Utah driver license renewal: online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Utah driver license online through the Driver License Division website if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you prefer not to go online, or in person at a Driver License office. The online route is fastest — you can complete it in minutes and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a Driver License office is necessary only if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if you need to update your photograph or address.

Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Utah sends renewal notices to your mailing address about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Utah Driver License Division website is available if your license is not expired, you have a valid email address, and you have not had certain violations or medical suspensions in the past five years.
  • You will need your current driver license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
  • Mail renewal requires you to complete Form DL-44 or DL-43, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail the packet to the Driver License Division office.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License office requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment; bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.
  • A renewed license is valid for eight years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to one year before your current license expires.

Online renewal: fastest option if you meet the requirements

Online renewal through the Utah Driver License Division website is the quickest path if your license is not yet expired and you meet the may be able to access requirements. You will need your current driver license number, your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a debit or credit card to pay the renewal fee. The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes, and you receive a confirmation email when ready.

You cannot renew online if your license has already expired, if you have had a medical suspension or revocation in the past five years, if you have had certain traffic violations or convictions in the past five years, or if your address has changed and you do not have proof of residency available. You also cannot renew online if you need to update your photograph or if your name has changed since your last license was issued.

After you complete online renewal, the Driver License Division mails your new license to the address on file. The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to update your address before renewing, you must do so in person or by mail.

Mail renewal: no office visit required

Mail renewal is an option if you prefer not to renew online or if you do not meet the online requirements. You will need to complete either Form DL-43 (Renewal process for Driver License) or Form DL-44 (process for Driver License), depending on whether you are renewing an existing license or explore for a new one after expiration. Both forms are available on the Utah Driver License Division website.

Include your current driver license (or a copy of both sides if your license has expired), a check or money order for the renewal fee made payable to the Utah Driver License Division, and any required proof documents if you are updating your address or name. Mail the packet to the Driver License Division at the address listed on the form. Processing by mail typically takes 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives your packet, plus mailing time in both directions.

If your license has expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail and must renew in person at a Driver License office. If you are unsure which form to use or what documents to include, call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 before mailing your packet.

In-person renewal at a Driver License office

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your photograph, if you have had a medical suspension, or if you cannot renew online or by mail. You will need to visit a Driver License office in person. Utah has Driver License offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Vernal, and other locations. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Driver License Division website.

Bring your current driver license, your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (such as a marriage certificate or court order).

Processing at the office is usually completed the same day. Your new license is issued when ready, and you can drive on it right away. If the office needs to verify information or if there are complications, they may mail your license instead, which takes 7 to 10 business days.

Renewal fees and payment methods

The renewal fee for a standard eight-year driver license in Utah is $35. If you are renewing online or in person, you can pay by debit card, credit card, or cash (in-person only). If you are renewing by mail, you must pay by check or money order. Make checks or money orders payable to the Utah Driver License Division.

Some Driver License offices accept additional payment methods. Call ahead to confirm what payment options are available at the office you plan to visit. If you are renewing online, the fee is charged to your card when ready, and you receive a confirmation email with a receipt number.

What to do if your license has expired

If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it by mail or in person using the standard renewal process. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew and must explore for a new license instead. explore for a new license requires an in-person visit to a Driver License office, a written test, a driving test, and new photographs. The process is longer and more involved than renewal.

If you are driving with an expired license, you are breaking the law. Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Renew online or by mail before the expiration date, or visit an office in person if you need to update your photograph or address.

Common mistakes to avoid when renewing

Do not assume you can renew online without checking the Driver License Division website first. Many people attempt online renewal and discover mid-process that they do not meet the requirements. Check the may be able to access requirements before you start.

Do not mail your original documents. If you renew by mail, send copies of your license and any proof documents, not the originals. The Driver License Division does not return mailed documents.

Do not forget to update your address before renewing if you have moved. If you renew online without updating your address first, your new license will be mailed to your old address. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address so the office can update your file.

Do not wait until your license expires to renew. Renewing early (up to one year before expiration) avoids the rush and ensures you have a valid license. If you renew after expiration, you may face additional requirements or delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you live out of state but your license is still valid and you meet the online renewal requirements, you can renew online. If you cannot renew online, you can renew by mail. You will need to mail your process and payment to the Utah Driver License Division office. If your license has expired or you need to update your photograph, you must visit a Driver License office in person or contact the division to discuss your options.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license?

Online renewal typically takes 7 to 10 business days after you complete the process. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks after the office receives your packet, plus mailing time. In-person renewal is usually completed the same day, though the office may mail your license if verification is needed, which takes 7 to 10 business days.

What if my name has changed since my last license was issued?

You cannot renew online if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a Driver License office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Yes, you can renew your license even if you have an outstanding ticket or fine. However, if you have unpaid fines or a suspended license due to non-payment, the Driver License Division may not process your renewal until the fine is paid or the suspension is lifted. Contact the Driver License Division or the court that issued the ticket to find out your status before renewing.

What if I lost my current driver license?

If you lost your license, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a replacement license in person at a Driver License office. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of residency, and payment for the replacement fee. The office will issue a new license with the same number and expiration date as your lost license.