What You Need to Renew in Wyoming

Wyoming renews driver's licenses by mail or in person at a county clerk's office. You do not have to take a new written test or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than one year, or unless the state has flagged your record for a retest. Most people straightforward submit their current license, a completed form, and a fee — the new license arrives in the mail within two to three weeks.

The process is straightforward if your address hasn't changed and you have no outstanding tickets or holds on your record. If either of those things is true, you'll need to handle them before renewing, or you may be asked to come in person instead of renewing by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Wyoming allows you to renew by mail if your license is not expired by more than one year and you have no holds or address changes.
  • You will need your current license, the renewal form (DL-43), proof of residency if your address changed, and the renewal fee, which varies by license type and term length.
  • Mail renewals take two to three weeks; in-person renewals at a county clerk's office are faster but require a trip to your local office during business hours.
  • If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests.

Renewing by Mail: The Fastest Route

To renew by mail, start by getting form DL-43 from the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) website or by calling your county clerk's office. Fill out the form completely — it asks for your name, address, date of birth, and license number. Sign and date it.

Mail the form along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to your county clerk's office. The fee depends on your license type and how long you want the license to be valid — typically $20 to $30 for a standard renewal. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the new license returned by regular mail, or pay extra for certified mail if you need it faster.

Your new license will arrive in two to three weeks. During that time, you can still drive using your old license as long as it is not expired. Once the new one arrives, destroy the old one or return it to your county clerk if they request it.

Renewing in Person at Your County Clerk's Office

If you prefer to renew in person, or if you cannot renew by mail, visit your county clerk's office with your current license, form DL-43 (filled out), and your renewal fee. Bring proof of residency if your address has changed — a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

County clerk offices are open during standard business hours, usually Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by county. Call ahead to confirm your local office's hours and whether you need an appointment. Some counties accept walk-ins; others require you to schedule a time slot online or by phone.

In-person renewal is faster — you usually leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. The permanent license arrives within one to two weeks.

When You Must Renew in Person

You cannot renew by mail if your license has been expired for more than one year. In that case, you must go to your county clerk's office in person. You will also need to retake the written test and vision test before your license is renewed.

You must also renew in person if you have an outstanding warrant, unpaid traffic fines, or a suspension or revocation on your record. The clerk's office will check the state database when you arrive and can tell you whether any holds exist. If there are holds, you'll need to resolve them — pay fines, clear warrants, or complete a suspension period — before the office will process your renewal.

If your address has changed and you do not have proof of residency, you may be asked to renew in person instead of by mail. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and current address.

What Happens If Your License Is Expired

If your license expired less than one year ago, you can still renew by mail using the same process. Wyoming does not charge a penalty for renewing a license that is slightly expired.

If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person and retake both the written and vision tests. You will also need to bring proof of residency and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The renewal fee is the same, but the process takes longer because of the testing requirement.

Finding Your County Clerk's Office and Renewal Fees

Wyoming has 23 county clerk's offices, one in each county. Find your county clerk's contact information and hours on the WYDOT website or by searching "[your county name] Wyoming clerk's office." Each office handles renewals for residents in that county.

Renewal fees vary by license type and term. A standard driver's license renewed for four years costs around $20 to $25; a commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more. Some counties accept cash, check, or money order; others accept credit or debit cards. Call your county clerk's office to confirm what payment methods they take and the exact fee for your license type.

What to Do If You've Changed Your Name or Address

If you've changed your name since your last license was issued, include a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Mail it with your renewal form, or bring it in person. Your new license will show your current legal name.

If you've changed your address, update it on form DL-43 before you mail it or bring it in. If you're renewing by mail, include proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days). If you're renewing in person, bring the same proof. Your new license will show your current address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Wyoming license if I live out of state?

Yes. If you live outside Wyoming but hold a Wyoming license, you can renew by mail using the same process — send your form DL-43, current license, and fee to your county clerk's office. You do not need to return to Wyoming in person unless your license has been expired for more than one year or you have holds on your record.

What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

Contact your county clerk's office when ready and ask them to stop the mail renewal. You can then explore for a replacement license in person at the clerk's office. Bring your form DL-43, proof of residency, and the replacement fee (usually $5 to $10). You'll receive a temporary paper license and a permanent license by mail within one to two weeks.

Do I need to pass a vision test to renew by mail?

No, not if your license is current and not expired by more than one year. Mail renewal assumes you still meet the vision standard. If your license has been expired for more than one year, or if the state has flagged your record, you must renew in person and pass a vision test at the clerk's office.

How long is a Wyoming driver's license valid after renewal?

Wyoming driver's licenses are typically valid for four years from the date of renewal. You can choose a shorter term (one or two years) when you renew, though the fee is the same. Check your new license when it arrives to confirm the expiration date.

What if my county clerk's office is far away?

If you live far from your county clerk's office and your license is current, renew by mail — it's the fastest and easiest option. If you must renew in person, some counties allow you to renew at a satellite office or partner location. Call your county clerk's office to ask whether other locations are available in your area.