Renewing your Utah driver's license in person or by mail
You can renew your Utah driver's license either in person at a Driver License Division office or by mail, depending on your situation. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks total but requires no office visit — you send documents to the state, they process them, and mail your new license to you.
The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need to update your photo, and how soon you need the new card. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person. If it expired within the last five years, mail renewal is an option.
Key Takeaways
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office takes about 30 minutes and you receive a temporary license when ready; mail renewal takes two to three weeks but requires no office visit.
- You need your current license, proof of identity, and proof of Utah residency for either method; bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person — mail renewal is not an option.
- The renewal fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail, and your new license is valid for eight years from the issue date.
- You can find the nearest Driver License Division office and check current wait times on the Utah Department of Public Safety website.
What documents you need to bring or send
For both in-person and mail renewal, you need three things: your current Utah driver's license, one form of proof of identity, and one form of proof of Utah residency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
Acceptable proof of identity includes a passport, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. Acceptable proof of residency includes a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice with your name and current address. The residency document must be dated within the last 60 days.
If you are renewing by mail, you also need to include a completed Form DL-44 (process for a Utah Driver License or Identification Card). You can read this form from the Utah Department of Public Safety website or request it by phone at 801-965-4437.
Renewing in person at a Driver License Division office
Walk into any Driver License Division office during business hours with your documents. Offices are located in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Price, Vernal, and Blanding. Hours vary by location but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some offer Saturday hours.
Check the Utah Department of Public Safety website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go. Wait times change throughout the day and can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the location and time of day.
When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. The staff member will verify your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You will pay the renewal fee at this time — the amount depends on how many years you are renewing for. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed to you.
Renewing by mail
To renew by mail, complete Form DL-44, gather your documents, and mail everything to the Driver License Division at 215 South 1300 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84114. Include a check or money order for the renewal fee — do not send cash. Write your driver's license number on the check or money order.
Mail your packet using a method that allows you to track it, such as certified mail or a carrier that provides tracking. Keep a copy of everything you send in case the state needs to contact you about missing information.
The state will process your renewal within two to three weeks of receiving your packet. They will mail your new license to the address you provided on the form. If there is a problem with your documents, they will contact you by phone or mail to ask for corrections.
What happens if your license expired more than five years ago
If your Utah driver's license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew by mail. You must go in person to a Driver License Division office and complete a new process rather than a straightforward renewal.
Bring the same documents — current or expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residency — plus a completed Form DL-44. The staff will take a new photo and process your process as if you were getting a license for the first time. This takes about the same amount of time as a regular renewal but the fee may be different.
Renewing before your license expires
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people do this to avoid the rush near the expiration date or to make sure they have a valid license for travel.
If you renew early, your new license will be valid for eight years from the date it is issued, not from the date your old license would have expired. This means your new expiration date will be eight years in the future, not five years from now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
No, Utah does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew either in person at a Driver License Division office or by mail. Some states offer online renewal, but Utah requires either an office visit or mailed documents.
What if I lost my current license?
If you lost your license, you cannot use mail renewal. Go in person to a Driver License Division office with your proof of identity and proof of residency. You will need to complete a replacement process, not a renewal form, and the fee is different.
How long is the temporary license valid?
The temporary paper license you receive after in-person renewal is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card should arrive by mail within that time. If it does not, contact the Driver License Division at 801-965-4437.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No, you must renew in person or submit the mail renewal yourself. The state requires your signature on the process form. If you are unable to visit an office or mail documents yourself, ask a family member or caregiver to help you prepare and mail the packet.
What if my address changed since my last license?
Update your address on the renewal form or tell the staff member when you renew in person. Your new license will show your current address. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address on Form DL-44 and include proof of residency at that address.