Utah driver's licenses expire on your birthday, four or eight years after you receive them

Your Utah driver's license expires on the same date as your birthday. If you are under 65, your license lasts eight years. If you are 65 or older, your license lasts four years. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card, so you can check it there without guessing.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush or to get a new photo. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face a late fee and will need to pass a vision test at the time of renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • Utah driver's licenses expire on your birthday, either four or eight years after issue depending on your age.
  • The expiration date is printed on the front of your license card.
  • You can renew up to one year before expiration through the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles in person, by mail, or online.
  • Renewing after your license has expired may cost more and requires a vision test.
  • If you turn 65, your next renewal will be for a four-year license instead of eight.

How the eight-year and four-year cycles work

When you first get a Utah driver's license, the Division of Motor Vehicles assigns you an expiration date based on your age at the time of issue. If you are under 65, you receive an eight-year license. This means your license will be valid for eight years from the date you receive it, and it will expire on your birthday in the eighth year.

If you are 65 or older when you receive your license, or if you turn 65 before your current license expires, your license is valid for only four years. The shorter cycle is a state requirement for drivers in this age group. When your four-year license expires and you renew, you will receive another four-year license unless state law changes.

Where to find your expiration date

Look at the front of your physical driver's license card. The expiration date is printed in the lower right corner and is labeled "Exp" or "Expires". The format is typically MM/DD/YYYY. You do not need to contact the Division of Motor Vehicles to find this information — it is always on the card itself.

If you have lost your license or cannot read the expiration date clearly, you can call the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles at 801-297-7780 or visit their website to look up your license status. You will need your name, date of birth, and driver's license number.

Renewing before your license expires

You can renew your Utah driver's license up to one year before the expiration date. This is the easiest and least expensive path. You have three options: renew in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles office, renew by mail, or renew online through the Utah DMV website.

Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have a valid Social Security number on file, and you do not need to change your address or other information. The process takes a few minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.

If you prefer to renew in person, you can visit any Division of Motor Vehicles office. Bring your current license and proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, and you can receive a temporary license to use while your new card is mailed to you.

What happens if your license has already expired

If your license has expired, you can still renew it, but the process is more involved and costs more. You will need to visit a Division of Motor Vehicles office in person — you cannot renew by mail or online once your license is past the expiration date. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

You will be required to pass a vision test before your renewal is processed. The late renewal fee varies but is typically higher than a standard renewal. You will also receive a temporary license on the spot so you can drive legally while your new card is mailed to you.

Renewing when you turn 65

If you turn 65 before your current license expires, your license remains valid until the printed expiration date. You do not need to renew early just because of your age. However, when you do renew — whether before or after that expiration date — your new license will be issued for four years instead of eight.

Plan ahead if your birthday is coming up and your license will expire soon after. You may want to renew before you turn 65 to keep your eight-year license, or you can wait and accept the four-year renewal. Either choice is valid; it depends on your preference.

What you need to bring to renew in person

If you renew at a Division of Motor Vehicles office, bring your current or expired driver's license. You will also need one document proving your current address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID that shows your address counts as well.

You will need to provide your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring documentation of your immigration status. The office staff can tell you what documents are acceptable if you are unsure. Bring your payment method — cash, debit card, or credit card — because the renewal fee must be paid at the time of renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive after my license expires?

No. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Utah, even if you are only one day past the expiration date. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. Renew before the date on your card to avoid this risk.

How much does it cost to renew a Utah driver's license?

The renewal fee depends on the type of license and whether you are renewing early or late. Standard renewal fees range, but late renewal fees are higher. Contact the Division of Motor Vehicles or check their website for the current fee schedule, as amounts can change.

What if I move out of Utah before my license expires?

You should get a driver's license from your new state. Utah will not renew your license by mail if you no longer live in the state. If you move back to Utah later, you can renew your expired Utah license in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles office.

How long does it take to get a renewed license in the mail?

After you renew in person or by mail, your new license typically arrives within one to two weeks. If you renew online, the timeline is similar. If you need to drive before your new card arrives, ask for a temporary license at the office — you can use it for 30 days.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

You can renew without a new photo if you renew by mail or online. If you renew in person, you have the option to take a new photo or keep your old one. Taking a new photo costs extra but is not required unless your current photo is damaged or unreadable.