Wyoming driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the date of issue

A standard Wyoming driver's license lasts eight years before it expires and needs to be renewed. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license, so you can check exactly when yours runs out by looking at the card itself. Wyoming does not offer licenses with different validity periods based on age or other factors — everyone gets the same eight-year term, with one exception: if you are under 21 when you get your license, it will expire on your 21st birthday instead.

You do not have to wait until your license expires to renew it. Wyoming allows you to renew up to one year before the expiration date, which can be useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a last-minute rush. However, you cannot legally drive once the expiration date has passed, so it is worth knowing when yours runs out.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard Wyoming driver's licenses are valid for eight years from the issue date.
  • If you are under 21 when you receive your license, it expires on your 21st birthday instead of eight years later.
  • You can renew your license up to one year before it expires.
  • The expiration date is printed on the front of your license card.
  • Driving with an expired license is illegal in Wyoming, even if you are only one day past the expiration date.

What happens when your license expires

Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive in Wyoming or any other state. This applies even if you are only a day past the expiration date. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving an expired license, you can receive a citation and potentially a fine.

An expired license also cannot be used as a valid form of identification for other purposes, such as boarding a plane or entering a federal building. If your license has expired and you need to drive, you will need to renew it before getting behind the wheel.

How to renew your Wyoming driver's license

Wyoming offers several ways to renew your driver's license depending on your situation. If your license is still valid and you have not had any major changes to your information (such as a name change or address change), you may be able to renew by mail or online through the Wyoming Department of Transportation website. The online renewal option is available for many drivers and is often the fastest route.

If you need to renew in person, you can visit any Wyoming Driver Services office. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. The in-person renewal process typically takes less than an hour. If your license has been expired for more than a certain period, Wyoming may require you to retake the written test or vision test, so it is better to renew before expiration rather than after.

Renewing before your license expires

Renewing early — up to one year before expiration — can save you stress and may support you always have a valid license. When you renew early, your new license will be valid for eight years from the date of renewal, not from the date your old license would have expired. This means you get a full eight-year term starting fresh.

Many people choose to renew when they are already planning to visit a Driver Services office for another reason, or when they know they have an upcoming trip that requires a valid ID. There is no penalty for renewing early, and it gives you peace of mind that your license will not lapse unexpectedly.

Special rules for drivers under 21

If you received your Wyoming driver's license before turning 21, your license expires on your 21st birthday rather than eight years later. This is a shorter validity period than adult licenses. When you turn 21, you will need to renew your license to get a standard adult license that lasts eight years.

You can renew your license on or after your 21st birthday. Many people renew on their birthday itself or shortly after to avoid any gap in valid identification. The renewal process for turning 21 is the same as any other renewal — you can do it online, by mail, or in person at a Driver Services office, depending on your circumstances.

What to do if your license has already expired

If your license has expired, you cannot legally drive until you renew it. The renewal process is the same whether your license expired recently or several years ago, but Wyoming may require additional steps if your license has been expired for an extended period. Some states require retesting after a long lapse, so contact your local Driver Services office to find out what you will need to bring.

Do not drive with an expired license while waiting to renew. If you are stopped, you can receive a citation. If you need to drive before you can get to an office, ask someone else to drive instead, or use a rideshare or taxi service. Once you renew, you will be legal to drive again when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive if my license expires tomorrow?

No. You cannot legally drive once your license expires, even by one day. If you know your license is about to expire, renew it before the expiration date. Wyoming allows online and mail renewal up to one year early, so you can renew now if you are close to expiration.

What if I renew my license early — does my new one expire sooner?

No. When you renew early, your new license is valid for a full eight years from the date of renewal. You do not lose any time by renewing before expiration. Your new expiration date will be eight years from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date.

Do I have to renew in person, or can I do it online?

It depends on your situation. If your license is still valid and your information has not changed significantly, you can renew online or by mail through the Wyoming Department of Transportation. If you have had a name change, address change, or other major updates, you may need to renew in person at a Driver Services office.

What happens if I let my license expire for several years?

Wyoming may require you to retake the written test, vision test, or both if your license has been expired for a long time. Contact your local Driver Services office before you go in to find out what documents and tests you will need. Do not drive until your license is renewed.