Renewing your Wyoming driver license in person or by mail

Wyoming lets you renew your driver license either in person at a county clerk's office or by mail, depending on your situation and how long your license is valid. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and happens the same day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and works only if your license is not expired and you meet a few basic conditions.

You cannot renew by mail if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you have unpaid traffic violations or child support obligations on file. You also cannot renew by mail if you are over 65, since Wyoming requires an in-person vision test for that age group. If any of these explore to you, you must go to a county clerk's office.

Key Takeaways

  • Wyoming driver licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
  • Mail renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes two to three weeks, but only works if your license is current and you have no suspensions or violations.
  • In-person renewal at your county clerk's office requires a vision test, proof of residency, and your current license, and is completed the same day.
  • If you are over 65, you must renew in person and pass a vision test every time.
  • Your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks if you renew in person, or within the mail processing time if you use the mail-in option.

Mail renewal: documents and costs

To renew by mail, you need your current Wyoming driver license, a completed process for Driver License or Instruction Permit (Form DL-43), and a check or money order. The mail renewal fee is $20 for an eight-year license. You do not need to include a new photo — Wyoming will use your existing one.

Mail your completed form and payment to the Wyoming Department of Transportation, Driver Services, P.O. Box 1708, Cheyenne, WY 82003-1708. Include your current license in the envelope. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the department receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file.

You can read Form DL-43 from the Wyoming Department of Transportation website, or call your county clerk's office and ask them to mail you the form. Some county offices will also accept mail-in renewals directly, so it is worth calling ahead to see if yours does.

In-person renewal at your county clerk's office

Walk into any Wyoming county clerk's office with your current license, proof of residency, and a completed Form DL-43. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The clerk will administer a vision test on the spot. If you pass, you pay the renewal fee and receive a temporary license to use while your permanent one is printed and mailed.

In-person renewal costs $30 for an eight-year license — $10 more than mail renewal. You will also need to provide a new photo, which the clerk takes during your visit. The entire process takes about 30 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail within two weeks.

County clerk offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by county. Some offices close for lunch. Call your county clerk ahead of time to confirm hours and to ask whether you need an appointment. Most offices accept walk-ins, but a few require you to schedule a time slot.

When your license is expired or suspended

If your Wyoming license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as a new driver. This means taking the written test, vision test, and paying the full fee for a new license. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The process takes about an hour.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Check the status of your license on the Wyoming Department of Transportation website or call your county clerk. If you have unpaid traffic fines, child support obligations, or other holds, you must resolve those first. Once cleared, you can renew normally.

License validity and renewal timing

Wyoming driver licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can begin the renewal process up to one year before your license expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it will still be valid for eight years from the date you renew.

Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. If you are unsure when yours expires, you can check the Wyoming Department of Transportation website by entering your license number, or call your county clerk's office. Renewing before your license expires keeps you legal to drive and avoids the need to reapply if you miss the important date.

Real ID and enhanced licenses in Wyoming

Wyoming offers both a standard driver license and a Real ID-compliant license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard Wyoming license does not have the star and cannot be used for those purposes after May 7, 2025, though you can still use it to drive.

If you want to upgrade to a Real ID license during renewal, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship or legal presence (a passport, birth certificate, or immigration document). The Real ID fee is $30 for an eight-year license, the same as a standard in-person renewal. You do not pay extra for the Real ID designation itself.

What to do if you lose your license before renewal

If your license is lost or stolen before it expires, you can request a duplicate at your county clerk's office. Bring proof of identity and residency. A duplicate costs $10 and is mailed to you within two weeks. You can use a temporary license to drive while you wait. If your license is damaged but not lost, you can exchange it for a new one at the same cost.

If you lose your license close to the expiration date, you have two options: request a duplicate and then renew when it arrives, or wait until the renewal period and renew directly without requesting a duplicate first. Either way, you must have a valid license or temporary license to drive legally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Wyoming license online?

No, Wyoming does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail or in person at a county clerk's office. Mail renewal is the closest option to online renewal and takes two to three weeks.

What happens if I drive with an expired license?

Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Wyoming. You can be stopped and cited. If your license expired less than 30 days ago, the citation may be reduced or dismissed if you show proof of renewal. After 30 days, the violation stands.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Most Wyoming county clerk offices accept walk-ins, but a few require appointments. Call your county clerk ahead of time to ask. Even offices that accept walk-ins may have shorter wait times if you schedule in advance.

Can I renew my license if I owe child support?

No, Wyoming will not renew your license if you have unpaid child support obligations on file. You must contact the Wyoming Department of Family Services to resolve the debt or set up a payment plan before you can renew.

How long does my temporary license last?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within two weeks, but if it does not, contact your county clerk. If your temporary expires before your permanent arrives, you can request an extension at the clerk's office.