What You Need to Do to Renew in Utah
You can renew your Utah driver's license by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License Division office. Mail and online renewals are the fastest routes if you're may be able to access — most people complete them without leaving home. In-person renewal is required only if your license has been expired for more than three years, if you need to update your photo, or if you have certain medical conditions on file.
Utah sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for the notice. You can renew up to one year before the expiration date. The state charges a flat renewal fee regardless of which method you choose, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online and mail renewals.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Utah Driver License Division website is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes if you have a valid credit or debit card.
- Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and payment, and takes 2 to 3 weeks total.
- In-person renewal is mandatory if your license expired more than three years ago, if you want a new photo, or if you have medical restrictions that need review.
- You can renew up to one year early, so you don't have to wait until the expiration date on your current license.
- Your new license is valid for eight years from the renewal date, and you can drive on your old license until the new one arrives.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Option
Go to the Utah Driver License Division website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and pull up your existing record.
Review your personal information on screen — name, address, date of birth — and correct anything that's wrong. You cannot change your address online; if you've moved, you must renew by mail or in person. Confirm that your signature and any medical restrictions are still accurate. Then pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. The transaction takes about 10 minutes total.
After you submit, you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
Mail Renewal: When You Prefer Paper
read and print the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL-43) from the Utah Driver License Division website, or call 801-538-3800 to request a form by mail. Fill in all sections completely, including your signature. Enclose your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee made out to the State of Utah, and the completed form in an envelope.
Mail everything to the address listed on the form — currently the Driver License Division office in Salt Lake City. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date they receive your packet, plus mail time in both directions. You can drive on your current license during this entire period. Your new license will be mailed to the address you listed on the form.
If you've moved since your last license was issued, mail renewal is your only option besides in-person renewal. Include your new address on the form, and your new license will be sent there.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Office
Visit any Driver License Division office in Utah with your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. Bring a document that shows your current address — a utility bill, lease, or recent bank statement works. If you've changed your address, bring proof of your new address.
You'll complete a renewal process on site, have your photo taken, and pay the renewal fee in cash, check, or card. The entire visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than three years ago, if you want to update your photo, if you have medical restrictions that need to be reviewed by staff, or if you're unable to verify your identity online. Find office locations and hours on the Utah Driver License Division website.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your license expired fewer than three years ago, you can still renew by mail or online using the same process. The fee is the same whether your license is current or expired. However, if your license has been expired for more than three years, you must renew in person — the online and mail options are not available to you.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Utah, even if you've submitted a renewal process. Once your new license arrives, it becomes valid when ready. If you're stopped by police before it arrives, you'll need to show your temporary paper license (if you renewed in person) or your confirmation email (if you renewed online or by mail).
The Renewal Fee and What's Included
Utah charges a single renewal fee for all methods — online, mail, and in-person. The fee covers your eight-year license renewal. You pay once, regardless of whether you renew early or wait until your current license is about to expire. The Driver License Division website lists the current fee amount.
Your new license will have the same number as your current one and will be valid for eight years from the date you renew. If you renew online or by mail, your signature from your current license is carried forward unless you're renewing in person, in which case you'll sign again. Any medical restrictions or endorsements on your current license will transfer to your new one unless you update them in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I've moved out of state?
Yes, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal works as long as you can verify your identity with your current license number and Social Security number. Mail renewal requires you to send in your current license and the completed form. Your new license will be mailed to whatever address you provide on the renewal form.
What if my name has changed since my last license?
You cannot update your name through online or mail renewal. You must renew in person and bring legal documentation of the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No, unless you renew in person. Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew at a Driver License Division office in person. You can also request a photo update at any office even if you're not renewing your license.
How long can I drive on my old license after I renew?
You can drive on your current license until your new one arrives by mail. Once the new license is in your possession, your old license is no longer valid for driving. Keep your old license until you receive the new one, in case you're stopped and need to show proof of renewal.
What if I lose my renewal confirmation or temporary license?
If you renewed online or by mail, your confirmation email serves as proof that you've renewed. If you renewed in person and lose your temporary paper license, contact the Driver License Division office where you renewed. They can issue a replacement temporary license or confirm your renewal status if you're stopped by police.