How to Renew Your Utah Driver's License

Utah driver's license renewal happens online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office

Utah offers three paths to renew your driver's license, and which one you can use depends on how much time is left before yours expires and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license. The online renewal system is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no office visit. In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office is necessary if you cannot renew online or by mail, or if you want to update your photo or address.

Your current license must not be expired by more than five years to renew it at all. If it has been expired longer than that, you will need to explore for a new license instead, which involves taking a written test and a driving test. Utah does not issue temporary licenses during the renewal process, so plan ahead if you need your license for identification or driving.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Utah Driver License Division website takes about 10 minutes and is available if your license expires within the next 180 days and you do not need a Real ID.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the Driver License Division office.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office takes about 30 minutes and is required if you need a Real ID, want to change your photo, or cannot renew online or by mail.
Your license must not be expired by more than five years; if it has been expired longer, you must explore for a new license and take the written and driving tests.
Renewal fees in Utah are $35 for a standard four-year license and $60 for a Real ID-compliant license.

Online renewal: fastest option if your license is not yet expired

The Utah Driver License Division online renewal system is the quickest way to renew if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license expires within the next 180 days, you do not need a Real ID, and your address has not changed. The system accepts payment by debit card or credit card.

Go to the Utah Driver License Division website, select "Renew Your License Online," and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity and confirm your address. Once you submit payment, your new license will be mailed to you within 10 to 15 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will explain why — usually because your license has already expired, you need a Real ID, or your address needs to be updated. In those cases, you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal: two to three weeks without leaving home

Mail renewal is an option if your license has not been expired for more than five years and you do not need a Real ID. You will need to complete Form DL-44 (process for a Utah Driver License or Identification Card) or Form DL-43 (Renewal process for a Utah Driver License or Identification Card), depending on whether your address or other information has changed. Both forms are available on the Utah Driver License Division website.

Mail your completed form, your current license, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the Driver License Division office. The address is on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope with postage if you want your new license mailed back to you. Processing takes two to three weeks from the day the office receives your process. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time.

If you need to update your address, add a Real ID designation, or change your photo, you cannot use mail renewal — you must renew in person.

In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office

Renewing in person is required if you need a Real ID-compliant license, want to update your photo, or need to change your address. It is also the only option if your license has been expired for more than five years. The Driver License Division has offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and St. George, as well as several smaller cities. You can find the full list and hours on the Utah Driver License Division website.

Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you are renewing a Real ID license, you will also need to bring proof of your identity (such as a passport or birth certificate) and proof of your legal presence in the United States. The office will take a new photo and issue your license on the spot or within a few days.

Wait times vary by location and time of day. The Salt Lake City office is typically busier than offices in smaller cities. You can check current wait times on the Utah Driver License Division website before you go. Most in-person renewals take about 30 minutes from check-in to completion.

Real ID requirements and when you need one

A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or another federally accepted form of identification to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have a gold star, you will need to renew it as a Real ID license before that date.

Real ID renewal requires an in-person visit to a Driver License Division office. You will need to bring proof of your identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate), proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your legal presence in the United States (such as a passport, visa, or employment authorization document). The Real ID renewal fee is $60 for a four-year license, compared to $35 for a standard license.

If you do not plan to fly or enter federal buildings, you do not need a Real ID license. You can continue to renew your standard license online or by mail.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your Utah driver's license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This requires an in-person visit to a Driver License Division office, and you will need to take a written test and a driving test.

Bring proof of your identity, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and proof of your legal presence in the United States. You will also need to bring a completed Form DL-44 (process for a Utah Driver License or Identification Card). The office will administer the written test on a computer. If you pass, you will schedule a driving test with an examiner. Once you pass the driving test, your new license will be issued.

The written test covers Utah traffic laws and safe driving practices. You can study the Utah Driver Handbook, which is available on the Driver License Division website, to prepare. The driving test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving in various conditions.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Utah driver's license renewal fees are $35 for a standard four-year license and $60 for a Real ID-compliant four-year license. If you renew online or by mail, you can pay by check, money order, or credit or debit card. If you renew in person, you can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.

The renewal fee covers the cost of producing and mailing your new license. There are no additional fees for online renewal, mail renewal, or in-person renewal. If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, the replacement fee is the same as the renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Utah driver's license if I have moved out of state?

Yes, you can renew by mail or online if you meet the other requirements, even if you now live outside Utah. If you need a Real ID or want to update your address to an out-of-state address, you will need to renew in person at a Driver License Division office in Utah, or you can contact the office to ask about exceptions.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 to 15 business days after you submit your online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not receive it within three weeks, contact the Driver License Division office.

What happens if I renew my license but it arrives after my current license has expired?

You can legally drive on your expired license while you are waiting for your renewed license to arrive in the mail, as long as you have proof that you submitted your renewal process. Keep your renewal confirmation email or receipt with you while driving.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my license online or by mail?

No. Online and mail renewal use your current photo from your existing license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a Driver License Division office.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or unpaid fine?

Utah does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic fines, but you should contact the court or the Driver License Division office to confirm your status before renewing. Some courts may place a hold on your license if fines are significantly overdue.

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.