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

You can renew your Utah driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office. Online renewal is the fastest route if you meet the requirements — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal at an office takes about 30 minutes but you leave with a temporary license the same day.

Your renewal method depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a new photo, and whether your address or name has changed. If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to an office in person. If you have a Real ID compliant license and your address and name are unchanged, online renewal is open to you.

The renewal fee is $35 for a 5-year license or $65 for an 8-year license, paid at the time of renewal. If you renew online or by mail, you pay by credit card, debit card, or e-check. If you renew in person, you can also pay by cash or check.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal takes 10 minutes and costs $35 or $65 depending on the license length you choose, but only works if your license is current, your name and address have not changed, and you already have a Real ID compliant license.
  • Mail renewal requires the renewal notice sent by the state, a completed process form, and payment by credit card or e-check, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and you receive a temporary license on the spot.
  • If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must appear in person with the same documents required for a new license.
  • Utah does not require a vision test for renewal unless your license has a vision restriction or you are over 65 and renewing for the first time in 8 years.

Online renewal: fastest option if your information is unchanged

To renew online, go to the Utah Driver License Division website and log into your account with your driver license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about your current address, name, and whether your information has changed. You will review your photo and confirm it is still accurate. Then you select your license length (5 or 8 years), pay the fee by credit card or debit card, and submit.

Online renewal is available only if all of the following are true: your current license is not expired, your name and address have not changed since your last renewal, you do not have any medical or vision restrictions that need updating, and your license is Real ID compliant (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner). If any of these conditions do not explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person.

After you submit online, the state mails your new license to the address on file. It arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your current license has expired, you can print a temporary license from your online account.

Mail renewal: requires your renewal notice and a completed form

To renew by mail, you need the renewal notice the state sent you in the mail, a completed DL-43 form (process for Renewal of Driver License), and payment. You can read the DL-43 form from the Utah Driver License Division website or request one by phone at 801-538-3800. Fill out the form completely, sign and date it, and mail it with your renewal notice and payment to the address printed on the notice.

Payment must be by credit card, debit card, or e-check. Write your driver license number on the back of your check or money order if you pay that way. Mail your packet to the address on your renewal notice — do not send it to the main office address. The state processes mail renewals in the order they are received.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the state receives your packet. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If your current license expires before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary license by phone or in person. Keep your renewal notice and any correspondence from the state in case there is a delay.

In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office

To renew in person, visit any Driver License Division office with a valid ID, proof of your current address, and proof of your Social Security number. Valid IDs include your current driver license, passport, military ID, or tribal ID. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government document dated within 60 days. Proof of Social Security number can be a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form.

Bring your renewal notice if you have one — it speeds up the process. You will have your photo taken at the office unless you renewed online within the past 4 years and are not required to provide a new photo. You will answer questions about your address, name, medical conditions, and driving record. You will pay the renewal fee in cash, check, credit card, or debit card.

After you pay, the office issues you a temporary license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license until your new license arrives. If you need to renew before your current license expires, you can do so up to 6 months early.

What to do if your license expired more than 5 years ago

If your license has been expired for more than 5 years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must explore for a new license in person at a Driver License Division office. Bring a valid passport, military ID, or tribal ID; proof of your current address; and proof of your Social Security number. You will have a new photo taken and answer all questions on the process as if you were getting a license for the first time.

The fee for a new license is the same as renewal: $35 for 5 years or $65 for 8 years. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you have any traffic violations or unpaid fines, they may delay your process — contact the Driver License Division before you go to the office to check your record.

Name or address changes during renewal

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must renew in person or by mail with supporting documents. For a name change due to marriage, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate. For a name change due to divorce, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree. For a legal name change, bring a certified copy of the court order. Mail the document with your renewal form and payment, or bring it to an office in person.

If your address has changed, you can update it during any renewal method. Online renewal allows you to enter your new address directly. Mail renewal requires you to write your new address on the DL-43 form. In-person renewal requires you to provide proof of your new address. The state will mail your new license to your new address once the renewal is processed.

Vision tests and medical restrictions during renewal

Utah does not require a vision test for most driver license renewals. However, if your current license has a vision restriction (such as corrective lenses required), you must have a vision test before renewal. If you are over 65 and renewing for the first time in 8 years, you must have a vision test. You can have the test done at any eye care provider and bring the results to a Driver License Division office, or you can have the test done at the office itself.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive, such as seizures, diabetes, or heart disease, you must report it during renewal. The state may require a medical report from your doctor. If you take medications that impair driving, report that as well. Failure to report a medical condition can result in license suspension or revocation.

Driver License Division office locations and hours

Utah has Driver License Division offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and Moab. The main office is located at 1095 Motor Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84116. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some offices offering extended hours on certain days. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many require an appointment. Check the Utah Driver License Division website or call 801-538-3800 to find the office nearest you, confirm hours, and book an appointment if required.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. If you can visit early in the morning or mid-week, you may experience shorter waits. If you are renewing in person and do not have an appointment, arrive early — some offices close to new customers 30 minutes before closing time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is already expired?

Yes, you can renew an expired license by mail or in person if it expired less than 5 years ago. If it expired more than 5 years ago, you must explore for a new license in person. You can drive on an expired license only if you have submitted a renewal process and are waiting for your new license to arrive.

How long does my temporary license last?

A temporary license issued in person is valid for 30 days. If your permanent license does not arrive within that time, contact the Driver License Division to request an extension or a replacement temporary license. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days in most cases.

What if I move out of state before my renewed license arrives?

Contact the Driver License Division when ready and provide your new address. The state can remail your license to your new address, but this may add 1 to 2 weeks to delivery time. If you need to drive before it arrives, you may be able to get a temporary license from your new state's DMV.

Do I need to take a written test or driving test to renew?

No, Utah does not require a written test or driving test for renewal. You only need to answer questions about your address, name, and medical conditions, and have your photo taken if required. A vision test is required only if you have a vision restriction or are over 65 and renewing for the first time in 8 years.

Can I renew my license early?

Yes, you can renew your license up to 6 months before it expires. Your new license will be valid for the full term (5 or 8 years) from the date it is issued, not from the date your old license expires. Renewing early can be useful if you are traveling or want to avoid a last-minute rush.