Utah driver's license renewal: in-person, by mail, or online

Utah lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office. Which method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a Real ID, and how soon you need the new one. Online renewal is fastest if you're may be able to access — it takes about 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks. In-person renewal is when ready if you walk in with the right documents.

Your may be able to access for each method depends on your age, how long your license has been expired (if it is), and whether you want a Real ID or a standard license. If your license expired more than 5 years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go in person. If you're under 21, you also must renew in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Utah offers online, mail, and in-person renewal, but age and expiration date determine which methods you can use.
  • Online renewal costs $30 and takes about 10 business days; mail renewal costs $30 and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office costs $30 and gives you a new license the same day.
  • A Real ID costs $15 more and requires proof of citizenship, residency, and identity — in person only.
  • Your Utah license is valid for 5 years if you're 21 or older, or until age 21 if you're under 21.

Online renewal: fastest option if you're may be able to access

You can renew online through the Utah Driver License Division website if your license is still valid or expired less than 5 years, you're 21 or older, and you don't need a Real ID. The online form asks for your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You pay $30 by credit or debit card. The new license arrives by mail in about 10 business days.

Online renewal does not let you change your address, add a Real ID, or change your name. If you need any of those, you must renew in person. You also cannot renew online if you have an active suspension or revocation on your record.

Mail renewal: 2 to 3 weeks without leaving home

Mail renewal is available if your license is still valid or expired less than 5 years, you're 21 or older, and you don't need a Real ID. You request a renewal form from the Driver License Division by phone at 801-538-3800 or through their website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $30, and mail it to the address on the form. Your new license arrives in 2 to 3 weeks.

Like online renewal, mail renewal does not allow address changes, Real ID upgrades, or name changes. If you're renewing by mail and your address has changed, you'll need to update it in person after your new license arrives, or renew in person from the start.

In-person renewal: same-day license and full options

You can renew in person at any Driver License Division office if your license is expired or still valid. In-person renewal costs $30 for a standard license or $45 for a Real ID. You walk out with your new license the same day. In-person renewal also lets you change your address, add a Real ID, change your name, or update other information on your license.

Bring your current driver's license or ID card, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099). If you want a Real ID, also bring proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and a second form of identity (a passport, military ID, or tribal ID).

Driver License Division offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some locations have Saturday hours. Wait times vary by location and time of day. You can find office locations and hours on the Utah Driver License Division website.

Real ID: what it costs and what you need

A Real ID is a federal standard that lets you use your driver's license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Utah began issuing Real IDs in 2009. If your current license does not have a gold star in the top right corner, it is not a Real ID. You can add a Real ID during renewal in person only.

A Real ID costs $15 more than a standard license renewal ($45 total instead of $30). You need proof of citizenship (a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 90 days), proof of identity (your current license or ID card), and proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The Driver License Division will make copies of these documents; you don't keep them.

If you don't want a Real ID, you can renew your standard license online, by mail, or in person. A standard license is still valid for driving in Utah and for most everyday purposes — you just cannot use it for domestic air travel or to enter federal buildings after the federal important date (currently May 7, 2025, though this has been extended before).

License expiration and renewal important date

Your Utah driver's license is valid for 5 years if you're 21 or older. If you're under 21, your license is valid until your 21st birthday. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to 6 months before it expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.

If your license has expired, you can still renew it by mail or online if it expired less than 5 years ago. If it expired more than 5 years ago, you must renew in person. Driving on an expired license is illegal in Utah, even if you have a renewal in progress.

Changing your address, name, or other information

If you need to change your address, name, or other information on your license, you must renew in person. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement from the last 90 days), and if you're changing your name, a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

If you've moved and your license still shows your old address, you should update it as soon as possible. An expired or incorrect address can cause problems with traffic tickets, vehicle registration, and other official matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than 5 years?

No, you must renew in person if your license expired more than 5 years ago. You cannot use online or mail renewal. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to any Driver License Division office.

How long does it take to get my license if I renew online?

Online renewal takes about 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail. In-person renewal is when ready — you get your new license the same day. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks.

Do I need a Real ID to drive in Utah?

No. A Real ID is only required for domestic air travel and to enter federal buildings. You can drive in Utah with a standard license. However, if you plan to fly domestically, you'll need either a Real ID or a passport.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you must go in person to a Driver License Division office to report it and get a replacement. You cannot renew online or by mail. Bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The replacement costs $30.

Can I renew my license if I have a suspension on my record?

No. You cannot renew online or by mail if you have an active suspension or revocation. You must go in person to a Driver License Division office. They will tell you the status of your suspension and what you need to do to clear it before you can renew.