What you need to do to renew in Utah
Utah renews driver licenses by mail, online, or in person at a Driver License Division office. The method you use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time is left before it expires, and whether you need to update your photo or address. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, which takes a few days to a couple of weeks. If you need a new photo or have had a name change, you must go in person.
Your Utah license is valid for eight years if you are under 65, or four years if you are 65 or older. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. The state charges a renewal fee that varies depending on your age and the method you choose — in-person renewal costs more than online or mail renewal.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online or by mail if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo or address change.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office is required if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you have changed your name.
- Online renewal is the fastest option and usually takes one to three business days; mail renewal takes one to two weeks.
- You can start the renewal process up to one year before your license expires, so you have time to plan ahead.
- The renewal fee depends on your age and the method you choose, with online and mail options costing less than in-person renewal.
Renewing online through the Utah Driver License website
Online renewal is the quickest and least expensive option if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You go to the Utah Driver License Division website, create or log into your account, and answer questions about your current information. The system will ask whether anything has changed — your address, name, or medical conditions — and you confirm or update as needed.
You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method for the renewal fee. Once you submit, the state processes your request and mails your new license to the address on file. Most people receive their renewed license within one to three business days, though mail delivery adds a few more days depending on where you live.
Renewing by mail with a paper form
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you do not need a new photo. You request a renewal form from the Driver License Division by phone at 801-538-3800 or by visiting a local office, or you can read the form from their website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Processing time for mail renewal is typically one to two weeks from the date the state receives your envelope, plus the time it takes for mail to arrive both ways. This method is slower than online renewal but works well if you prefer not to use a website or do not have a payment card available.
Renewing in person at a Driver License Division office
You must renew in person if your current license has expired, if you need a new photo, if you have changed your name, or if you want to update your address and cannot do so online. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 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.
Find your nearest Driver License Division office on the state website and check their hours before you go. Most offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment online or by phone. Bring your payment method for the renewal fee. The office will take a new photo, verify your information, and issue your renewed license on the spot or mail it to you depending on the office location.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit to a Driver License Division office with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The process is more involved than renewal because the state treats it as a new process rather than an update to an existing one.
If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew it using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. The state considers this a renewal rather than a new process, so the process is simpler and faster. Do not wait longer than one year after expiration, or you will lose the renewal option.
Fees and payment methods for Utah license renewal
The renewal fee depends on your age and how long your new license will be valid. Licenses are issued for eight years if you are under 65, or four years if you are 65 or older. Online and mail renewal cost less than in-person renewal because the state charges a lower fee for those methods. The exact fee amounts change periodically, so check the Driver License Division website or call 801-538-3800 to confirm the current cost before you renew.
Online renewal accepts credit cards and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards at most offices, though some locations may have different payment options — call ahead if you want to confirm what your local office accepts.
Tracking your renewed license and what to do if it does not arrive
If you renewed online or by mail, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. There is no tracking number provided, so you cannot check the status of your license in the mail. Online renewal typically arrives within one to three business days of approval, plus mail delivery time. Mail renewal takes longer because the state must first receive and process your envelope.
If your renewed license does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800. Have your license number and Social Security number ready. The office can check whether your renewal was processed and whether your license was mailed. If there was a problem with your address or payment, they can tell you what to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Utah license if I live out of state?
Yes. If you are a Utah resident living temporarily out of state, you can renew online or by mail using the same process as someone in Utah. Your renewed license will be mailed to whatever address you provide. If you have moved to another state permanently and changed your residency, you should transfer your license to that state rather than renew in Utah.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
You can update your address online during the renewal process if you renew online. If you renew by mail, include your new address on the form and the state will mail your license there. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address and the office will update it for you.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No, not unless your current photo is more than eight years old or you choose to have a new one taken. If you renew online or by mail, your existing photo stays on your license. If you renew in person, the office will take a new photo automatically.
How long can I drive on an expired license while waiting for my renewal?
You cannot legally drive on an expired license. If you renewed online or by mail and your license has already expired, you should not drive until your renewed license arrives. If your license is about to expire and you have started the renewal process, renew online for the fastest turnaround so your new license arrives before the old one expires.
What if I made a mistake on my renewal form?
If you renewed online or by mail and made an error, contact the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 as soon as possible. They may be able to correct it before your license is printed. If your license is already printed with the wrong information, you will need to renew again or visit an office in person to request a correction.