What you need to do to renew in Utah
Utah lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office. The online option is fastest — you can complete it in about 15 minutes if your license is not expired and you have not had a name change or address change that requires verification. If you cannot renew online, you will mail documents or visit an office in person.
Your current license must not be expired by more than five years for any renewal method to work. If it is expired beyond that, you will need to take the written test and vision test again, which requires an in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Utah Driver License Division website takes about 15 minutes and works if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name or address.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and a check to the Driver License Division; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office takes about 30 minutes and is required if your license is expired by more than five years or if you have a name or address change that needs verification.
- A renewed license is valid for eight years (or five years if you are under 21), and you can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
- You will need either a Real ID-compliant document or a standard license, depending on your current license type and whether you plan to fly domestically.
Renewing online through the Utah website
Go to the Utah Driver License Division website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will ask you to confirm your address and whether any of your information has changed since your last renewal.
Online renewal works only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and your address on file matches your current address. If any of those conditions do not explore, the system will tell you to renew by mail or in person instead. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation email, and your new license will arrive by mail in about 10 business days.
Renewing by mail
Request a renewal form from the Driver License Division or read it from their website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee (the amount varies depending on whether you want a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license). Mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing by mail takes two to three weeks from the date the Driver License Division receives your packet. Your new license will arrive by mail after that. If you want to track your process, call the Driver License Division at the number on their website — they can tell you whether your packet has arrived and when to expect your new license.
Renewing in person at a Driver License Division office
Visit any Driver License Division office with your current license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment for the renewal fee. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number if you have had a name change since your last renewal.
Bring your passport, birth certificate, or other proof of citizenship if your current license is expired by more than five years, because you will need to retake the written test and vision test. Office wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead or checking the Driver License Division website for current wait times can help you plan. The renewal is usually completed the same day, and you will receive a temporary license to use while your permanent one arrives by mail.
What documents you need for each method
| Renewal Method | Documents Needed | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Current license number, last four digits of Social Security number, valid payment method | 15 minutes; new license arrives in 10 business days |
| By mail | Completed renewal form, current license, check or money order for fee | 2 to 3 weeks processing time after receipt |
| In person | Current license, proof of address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from last 60 days), payment for fee | 30 minutes at office; temporary license issued same day |
Real ID versus standard license renewal
When you renew, you can choose to get a Real ID-compliant license or keep a standard license. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and cannot be used for those purposes after May 7, 2025, though you can still use it to drive.
Getting a Real ID requires you to show proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of your Social Security number. If you are renewing online, you cannot upgrade to Real ID — you will need to renew in person or by mail and request the Real ID option on your form. The fee for a Real ID license is higher than for a standard license.
When to renew and how long your license lasts
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. A renewed license is valid for eight years if you are 21 or older, or five years if you are under 21. Your expiration date will be printed on your new license. If you renew before your current license expires, your new license will expire eight years (or five years) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired.
If your license has already expired, you can still renew it as long as it expired no more than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you will need to explore for a new license instead of renewing, which requires taking the written and vision tests again and visiting an office in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have changed my address?
If you have changed your address, you cannot renew online. You will need to renew by mail or in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The Driver License Division will update your address when you renew.
What if I have changed my name since my last renewal?
A name change disqualifies you from online renewal. Renew by mail or in person and bring a document showing your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You may also need to bring your Social Security card or a document showing your updated Social Security number.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take about 10 business days after the Driver License Division processes your request. In-person renewal is faster — you receive a temporary license the same day and your permanent license arrives by mail within 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, renewing in person is your best option.
What if my license is expired by more than five years?
You cannot renew a license that is expired by more than five years. Instead, you will need to explore for a new license, which requires visiting a Driver License Division office in person, taking the written test and vision test, and bringing proof of citizenship and your Social Security number.
Do I need a Real ID to drive in Utah?
No. A standard license is sufficient for driving anywhere in Utah and the rest of the United States. A Real ID is required only for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you do not plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, you do not need to upgrade to a Real ID when you renew.