Utah driver's license renewal by mail, online, or in person
You can renew your Utah driver's license through three routes: online at a computer, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office. The online option is fastest — it takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip. In-person renewal at an office is necessary only if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to renew early.
Utah sends renewal notices 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 — you will just need your driver's license number instead.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest method and works if your license expired within the last five years and you have not changed your name or address.
- Mail renewal requires mailing your current license, the renewal form, and a check or money order to the Driver License Division office in your city.
- In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need to change your legal name, or if you want to renew before expiration.
- Utah driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and renewal fees vary based on whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
- You can renew up to one year before your license expires, which is useful if you have travel plans or prefer not to wait until the last moment.
Online renewal through the Utah Driver License Division website
Go to the Utah Driver License Division website and select the online renewal option. You will need your renewal number (from your renewal notice) or your driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records and show you the renewal fee.
Online renewal works only if your current license is valid or expired within the last five years. You cannot use this method if you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license. Once you complete the online form and pay the fee by debit or credit card, the Driver License Division will mail your new license to the address on file. You do not need to mail anything in.
The new license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your old license remains valid for identification purposes. If you need to drive before the new license arrives, your old license is still legal to use.
Mail renewal with a form and check
Request the renewal form DL-44 from the Driver License Division, or read it from their website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and include your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the Driver License Division office that serves your county.
The renewal notice you received in the mail includes the correct mailing address for your region. If you do not have the notice, you can find the address on the Driver License Division website by entering your county. Do not mail cash — the division does not accept it.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because the form must travel to the office, be processed, and then your new license must be mailed back to you. Plan for two to three weeks total. Your old license remains valid during this time, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office
Visit a Driver License Division office in your county with your current driver's license, proof of residency (a recent utility bill or lease), and payment for the renewal fee. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if you have changed your name since your last license was issued.
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, because the online and mail systems cannot process licenses that old. It is also necessary if you need to change your legal name, update your address, or change your sex designation on the license. You can also choose in-person renewal if you want to renew early or if you prefer to receive your license when ready.
Wait times at Driver License Division offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and mid-week. You can check current wait times on the Driver License Division website before you go. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
What documents and information you need
For any renewal method, have your current driver's license ready. For online renewal, you need your renewal number (from your notice) or your driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. For mail renewal, you need the completed form DL-44, your current license, and payment.
For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. If you are changing your sex designation, bring a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a court order.
You do not need to bring your Social Security card for a routine renewal, but if you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number to help the office update their records correctly.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Utah renewal fees depend on which method you use and how long you want your new license to be valid. Online renewal is the least expensive option. Mail renewal costs slightly more because of processing. In-person renewal at an office costs the same as mail renewal. You can pay online by debit or credit card, by mail with a check or money order, or in person with cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
If you renew early — before your current license expires — you pay the full renewal fee, and your new license's expiration date is calculated from the date you renew, not from when your old license would have expired. This means you can renew up to one year early without losing time on your license's validity.
What happens if your license has been expired for a long time
If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a Driver License Division office in person. The office will process your renewal the same way as a current renewal, but you may be asked additional questions about why the license lapsed.
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Utah, even if you are in the process of renewing. If you have been unable to renew because of a barrier — such as cost, transportation, or a change in your legal status — contact the Driver License Division office in your county to discuss your situation. Some offices can direct you to resources or payment plans if cost is the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. Utah allows you to renew up to one year before your license expires. Your new license's expiration date will be eight years from the date you renew, not from your old license's expiration date. This is useful if you have travel plans or prefer to renew early.
What if I did not receive a renewal notice in the mail?
You can still renew online or by mail using your driver's license number instead of your renewal number. If you have moved recently, the notice may have gone to an old address. Update your address at a Driver License Division office or online before you renew to make sure future notices reach you.
How long is my temporary paper license valid if I renew in person?
Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days or until your permanent license arrives, whichever comes first. Your permanent license typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within 30 days, contact the Driver License Division office where you renewed.
Can I change my address or name during renewal?
You can change your address online or by mail during renewal. To change your legal name, you must renew in person and bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. Address changes can be done at any time, not just during renewal.
What if I lost my current license?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot use the online or mail renewal methods. Go to a Driver License Division office in person with proof of residency and payment. The office will issue a replacement license, which is treated as a new license rather than a renewal.