How to Renew Your Utah Driver's License

Utah driver's license renewal steps and timelines

Utah lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a Real ID, and how soon you need it. Online renewal is fastest — you can complete it in minutes if you meet the requirements. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at an office takes about 30 minutes, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice tells you which renewal method you're allowed to use. If you don't receive one, you can still renew, but you'll need to know your driver's license number and the expiration date.

Utah licenses expire on your birthday. If you were born in an even-numbered year, your license is valid for eight years. If you were born in an odd-numbered year, it's valid for five years. This staggered system spreads renewals throughout the year so offices aren't overwhelmed.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Utah Driver License Division website takes minutes and works if your license is current and you don't need a Real ID.
Mail renewal requires sending your current license and a completed form to the Driver License Division; it takes two to three weeks and costs less than in-person renewal.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office is required if your license is expired, suspended, or if you need a Real ID for federal travel or building access.
Real ID licenses cost more and require proof of citizenship, Social Security number, and two forms of address verification — plan for in-person renewal if you need one.
Your renewal notice arrives 60 days before expiration and tells you which method you can use; if you miss the important date, you'll need to renew in person.

Online renewal: fastest option for current licenses

You can renew online through the Utah Driver License Division website if your license is still valid (not expired), you have a standard license (not a Real ID), and you haven't had any address changes or name changes since your last renewal. The process takes about five minutes. You'll enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You'll pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card.

Your new license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal — the exact fee varies but is typically $25 to $35 depending on how many years you're renewing for.

If you've moved, changed your name, or want to upgrade to a Real ID, you cannot use online renewal. You'll need to renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal: lower cost, longer wait

Mail renewal works if your license is current and you don't need a Real ID. You'll need your renewal notice (which arrives in the mail 60 days before expiration) and a completed Form DL-44 or DL-43, depending on whether you're renewing or replacing your license. You can read these forms from the Utah Driver License Division website or request them by phone.

Send your current license, the completed form, and the renewal fee to the address listed on your renewal notice. Mail renewal costs less than in-person renewal — typically $20 to $30. Your new license arrives in two to three weeks. During that time, you can drive on your current license.

If your renewal notice doesn't arrive or you've lost it, you can still renew by mail, but you'll need to include a copy of your Social Security card or other proof of your Social Security number. Call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 to confirm the current mailing address and fee before sending anything.

In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office

You must renew in person if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked; if you need a Real ID; if you've changed your name or address; or if you want to change your photo. Utah has Driver License Division offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Vernal, and Price. You can also renew at some county clerk offices, though not all offer full renewal services — call ahead to confirm.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, though wait times are longer during lunch hours and late afternoon. Your new license is issued on the spot, and you can drive when ready. In-person renewal costs more than online or mail renewal — typically $35 to $50 depending on the license type and validity period.

Real ID licenses: federal requirements and extra steps

A Real ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you don't have one and you fly or visit federal offices, you'll need to renew to a Real ID or carry a passport instead.

Real ID renewal requires in-person renewal only. You'll need proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number, and two forms of address verification. The address verification can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement — both documents must show your current address and be dated within 60 days.

Real ID licenses cost more than standard licenses — typically $50 to $60 for the license itself, plus any applicable fees. The process takes about 45 minutes to an hour because the office verifies your citizenship documents. Your new Real ID is issued on the spot.

Expired licenses and late renewal

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it using any method — online, mail, or in person — as long as you meet the requirements for that method. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal.

There is no penalty for renewing late in Utah, but you cannot legally drive on an expired license. If you're stopped by police, you can be cited. Renew as soon as you notice your license has expired.

If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the Driver License Division to find out the status of your license and what you need to do to restore it. Suspensions are often tied to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or medical conditions — the reason determines how you restore your driving privileges.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you've moved since your last renewal, you can update your address during the renewal process. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes — you must renew in person. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).

If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. A certified copy means the document has been stamped or certified by the issuing agency — a photocopy is not enough. You can get a certified copy from the county clerk's office where the document was issued.

Both address and name changes are processed during in-person renewal. Your new license reflects the updated information and is issued on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can renew by mail or online if your license is current and you don't need a Real ID. If you need a Real ID or your license is expired, you'll need to renew in person, which means traveling to Utah or contacting the Driver License Division to discuss your options.

What happens if I renew online but my information doesn't match the DMV records?

The online system will reject your renewal if your Social Security number, date of birth, or license number doesn't match. If this happens, renew by mail or in person instead. Call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 to confirm your information is correct in their system.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

No, unless you renew in person. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver License Division office.

How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?

You cannot legally drive on an expired license. If you renew online or by mail, your current license remains valid until your new one arrives. Once your new license arrives, the old one is no longer valid. If your license has already expired, you cannot drive legally until you renew.

What if I lose my license before my renewal arrives?

Contact the Driver License Division when ready to report it lost. You'll need to renew in person and pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. Bring the same documents you would for a standard in-person renewal.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.