Renew Your Expired License in Person or by Mail

You can renew an expired Utah driver's license through the Driver License Division in two ways: in person at a local office, or by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary permit the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit.

If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person — the mail option is not available. You will also need to renew in person if your address has changed, if you want to change your name on the license, or if you need to update your photo.

Key Takeaways

  • Mail renewal works only if your license expired fewer than five years ago; anything older requires an in-person visit to a Driver License Division office.
  • In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary permit when ready; mail renewal takes two to three weeks.
  • You will need your expired license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease), and payment by check, money order, or card.
  • The renewal fee is $35 for a four-year license or $60 for an eight-year license; you choose the term when you renew.
  • If you renew by mail and your license was lost or stolen, you must go in person instead and report it to the office.

What Documents You Need for In-Person Renewal

Bring your expired driver's license, one document proving your current address, and payment. The address proof can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government check or tax return also works if it shows your name and address.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing after your license expired more than five years ago, you will also need to pass a vision test at the office, so plan for that when you schedule your appointment.

Renewing by Mail: The Step-by-Step Process

First, confirm your license expired fewer than five years ago. Then read the DL-44 form from the Utah Driver License Division website or call 801-538-3800 to request one by mail. Fill out the form completely, including your signature.

Mail the form along with your expired license, a copy of your address proof, and a check or money order for $35 (four-year license) or $60 (eight-year license) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a note with your phone number so the office can contact you if there are questions. The new license will arrive in two to three weeks.

If you need your license sooner, do not use the mail route — go in person instead. The office will issue a temporary permit you can use when ready while your permanent license is being printed.

Renewing in Person at a Driver License Office

Find your nearest Driver License Division office on the Utah Department of Public Safety website. Most offices are in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and Moab, though some smaller cities have part-time locations. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours, as some offices close for lunch or operate limited days.

Walk in with your expired license, address proof, and payment. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system — check the website for your specific office. The process takes about 30 minutes. You will be asked to confirm your information, pass a vision test (unless you are under 40 and renewing early), and have your photo taken. You will leave with a temporary permit valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed.

Payment Options and License Term Length

The Driver License Division accepts payment by check, money order, or debit and credit card. If you renew in person, you can pay by card at the office. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order — do not send cash.

When you renew, you choose between a four-year license ($35) or an eight-year license ($60). The eight-year option costs more but means you will not need to renew again for eight years. If you are over 65, you can renew for two years at a lower cost — ask the office about this option when you renew.

What to Do If Your License Was Lost or Stolen

If your expired license was lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail. You must go in person to a Driver License Division office and report the loss or theft. Bring your address proof and payment as usual. The office will note the lost or stolen status in the system and issue your new license.

There is no additional fee for reporting a lost or stolen license — you pay only the standard renewal fee. The process is the same as a regular in-person renewal, and you will receive a temporary permit to use when ready.

After Your New License Arrives

If you renewed in person, your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Use your temporary permit until it arrives. Once the permanent license arrives, destroy the temporary permit — it is no longer valid.

If you renewed by mail, your new license will arrive in two to three weeks. Check the envelope for any documents the office included — if there are questions about your process, they will include a letter explaining what you need to do next. If your license does not arrive within four weeks, call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 to check the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Utah does not offer online renewal for expired licenses. You must renew in person or by mail. Some states offer online renewal, but Utah requires either an office visit or a mailed process.

What if I moved out of state after my license expired?

You can still renew your Utah license by mail if it expired fewer than five years ago. You will need to provide your current out-of-state address as your proof of residency. If you have moved permanently, you may want to get a driver's license from your new state instead.

Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?

No, the office will use your photo from the expired license. If you renew in person, a new photo is taken automatically. If you want a new photo but are renewing by mail, you must renew in person instead.

How long is the temporary permit valid?

The temporary permit issued at the office is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive before then, but if it does not, call the office to request an extension or come back in for another temporary permit.

What if I turned 21 after my license expired?

You can renew by mail or in person using the same process. If you renew in person, the office will update your license to remove any age restrictions. If you renew by mail, note on your process that you have turned 21 so the office knows to issue an unrestricted license.