Utah driver's licenses renew every five years, and you can renew in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online depending on your situation
Utah's Driver License Division handles renewals through three main routes: online renewal through their website, mail renewal using a paper form, or in-person renewal at a local DMV office. Which route you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you've had a name change, and how soon you need the new card. Most people renew before their current license expires, though Utah allows you to renew up to one year after expiration.
Your renewal notice arrives by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes your renewal number, which you'll need for online or mail renewal. If you don't receive a notice, you can still renew—you'll just need your driver's license number and Social Security number instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Utah Driver License Division website is the fastest option if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your name.
- Mail renewal requires the paper form from your renewal notice, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and takes two to three weeks to arrive.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if your license has expired more than one year ago, you've changed your name, or you need a new photo.
- The renewal fee is $30 for a five-year license, and you can pay by check, money order, debit card, or credit card depending on your renewal method.
- Utah does not require a vision test or written test for license renewal unless you're over 65 or renewing after a long lapse.
Online Renewal Through the Utah Website
Online renewal is available at driverlicense.utah.gov if your license is currently valid and you meet a few basic conditions: you haven't changed your name, you don't need a new photo, and you're not renewing a commercial driver's license. The process takes about 10 minutes and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
To renew online, you'll need either your renewal notice (which includes your renewal number) or your driver's license number and Social Security number. You'll also need a debit or credit card to pay the $30 renewal fee. Once you submit, the system confirms your information and sends your new license to the address on file. If you've moved, update your address before you renew—you can do this on the same website.
Online renewal does not issue a temporary license, so if your current license expires before your new one arrives, you'll technically be driving on an expired license. For this reason, renew at least two weeks before your expiration date.
Mail Renewal Using Your Renewal Notice
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your name. You'll use the paper form that came with your renewal notice. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $30 made payable to "Utah Driver License Division," and mail both to the address printed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the Division receives your envelope. There is no tracking system for mail renewals, so you won't know exactly when it arrives at their office. Mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires to avoid driving on an expired license. If you've moved since your last renewal, write your new address clearly on the form.
If you lose your renewal notice, you can request a new one by calling the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800, or you can renew in person at any DMV office instead.
In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office
Visit a local DMV office if your license has been expired for more than one year, you've changed your name, you need a new photo, or you hold a commercial driver's license. You'll also need to renew in person if you want a temporary license to use while your new one is being mailed. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if yours lapsed), proof of your current address, and $30 in cash, check, or card payment.
The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your new license on the spot if you're renewing a standard license. You'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you. If you're renewing a commercial license, the process takes longer and may require a written test.
DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some locations open Saturday mornings. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times at driverlicense.utah.gov. Walk-ins are accepted, but arriving early in the day typically means shorter waits.
What Documents and Fees You'll Need
The renewal fee is $30 for a five-year license, regardless of which renewal method you choose. You can pay by check, money order, debit card, or credit card depending on how you renew. Online and in-person renewals accept all payment types; mail renewal accepts only check or money order.
For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license and proof of your current address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you've changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may also need to provide proof of Social Security number.
You do not need to provide a new vision test or take a written test unless you're over 65 years old, renewing after a lapse of more than eight years, or renewing a commercial license. Standard license renewals for people under 65 with current licenses are straightforward and don't require testing.
Renewing After Your License Expires
Utah allows you to renew your license up to one year after it expires. If you renew after expiration, you must do so in person at a DMV office—online and mail renewal are not available for expired licenses. You'll need your expired license, proof of address, and $30. The office will take a new photo and issue a temporary license while your permanent card is mailed.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, renewal becomes more complicated. You may need to provide additional documents proving your identity and residency, and you may be required to take a written test. For lapses longer than one year, contact the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 before visiting an office to confirm what documents you'll need.
Address Changes and Name Changes During Renewal
If you've moved, update your address during renewal. For online renewal, you can change your address on the same website before you submit your renewal. For mail renewal, write your new address clearly on the form. For in-person renewal, tell the office staff about your move and they'll update it in the system.
If you've changed your name since your last license, you must renew in person. Bring your current license and a document proving the name change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will issue a new license with your updated name. You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it's already expired?
Yes, you can renew up to one year after expiration, but you must do so in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and $30. If your license has been expired for more than one year, contact the Driver License Division first to confirm what additional documents you'll need.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Online renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days of submission. Mail renewals take two to three weeks from the date the Division receives your envelope. In-person renewals issue a temporary license when ready and mail your permanent license within 7 to 10 days.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
Online and mail renewals use your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. People over 65 are required to provide a new photo at renewal.
What if I don't have my renewal notice?
You can still renew online or in person using your driver's license number and Social Security number instead of your renewal number. For mail renewal, call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 to request a new notice, or renew in person at a DMV office.
Do I need to take a test to renew my license?
No written or vision test is required for standard license renewals unless you're over 65, renewing after a lapse of more than eight years, or renewing a commercial license. Most renewals are straightforward if your current license is valid.