What you need to do to get your license back
To reinstate a suspended Utah driver's license, you must first contact the Driver License Division to find out why it was suspended and what specific steps are required. Different suspension reasons have different reinstatement paths — some require you to pay a fee, others require you to complete a course or resolve a legal issue. Once you know the reason, you'll handle the reinstatement through the Driver License Division either in person, by mail, or online depending on the suspension type.
The Driver License Division is part of the Utah Department of Public Safety. You can reach them at 801-538-3800 or visit their office at 1095 Motor Avenue in Salt Lake City. They maintain records of every suspension and can tell you exactly what you need to do to restore your driving privileges.
Key Takeaways
- Call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 before taking any action — they will tell you the suspension reason and what reinstatement requires.
- Suspension reasons in Utah include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DUI convictions, medical conditions, and accumulating too many points.
- Most reinstatements require a fee (typically $50 to $100), but some also require completing a defensive driving course or paying outstanding fines.
- You can reinstate online for some suspension types, but others require you to visit a Driver License Division office or submit documents by mail.
- After reinstatement is approved, you may need to renew your physical license card if it has expired.
Call the Driver License Division to identify your suspension reason
Before you do anything else, contact the Driver License Division and ask them to look up your record. Tell them your name, date of birth, and driver's license number. They will tell you the exact reason your license was suspended and what you must do to reinstate it. This call takes 10 to 15 minutes and saves you from guessing or taking the wrong step.
The Driver License Division phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Time. If you cannot reach them by phone, you can visit in person at 1095 Motor Avenue, Salt Lake City, or mail a written request to Driver License Division, 1095 Motor Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84116. Include your name, date of birth, and driver's license number in any written request.
Common suspension reasons and what each one requires
Unpaid traffic fines or court costs: If your license was suspended because you did not pay a fine or court-ordered fee, you must pay the full amount owed. Once the Driver License Division receives confirmation of payment from the court, your suspension is lifted. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out the exact amount and payment method.
Failure to appear in court: If you missed a court date, you must resolve the failure to appear charge before reinstatement. This usually means contacting the court, explaining your absence, and either rescheduling or paying any penalty the judge imposes. The court will notify the Driver License Division once the matter is resolved.
DUI or impaired driving conviction: A DUI suspension requires completion of an alcohol education program approved by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. You must enroll in the program, complete it, and provide proof of completion to the Driver License Division. You will also pay a reinstatement fee. Some DUI suspensions also require installation of an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
Medical suspension: If your license was suspended due to a medical condition, you must obtain a medical clearance from your doctor. The Driver License Division will provide you with a form to give your physician. Once your doctor signs it and returns it to the Driver License Division, your suspension may be lifted.
Too many points on your driving record: Utah suspends licenses when drivers accumulate 200 or more points within three years. To reinstate, you must wait out the suspension period (typically 3 months for a first suspension) and then pay the reinstatement fee. You can also take a defensive driving course to reduce points on your record.
Pay the reinstatement fee
Most suspensions require a reinstatement fee. In Utah, this fee is typically $50 for a standard reinstatement, though some suspension types cost more. The Driver License Division will tell you the exact amount when you call. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check.
If you are paying online or by phone, have your driver's license number and the fee amount ready. If you are paying in person at the Driver License Division office, bring a valid form of payment. If you are paying by mail, send a check or money order along with a letter stating your name, date of birth, driver's license number, and the reason for reinstatement.
Complete any required courses or documentation
Depending on your suspension reason, you may need to complete additional steps before the Driver License Division will reinstate your license. DUI suspensions require an alcohol education program. Some suspensions require a defensive driving course. Medical suspensions require a doctor's clearance form.
Ask the Driver License Division which courses or documents you need and where to find them. For alcohol education programs, the Department of Health and Human Services maintains a list of approved providers. For defensive driving courses, search online for "Utah defensive driving course" — many are offered online and take 4 to 8 hours to complete. Once you finish, the course provider will send proof of completion to the Driver License Division, or you will receive a certificate to submit yourself.
Submit your reinstatement request
Once you have paid the fee and completed any required courses or documentation, submit your reinstatement request. The method depends on your suspension type.
Online reinstatement: Some suspension types can be reinstated through the Utah Driver License Division website. Visit dmv.utah.gov and look for the reinstatement option. You will need your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online reinstatement is available for suspensions related to unpaid fines (once paid) and some other non-criminal suspensions.
In-person reinstatement: Visit the Driver License Division office at 1095 Motor Avenue, Salt Lake City, or any other Driver License Division office in the state. Bring your driver's license, proof of payment, and any completion certificates. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Mail reinstatement: Send a letter to Driver License Division, 1095 Motor Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, including your name, date of birth, driver's license number, proof of payment, and copies of any required documents. Mail processing takes 7 to 14 business days.
Renew your license card if it has expired
After your suspension is lifted, check the expiration date on your license card. If it has expired while your license was suspended, you will need to renew it. You can renew online at dmv.utah.gov, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office. Renewal by mail or online takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal is when ready.
To renew, you will need your current license card, proof of identity, and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease). The renewal fee is $35 for a standard license. If you renew in person, bring these documents to any Driver License Division office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does reinstatement take?
Online reinstatement is usually processed within 24 hours. In-person reinstatement at a Driver License Division office takes 15 to 30 minutes. Mail reinstatement takes 7 to 14 business days. If you have to complete a course or resolve a legal matter first, add the time needed for that step.
Can I drive while my reinstatement is being processed?
No. Driving with a suspended license is illegal in Utah and can result in additional fines, criminal charges, and a longer suspension. Wait until the Driver License Division confirms your reinstatement is complete before driving.
What if I cannot pay the reinstatement fee right away?
Contact the Driver License Division and ask about payment plans or fee waivers. Some suspension types may have options for reduced fees based on financial hardship, though this varies. The Driver License Division can discuss your situation and explain what options are available.
Do I need to take a written test to reinstate my license?
No. Reinstatement does not require a written or driving test. You only need to complete the specific requirements for your suspension type (fee, course, documentation) and submit your reinstatement request.
What if my license was suspended for a reason I disagree with?
You have the right to request a hearing with the Driver License Division. Contact them and ask about the hearing process. You can present your case and challenge the suspension. The hearing must be requested within a certain timeframe, so ask about important date when you call.