Utah driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Utah driver's license online through the Utah Driver License Division website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a Driver License office. Online renewal is the fastest route and available to most drivers whose licenses are not expired and who have not had a name change. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal is necessary if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to update your photo, or if you have had a legal name change.
Your renewal timeline depends on which method you choose. Online renewals are processed within one to two business days. Mail renewals typically take two to three weeks from the date the Driver License Division receives your materials. In-person renewals are usually completed the same day, though wait times at offices vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Utah allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired and who have not changed their name since their last license was issued.
- Online renewal costs $32 for a four-year license and $64 for an eight-year license, and you will receive your new license by mail within one to two weeks.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed Form DL-44, and the renewal fee to the Driver License Division office in Salt Lake City.
- In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you have changed your legal name.
- You must renew your license before it expires; driving on an expired license is illegal in Utah, even if you have begun the renewal process.
Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers
To renew online, visit the Utah Driver License Division website and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. You will be asked to confirm your current address, verify your Social Security number, and review your license information. The system will show you whether you are may be able to access for online renewal; if you are not, you will be directed to mail or in-person options.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your legal name, you do not need a new photo, and your address is current in the system. If any of these conditions do not explore, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead. The fee for online renewal is $32 for a four-year license or $64 for an eight-year license, paid by credit or debit card at the time of submission.
After you submit your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within one to two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive your license within three weeks, contact the Driver License Division to verify your mailing address.
Mail renewal: no office visit required
Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo or name change. To renew by mail, complete Form DL-44 (process for a Utah Driver License), which you can read from the Driver License Division website or request by phone. Include your current driver's license, a check or money order for the renewal fee ($32 for four years or $64 for eight years), and the completed form.
Mail your materials to the Driver License Division at 1095 Motor Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84116. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your current license returned to you; otherwise, the division will destroy it. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date your materials are received. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time.
Keep a copy of your completed form and the confirmation number or receipt for your records. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the Driver License Division to check the status of your renewal.
In-person renewal: when you must visit an office
You must renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your legal name, or if you want to change your address or other information on your license. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days).
If you have changed your legal name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Driver License Division will not accept photocopies or notarized copies; the document must be certified by the issuing agency.
Visit any Driver License office in Utah. You can find office locations and hours on the Driver License Division website. Bring your documents, pay the renewal fee ($32 for four years or $64 for eight years), and have your photo taken. Your new license will be issued the same day in most cases, though you may be given a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is mailed to you.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Utah offers two renewal periods: four years and eight years. A four-year license costs $32 to renew. An eight-year license costs $64 to renew. The fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. You choose the renewal period when you renew; you do not have to select the same period you had before.
Your new license will be valid for the period you choose, starting from the date of renewal. If you renew before your current license expires, the new license will begin on the expiration date of your old license, not on the date you renew. This means you do not lose time on your license validity.
What to do if your license has expired
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it using any of the three methods: online, by mail, or in person. The process is the same as a standard renewal, and you do not need to retake the written or driving test. However, you cannot legally drive until your renewal is complete and your new license arrives.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person and you may be required to retake the written test and driving test. Contact the Driver License Division or visit an office to confirm what tests you will need to take. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal, plus any additional materials the office requests.
Common mistakes to avoid during renewal
Do not wait until your license expires to begin renewal. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Start the renewal process at least two weeks before your expiration date if you are renewing by mail, or one week before if you are renewing online or in person.
Do not send cash by mail. The Driver License Division will not process a mail renewal that includes cash, and your materials may be returned or discarded. Use a check or money order only. Do not send your original Social Security card or birth certificate; the division does not need these documents for renewal and will not return them.
If you are renewing online, do not assume you are may be able to access without checking the system first. The online portal will tell you when ready if you cannot renew online and will direct you to the correct method. If you attempt to renew online and are told you are not may be able to access, do not delay—switch to mail or in-person renewal right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Utah driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If you renew early, your new license will not become valid until your current license expires, so you will not lose any time on your license validity. This is useful if you want to update your photo or address before your expiration date.
What if I have moved since my last license was issued?
If you have moved, you must update your address. You can do this online during online renewal if you are otherwise may be able to access. If you are renewing by mail or in person, include your new address on your form or tell the office staff. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) if you are renewing in person.
Do I need to retake the written test or driving test to renew?
No, not for a standard renewal. You only retake tests if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you have had a serious traffic violation or suspension, or if the Driver License Division requests it. For most renewals, you straightforward pay the fee and receive a new license.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license by mail?
Online renewals are processed within one to two business days, and your new license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the date the division receives your materials, plus mailing time. If you do not receive your license within three to four weeks, contact the Driver License Division to check the status.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The division will not accept photocopies or notarized copies. You will have your photo taken and receive your new license the same day in most cases.