How to Renew Your Utah Driver's License

Where to renew and what you need to bring

You can renew your Utah driver's license in person at any Driver License Division office operated by the Utah Department of Public Safety. The state has offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and Moab, plus several smaller locations. You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have no medical restrictions, and you cannot have changed your name or address since your last renewal.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity (a passport, certified birth certificate, or consular report of birth), and proof of Utah residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing by mail, send these documents along with the completed renewal form DL-44, available on the Utah Department of Public Safety website.

Key Takeaways

In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office takes about 15 to 30 minutes and costs $35 for a five-year license or $65 for an eight-year license.
Mail renewal is free and takes two to three weeks, but only works if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions.
You can renew up to 180 days before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.
If your license has been expired for more than five years or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test and written exam.

In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office

Walk into any Driver License Division office during business hours with your documents and completed form DL-44. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations now use an online reservation system — check the Utah Department of Public Safety website for your local office before you go.

The staff will verify your identity, check your residency, take a new photograph, and administer a vision test. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will also take a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions and you must answer at least 20 correctly. Once you pass, you pay the fee and receive your new license on the spot.

Mail renewal for licenses expired less than five years

Complete form DL-44, available as a PDF on the Utah Department of Public Safety website. Print it, sign it, and mail it along with your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency to the Driver License Division at the address listed on the form. Do not send cash — include a check or money order for the renewal fee, or write "no fee" if you are renewing by mail (mail renewal is free in Utah).

Mail your packet to the address on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your documents. Your new license will arrive by mail. If you need your license sooner, do not use mail renewal — go to an office in person instead.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

A five-year driver's license costs $35. An eight-year driver's license costs $65. You choose the term when you renew. Your new license is valid from the date of issue, not from the date your old one expired, so renewing early does not shorten the life of your new license.

If you are 65 or older, you can renew for a four-year term at no cost. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), renewal rules are different — you must renew in person every four years and pass a medical examination and written test each time.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than five years

You cannot use mail renewal. You must go to a Driver License Division office in person, bring all the same documents, and take both a vision test and a written knowledge test. The written test covers Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have 25 questions and must answer at least 20 correctly.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no fee to retake the test. Once you pass, you pay the renewal fee and receive your new license when ready.

Changing your name or address during renewal

If you have moved since your last renewal, bring proof of your new Utah address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that caused the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption decree. You must renew in person; mail renewal is not an option when your name or address has changed.

The office will update your address and name in the system, take a new photograph, and issue your new license with the correct information. This takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal.

Medical restrictions and vision requirements

If your current license has medical restrictions — such as corrective lenses required, daylight driving only, or hand controls required — you must renew in person. You cannot use mail renewal. The office will review your restrictions, may ask you to retake a vision test, and will either keep the restrictions on your new license or remove them if your condition has changed.

All in-person renewals include a vision screening. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, the office will refer you to an eye care provider and may issue a temporary license while you get your vision checked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Utah does not offer online driver's license renewal. You can renew by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions, or you can renew in person at any Driver License Division office.

How early can I renew before my license expires?

You can renew up to 180 days before your license expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — it is valid from the date of issue for the full term you choose (five or eight years).

What if I lost my license and need to renew?

You must go to a Driver License Division office in person. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. The office will issue a replacement license and you pay the standard renewal fee. You do not need to take a written test unless your license has been expired for more than five years.

Do I have to take the written test if I renew in person?

Only if your license has been expired for more than five years. If your license is current or expired fewer than five years, you take only a vision test. If you are renewing by mail and your license is not expired more than five years, you take no test at all.

What if I fail the vision test at the office?

The office will not issue your license that day. They will refer you to an eye care provider and may issue a temporary license valid for 30 days while you get your vision checked. Once you have a corrected vision prescription, return to the office with proof from your eye care provider and you can complete your renewal.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.