects your ability to drive.

What if I lost my current license before I renewed it?

Report the lost license to the Driver License Division by phone at 801-538-3800 or in person at an office. You can still renew your license even without the physical card; the Division has your information on file. You will need to show a valid ID and proof of residency at an office, or provide your license number and other identifying information if renewing by mail or online.