Utah driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person
Utah lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Online renewal is the fastest route if your license hasn't expired and you don't need a new photo — you can finish in minutes. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office takes about an hour from arrival to completion.
Your renewal notice arrives in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. It contains your renewal number, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew, but you'll need your driver's license number and Social Security number instead.
Utah licenses are valid for eight years. You must renew before the expiration date on your card, or your license becomes invalid and you cannot legally drive. If your license has already expired, you cannot use online or mail renewal — you must go to a Driver License Division office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes minutes and costs $33, but only works if your current license is still valid and you don't need a new photo.
- Mail renewal costs $33 and takes two to three weeks; use this method if you have time and your license hasn't expired.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office is required if your license has expired, and costs $33 plus a $5 photo fee if you need a new photo.
- You need either your renewal notice number or your driver's license number and Social Security number to renew by any method.
- If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days of approval.
Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current
Go to dmv.utah.gov and select "Renew Driver License" from the main menu. You'll be asked to enter your renewal notice number or your driver's license number and Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and show you the information on file. Review it for accuracy — if anything is wrong, you cannot fix it online and must go to an office in person.
Online renewal works only if your license is still valid (not expired), you don't need a new photo, and your address hasn't changed. If your address has changed, you must renew in person or by mail. The fee is $33, paid by debit or credit card. Once you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days.
If the system tells you that you're not may be able to access for online renewal, it's usually because your license has expired, you need a new photo (which happens every 16 years or when you turn 65), or there's a flag on your record. In those cases, proceed to mail or in-person renewal.
Mail renewal: two to three weeks, no office visit needed
Request a mail renewal form by calling the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 or by visiting any Driver License Division office and asking for form DL-44R. You can also read the form from dmv.utah.gov. Fill it out completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for $33 payable to "Utah State Treasurer."
Mail your completed form and payment to:
Driver License Division P.O. Box 30560 Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0560
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the division receives your form. Your new license arrives by mail after approval. If you need to know the status of your renewal, call 801-538-3800 with your driver's license number. Mail renewal works whether your license is current or expired, and whether or not you need a new photo.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office
Go to any Driver License Division office with your current driver's license or ID and your Social Security number. Bring your renewal notice if you have it. You can find office locations and hours at dmv.utah.gov. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Arrive early or during off-peak hours to avoid long waits.
The agent will review your information, take a new photo (unless you specifically request not to be photographed), and process your renewal on the spot. The fee is $33. If you need a new photo, there is an additional $5 photo fee. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you, which takes 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, if you need a new photo, if your address has changed, or if there are errors in your record that need correction. It's also the fastest way to get a temporary license you can use when ready.
What documents and information you need
For any renewal method, have one of the following ready:
- Your renewal notice number (from the notice mailed to you 60 days before expiration)
- Your driver's license number and Social Security number
For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license or state ID. If your address has changed since your last license was issued, bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you're renewing by mail, include a check or money order for $33 — the division does not accept cash by mail.
If your name has changed since your license was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online or by mail.
Fees and payment methods
The renewal fee is $33 for an eight-year license. If you need a new photo during in-person renewal, add $5. Online and mail renewal accept payment by debit or credit card (online) or check/money order (mail). In-person renewal accepts cash, debit, credit card, and check.
If you renew online or by mail and your renewal is denied for any reason, the division will contact you by mail. You'll then need to renew in person to resolve the issue. There is no refund if your renewal is denied.
What happens after you renew
Your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days of approval. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent card. Do not laminate your new license — Utah licenses are not laminated, and laminating can cause scanning problems.
Your old license becomes invalid once your new license arrives. You do not need to return the old one, but you should destroy it or keep it for your records. If your new license doesn't arrive within 15 business days, call 801-538-3800 to check the status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired. You must go to a Driver License Division office in person with your expired license, Social Security number, and proof of address if it has changed. Bring the same documents you would for a new license process.
What if my address changed since I got my current license?
If you're renewing online, the system will reject you because it detects the address change. Renew by mail or in person instead. For mail renewal, include a letter stating your new address. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days, such as a utility bill or lease.
Do I have to get a new photo when I renew?
You get a new photo automatically during in-person renewal. If you renew online or by mail, your old photo is used unless you specifically request a new one. If you want a new photo but are renewing online or by mail, you'll need to go in person instead.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
If you renew in person, you get a temporary paper license when ready, valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 10 business days. If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives within 10 business days of approval.
What if I don't receive my renewal notice in the mail?
You can still renew without the notice. Use your driver's license number and Social Security number instead of the renewal notice number. If you're concerned the notice was lost, call 801-538-3800 to confirm your address on file is correct.