Utah driver's licenses expire every eight years, and you can renew yours online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation
Your Utah driver's license expires on your birthday in the year listed on the card. If you have a standard license, that's eight years from when you got it. If you're over 65, your license expires every five years instead. You don't have to wait until the expiration date to renew — you can start the process up to one year before it expires, which gives you flexibility to avoid the rush.
The fastest route for most people is online through the Utah Driver License Division website, which takes about 15 minutes and costs $33. If you can't renew online, you can mail in your process or visit a Driver Services office in person. The method you use depends on whether you've had any changes to your information, whether your license was lost or damaged, and how quickly you need the new one.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Utah Driver License Division website is available if your license is still valid and you haven't changed your name, address, or other key information.
- You can start renewing up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last minute.
- By-mail renewal takes about two to three weeks for processing, while in-person renewal at a Driver Services office is when ready.
- If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot renew online and must go to a Driver Services office or mail in a replacement process.
- The renewal fee is $33 for a standard eight-year license, and you'll need a valid payment method if renewing online.
Online renewal: the fastest option for most people
Online renewal is available if your current license is valid (not expired), you haven't changed your name, and your address on file is still correct. You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the driver's license number from your current card. The system will verify your identity and let you know when ready if you're cleared to renew.
The fee is $33, paid by debit or credit card. Once you complete the transaction, you'll receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, typically arriving within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your current license remains valid, so you can still drive legally.
You cannot renew online if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, if you lost or damaged your card, or if you're renewing for the first time after moving to Utah. In those cases, you'll need to use the mail or in-person option.
By-mail renewal: no office visit required
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you don't need to make changes to your name or address. You'll need to complete the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL-43), which you can read from the Utah Driver License Division website or request by phone. Include your current license, a check or money order for $33 made out to the Utah Driver License Division, and mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes about two to three weeks from the time the Driver License Division receives your envelope. There's no way to track the process once it's in the mail, so plan ahead if you have an upcoming trip or need your license for a specific reason. If you don't hear back within four weeks, contact the Driver License Division to confirm they received it.
Mail renewal is useful if you're busy, live far from an office, or prefer not to go in person. The trade-off is the wait time — if you need your license quickly, in-person renewal is faster.
In-person renewal at a Driver Services office
Visiting a Driver Services office gives you the fastest turnaround: you can walk out with a temporary license the same day and receive your permanent card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll need to bring your current driver's license, proof of Utah residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $33 by cash, check, card, or money order.
Driver Services offices are located throughout Utah. You can find the nearest one and check hours on the Utah Driver License Division website. Most offices don't require an appointment, but some locations accept them — calling ahead can save you a wait. Bring all documents with you; if something is missing, you may have to come back.
In-person renewal is the best choice if your license has expired, if you need to change your address or name, if your license was lost or damaged, or if you need a valid ID when ready. It's also the only option if you're renewing for the first time as a Utah resident.
What to do if your license is expired
If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a Driver Services office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and $33. The office will process your renewal the same way as a standard renewal, and you'll receive a temporary license to use while your permanent one is mailed.
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Utah, even if you've started the renewal process. If you're stopped by police, you could face a citation. If your license expired more than a year ago, you may be required to pass a vision test or written exam before renewing — ask the office when you call or visit.
Changing your name or address during renewal
If you've changed your name or moved to a new address, you cannot use online renewal. You'll need to renew in person at a Driver Services office or by mail. For a name change, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For an address change, bring proof of residency at your new address, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days.
By-mail renewal with a name change takes longer because the Driver License Division has to verify the legal document. In-person renewal is faster if you need the change processed quickly. Either way, the fee remains $33.
Lost, stolen, or damaged license renewal
If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you cannot renew it online. You must go to a Driver Services office in person or mail in a replacement process. The fee is the same ($33), but you'll need to complete a different form — the Driver License Replacement process (Form DL-44) — instead of the renewal form.
When you visit an office, tell staff that you're replacing a lost or damaged license. They'll take a new photo and issue a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and keep the report number for your records, though it's not required for the replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can start renewing up to one year before your expiration date. This is useful if you want to avoid waiting in line close to your birthday or if you're planning a trip and want a fresh license.
What if I moved out of state and then moved back to Utah?
If you're renewing a Utah license after living elsewhere, you'll need to renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Utah residency, and $33. You may also need to pass a vision test depending on how long you've been away.
How long does a temporary license last?
A temporary license issued in person is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary gives you time to receive it. If your permanent license doesn't arrive within two weeks, contact the Driver License Division.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
If you renew online or by mail, your photo stays the same. If you renew in person, you'll have a new photo taken. Some people prefer in-person renewal for this reason, especially if their current photo is old.
What if I have a commercial driver's license?
Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) in Utah expire every five years, not eight. You cannot renew a CDL online — you must renew in person at a Driver Services office. Bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and $33, plus any medical certification if required for your class of license.