Utah driver licenses expire every five years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office

Utah's Driver License Division handles renewals through three separate channels, each with different timelines and document requirements. The online renewal process is the fastest — you can complete it in minutes if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office is when ready but requires a trip to one of their locations during business hours.

Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal number, which you will need for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew, but you will need to provide your Social Security number and other identifying information instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and you have a valid email address on file with the Driver License Division.
  • Mail renewal requires you to return your current license, a completed renewal form, and payment by check or money order; processing takes two to three weeks.
  • In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office takes about 30 minutes and produces a new license on the spot, but you must bring proof of residency and your current license.
  • Utah driver licenses cost $35 for a five-year renewal, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
  • If your license has already expired, you cannot use online renewal and must choose mail or in-person instead.

Online renewal: fastest option if your license is still valid

Online renewal through the Utah Driver License Division website takes about 10 minutes and costs $35. You will need your renewal notice (which includes your renewal number), your current license number, your date of birth, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to review your personal information and confirm that nothing has changed since your last renewal.

Online renewal is available only if all of the following are true: your license has not expired, you have not changed your name, you have not changed your address (or your address change was processed by the Driver License Division within the last 60 days), and you do not have any holds or flags on your driving record. If any of these conditions do not explore, you will be directed to mail or in-person renewal instead.

After you complete online renewal, you will receive a confirmation email. Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal: two to three weeks, requires returning your old license

Mail renewal works if your license is expired or if you do not meet the requirements for online renewal. You will need to complete form DL-44 (process for a Utah Driver License), which you can read from the Driver License Division website or request by phone. You must also include your current license, a check or money order for $35 made out to the Utah Driver License Division, and a photocopy of proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).

Mail your completed form, license, payment, and proof of residency to the Driver License Division at the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date they receive your envelope. Your new license will arrive by mail; you will not receive your old license back.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary permit at a Driver License Division office in person. The temporary permit is valid for 30 days and costs $5.

In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office

Utah has Driver License Division offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Vernal, and Price. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and produces a new license on the spot. You will need to bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days), and $35 in cash, check, or card.

If your address has changed, bring two forms of proof of residency — one showing your old address and one showing your new address. If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Walk-in appointments are available, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can also schedule an appointment online through the Driver License Division website. Appointments typically have shorter wait times than walk-ins.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license expired more than a year ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply for a new license. Reapplication requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. If your license expired less than a year ago, you can still renew by mail or in person, but not online.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Utah, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal (such as a confirmation email from online renewal or a receipt from mailing your renewal), but this does not may provide you will not be cited.

Address changes and name changes during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you can update your address during renewal. For online renewal, the system will ask whether your address is current; if you have moved, you will be directed to mail or in-person renewal instead. For mail renewal, write your new address on the renewal form. For in-person renewal, bring proof of your new address.

If you have changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, you cannot renew online. You must renew by mail or in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change. The Driver License Division will update your name on your new license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic tickets or fines?

No. The Driver License Division will place a hold on your renewal if you have outstanding traffic fines or court-ordered fines. You must pay the fines first. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the amount owed and how to pay.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

You can still renew without the notice. For online renewal, you will enter your Social Security number and other identifying information instead of your renewal number. For mail or in-person renewal, bring your current license and proof of residency.

How long can I drive after my license expires while waiting for my renewal?

You cannot legally drive on an expired license. If you are renewing by mail or online, request a temporary permit at a Driver License Division office ($5) to drive while you wait for your new license to arrive.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are not required, but they are recommended. You can walk in to any Driver License Division office during business hours, but wait times are often shorter if you schedule an appointment online first.

What if my new license arrives with an error on it?

Contact the Driver License Division when ready with your new license and proof of the correct information (such as a birth certificate for your date of birth). Corrections are usually made at no charge if the error was made by the Driver License Division.