How to Renew Your Utah Driver's License

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

You can renew your Utah driver's license through three routes: online at the Utah Driver License Division website, by mail, or in person at a local office. Online renewal is the fastest and most common path — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal is necessary only if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your photo, or if you have a commercial driver's license (CDL).

Your renewal may be able to access depends on how long your current license has been expired. If it expired within the last five years, you can renew by mail or online. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a Driver License office. The state does not charge a penalty for renewing late, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal at dmv.utah.gov takes 10 minutes and costs $32 for a four-year license or $53 for an eight-year license.
You need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks total and requires you to send your current license and a check to the Driver License Division.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, and you must bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity.
Your new license will have a new expiration date four or eight years from the date you renew, depending on which term you choose.

Online Renewal: The Fastest Route

Online renewal through the Utah Driver License Division website is open to anyone whose license expired within the last five years. You do not need an appointment. Go to dmv.utah.gov, select "Renew a Driver License," and follow the prompts. The system will ask for your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, your date of birth, and your driver's license expiration date.

Once you submit your information, you will pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. A four-year renewal costs $32; an eight-year renewal costs $53. After payment, the system will confirm your submission and provide a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file and should arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.

Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required

Mail renewal is available if your license expired within the last five years. Print the renewal form from dmv.utah.gov (form DL-44) or request one by calling the Driver License Division at 801-297-7780. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($32 for four years or $53 for eight years). Write your driver's license number on the check.

Mail your completed form, check, and current license to the Driver License Division at 160 East 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84114. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive your packet. Do not mail your license in an envelope marked "fragile" — the state processes thousands of renewals and standard mail is sufficient. Keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.

In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to update your photo, or if you hold a commercial driver's license. The Driver License Division operates offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and Moab. You do not need an appointment at most locations, though wait times vary by office and time of day. Arrive early in the morning or mid-week to avoid peak hours.

Bring your current license, proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), and proof of residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address). If you are renewing after a five-year lapse, the office may require additional documents. The renewal fee is $32 for four years or $53 for eight years, payable by cash, check, or card. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What Happens If Your License Expired Long Ago

If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as a new driver. This means taking the written test and the road test again, even if you have been driving for decades. The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; the road test is a 20-minute drive with an examiner. You will also need to provide proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license.

To start the reapplication process, visit a Driver License office in person with your documents. The office will schedule your written test, which you can usually take the same day. After you pass the written test, you will receive a learner's permit valid for one year. You must then schedule a road test appointment, which typically takes place within 2 to 4 weeks. Once you pass the road test, your new license is issued.

Updating Your Photo or Personal Information

If you want to update your photo during renewal, you must renew in person at a Driver License office. Online and mail renewal do not allow photo updates. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal the same day. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

To change your name, address, or other personal information, you can do so during any renewal method. For name changes, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For address changes, update your information online at dmv.utah.gov before you renew, or provide the new address when you renew by mail or in person. Address changes take effect when ready if you renew online or in person; by mail, they take effect when your new license arrives.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Renewal

Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Driver License office. You cannot renew a CDL online or by mail. Bring your current CDL, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your medical certificate (MCSA-5875 form). Your medical certificate must be valid on the day you renew; if it has expired, you must obtain a new one from a certified medical examiner before you visit the office.

CDL renewal includes a written test covering commercial driving rules and regulations. You may be required to take a road test as well, depending on your driving record and the class of CDL you hold. The renewal fee is $32 for four years or $53 for eight years. Your new CDL will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive on my expired license while I wait for my new one?

Yes, you can drive on your expired license until your new license arrives, as long as you renewed before the expiration date or within five years after it expired. Once your new license arrives, you must stop using the old one. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot drive legally until you complete the reapplication process and receive your new license.

What if I move to a different state before my license arrives?

Your new Utah license will still be mailed to the address you provided at renewal. If you have already moved, contact the Driver License Division at 801-297-7780 to update your mailing address. They can hold your license for pickup or forward it to your new address. Do not assume the post office will forward it — provide the new address directly to the state.

How do I renew if I lost my current license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver License office in person with proof of identity and proof of residency. The office will issue a replacement license with the same expiration date as your original. If you want to renew at the same time, you can do so and pay both fees together.

Can I renew my license before the expiration date?

Yes, you can renew up to 12 months before your license expires. Your new license will have a new expiration date four or eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired. This means renewing early will extend your license beyond the original expiration date.

What if the online system says I am not may be able to access to renew?

The online system will reject your renewal if your license expired more than five years ago, if you hold a CDL, or if there is a flag on your driving record. In these cases, you must renew in person at a Driver License office. Call 801-297-7780 if you are unsure why the system rejected your renewal, and an agent can explain your options.

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.