Where to renew and what you need before you start
You can renew your Utah driver's license in person at any Driver License Division office, by mail, or online through the Utah Department of Public Safety website — but not all three routes work for everyone. The online option is fastest if you're may be able to access: you can complete it from home in about 15 minutes, pay the fee, and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer (typically 3 to 4 weeks) but requires the same documents. In-person renewal is when ready — you walk out with a temporary license the same day and your permanent one arrives by mail.
Before you choose a route, gather these documents: your current Utah driver's license, proof of identity (a passport, certified birth certificate, or tribal ID), and proof of Utah residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. You'll also need to know your Social Security number.
Check whether you're may be able to access for online renewal first. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you need to change your address, or if your license expired more than five years ago. If any of those explore, you must renew in person or by mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is current and you have no suspensions — you can finish in 15 minutes and receive your new license within 7 to 10 days.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office gives you a temporary license when ready, though your permanent license still arrives by mail.
- You need your current license, proof of identity, proof of Utah residency, and your Social Security number for any renewal method.
- The renewal fee is the same regardless of method, and you can pay by credit card, debit card, or check depending on which route you choose.
- If your license expired more than five years ago or has been suspended, you cannot renew online and must go in person or by mail.
Online renewal through the Utah Department of Public Safety website
Go to the Utah Department of Public Safety's online renewal portal and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address and emergency contact information. Review everything carefully — any errors now will appear on your new license.
You'll then answer a series of questions about your health, vision, and whether you've had any traffic violations or license suspensions since your last renewal. Answer honestly; these questions determine whether the state needs to schedule you for a vision test or medical review before issuing your new license. Most people pass through without additional requirements.
Once you've answered the questions, you'll pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The system will give you a confirmation number when ready. Your new license will be mailed to the address you confirmed, arriving within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on your current license until the new one arrives.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office
Find your nearest Driver License Division office on the Utah Department of Public Safety website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours. You do not need an appointment — walk-ins are accepted, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the office's hours before you go, as some locations have reduced schedules on certain days.
Bring your current license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. A staff member will review your documents, take a new photo, and ask the same health and vision questions as the online system. If the staff member determines you need a vision test, they'll conduct it on the spot using a machine in the office. The whole process usually takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
You'll pay the renewal fee at the counter by cash, check, or card. Before you leave, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license when ready.
Mail renewal for people who cannot visit an office
Request a mail renewal form from the Utah Department of Public Safety by calling their main line or visiting their website. Fill out the form completely, including your driver's license number, date of birth, current address, and answers to the health and vision questions. Attach photocopies of your proof of identity and proof of residency — do not send originals.
Mail the completed form and copies to the address listed on the form, along with a check or money order for the renewal fee. Include a note with your phone number so the office can contact you if they need clarification on anything. Mail renewal typically takes 3 to 4 weeks from the time the office receives your packet, plus mailing time in both directions.
If the office needs additional information or a vision test, they will call you. You may be asked to visit an office in person to complete a vision screening before your license is issued. Keep your current license with you while you wait — it remains valid until your new one arrives.
The renewal fee and what affects the cost
Utah's driver's license renewal fee is set by state law and does not vary based on your age, how long you've held your license, or which renewal method you choose. The fee covers an eight-year renewal period. If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher, and you must renew in person because the state requires a medical examination and additional documentation.
Some people are may have access to to a reduced fee or no fee at all. Military members on active duty, veterans with service-connected disabilities rated by the VA, and people receiving certain state benefits may may have access to for a discount. Ask about your situation when you renew — the staff member or online system will let you know if a reduction applies.
What to do if your license has been suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it through the standard process. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Utah Driver License Division. Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. Revocation is more serious and usually results from DUI convictions or accumulating too many points.
Contact the Driver License Division to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. This might involve paying fines, completing a court-ordered program, or waiting out a mandatory suspension period. Once the suspension or revocation is lifted, you can renew your license through any of the three methods described above.
Renewing when your name or address has changed
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring documentation of the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can renew in person or by mail with this documentation, but you cannot renew online. The office or mail processor will update your name in the system and issue a new license with the correct name.
If you've moved and need to update your address, you can do so during any renewal method. Online renewal includes an address confirmation step. In-person renewal allows you to update your address at the counter. Mail renewal requires you to write your new address clearly on the form. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, but you cannot renew online if it expired more than five years ago. If your license expired between one and five years ago, you can renew online, by mail, or in person using the standard process. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person or by mail and may need to retake the written test and vision test.
How long does a renewed license last?
A renewed Utah driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of renewal. You'll receive a notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires reminding you to renew. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires.
What if I don't receive my renewed license after three weeks?
Contact the Driver License Division with your confirmation number or process receipt. Provide them with your mailing address and phone number so they can track your license. Mail delays do happen, and the office can reissue your license if it appears to be lost. In the meantime, your temporary license (if you renewed in person) or your current license remains valid.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
Yes. A new photo is taken during in-person renewal. Online and mail renewal use your existing photo from your current license unless the system flags your account for a new photo based on age or other factors. If a new photo is required, you'll be notified and asked to visit an office.
Can someone else pick up my temporary license if I renew in person?
No. You must be present to receive your temporary license because you need to sign it. The staff member will take your photo and issue the temporary license to you directly before you leave the office.