How to Get and Renew a Utah Driver's License

Where to explore for a Utah Driver's License

The Utah Driver License Division, part of the Utah Department of Public Safety, is the only office that issues driver's licenses and identification cards in the state. You cannot get a Utah license from a county clerk, a DMV office in another state, or an online service — you must go through this division.

The division operates a network of local offices across Utah. The main office is in Salt Lake City, but there are branch locations in most counties, including Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, and Vernal. Each office handles the same services: new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. You can walk in without an appointment at most locations, though wait times vary by time of day and season.

You can find the address and hours of your nearest office on the Utah Driver License Division website. The division also lists which documents you need to bring before you go, so you can avoid a second trip.

Key Takeaways

Utah issues driver's licenses and ID cards through the Driver License Division, which operates offices in most counties across the state.
You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to explore for a new license.
A standard Utah driver's license is valid for eight years, and you can renew it in person, by mail, or online depending on your situation.
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, you may need to report it to the division or provide a doctor's statement before you can get or keep your license.
The division charges a fee for licenses and renewals; the amount depends on the type of license and how long it is valid.

Documents You Need to Bring

The Utah Driver License Division requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. Bringing the wrong documents will delay your process, so check the division's website for the current list before you go.

For proof of identity, you can use a passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous driver's license. A school ID or a work badge does not count. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement with your name and Utah address. A credit card bill or a phone bill also works. The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letter from the IRS. If you have neither, the division can issue a license, but you will need to provide additional documentation and may face restrictions.

How Long a Utah License Is Valid

A standard Utah driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. If you are under 21 when you get your license, it expires on your 21st birthday. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for four years instead of eight.

The division sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice tells you whether you can renew by mail or online, or whether you must come in person. Most people can renew without visiting an office, but if you have changed your address, had a name change, or have not renewed in more than eight years, you will need to go in person.

Renewing Your License by Mail or Online

If your license is still valid and you have not had a major change (such as a name change or address change), you can renew by mail or online. The division's website has a tool that tells you which method you are allowed to use. Online renewal is faster — you pay the fee, upload a new photo if required, and your new license is mailed to you within two weeks. By mail, you fill out the renewal form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form.

Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal in some cases. Check the division's fee schedule on their website, as fees change and depend on how long your new license will be valid. You will need your current license number, your date of birth, and a valid email address to renew online.

Medical Conditions and Driving Restrictions

If you have a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely — such as a seizure disorder, severe vision loss, or a heart condition — you may need to report it to the Utah Driver License Division. Some conditions require you to provide a statement from your doctor before you can get or renew a license. Other conditions result in restrictions on your license, such as corrective lenses required, daylight driving only, or an automatic transmission required.

The division does not automatically know about your medical history. If you have a condition that affects your driving, tell the division when you explore or renew. If you develop a condition after you get your license, you can report it voluntarily, or the division may learn about it through a report from a doctor or a law enforcement officer. Hiding a medical condition that affects your driving can result in license suspension and liability if you cause an accident.

If the division denies your license or imposes restrictions because of a medical condition, you have the right to request a hearing and present evidence, including a statement from your own doctor.

Fees and Payment Methods

The Utah Driver License Division charges a fee for each license or renewal. The amount varies depending on the type of license (standard, commercial, motorcycle), how long it is valid, and whether you are renewing in person or by mail. A standard eight-year license costs less than a four-year license, and a renewal usually costs less than a new license.

You can pay by cash, check, money order, or debit card at an office. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order. If you renew online, you can pay by debit or credit card. The division does not accept credit cards at offices, only at the online renewal portal.

What to Do If Your License Is Lost or Suspended

If your license is lost or stolen, go to a Driver License Division office and ask for a replacement. Bring your ID and proof of residency. A replacement license costs less than a new license and is valid for the same amount of time as your original license.

If your license is suspended — for example, because of unpaid traffic fines, a DUI conviction, or medical reasons — you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to an office in person. The division will tell you what you need to do to lift the suspension. This may include paying a fine, completing a course, or providing a medical clearance. Until the suspension is lifted, you cannot legally drive in Utah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. Early renewal is useful if you are about to travel or if you want to update your photo. The new license will be valid for the full term (eight years for a standard license) from the date of renewal, not from the date your old license would have expired.

What if I move out of Utah?

You must get a driver's license from your new state within a certain time frame — usually 30 to 60 days. You cannot keep a Utah license if you no longer live in Utah. When you explore for a license in your new state, bring your Utah license and proof of your new address.

Do I need a medical exam to get a Utah driver's license?

No, not for a standard license. The division does not require a vision test or a medical exam at the office. However, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, you may need to provide a statement from your doctor. If you wear corrective lenses, you must be able to pass the vision screening at the office.

How do I change my name on my license?

You must go to a Driver License Division office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The division will issue a new license with your updated name. There is usually a small fee for this service.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is usually a fee for each test attempt. The division recommends studying the Utah Driver Handbook before you take the test. You can read it online or pick up a printed copy at any office.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.