Utah driver licenses expire every five years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office

Utah sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before expiration. The easiest route for most people is the online renewal system at dmv.utah.gov, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $33. If you cannot renew online — because your license is suspended, you need to change your address, or you have other restrictions — you will need to renew by mail or visit a Driver License Division office in person.

Your renewal method depends on what has changed since your last license and whether you have a REAL ID-compliant license. If your current license is already REAL ID-compliant (marked with a gold star in the upper right corner), online renewal keeps that status. If your license is not REAL ID-compliant and you want it to be, you must renew in person with original documents.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through dmv.utah.gov is the fastest option and costs $33, but only works if your license is not suspended and your information has not changed.
  • You can renew up to one year before your license expires, and Utah will send a renewal notice about 60 days before the expiration date.
  • If you need to change your address, add REAL ID status, or your license is suspended, you must renew in person at a Driver License Division office with required documents.
  • Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal and requires you to send your current license to the state, leaving you without it for several weeks.
  • A renewed license is valid for five years from the date of renewal, not from your original expiration date.

Online renewal through dmv.utah.gov

Online renewal is available if your current license is valid (not suspended or revoked), you have not changed your address, and you do not need to update your name, gender marker, or other personal information. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid email address. The system will verify your identity using information from your driver record and may ask security questions.

Once approved, you will receive a confirmation email with a temporary license number you can use when ready. Your physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The $33 fee is charged to a debit or credit card during the online transaction. This method does not require you to visit an office or mail anything in.

In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, you need to change your address, update your name or gender marker, add REAL ID status, or if online renewal was not available to you. Utah has Driver License Division offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times at dmv.utah.gov.

Bring your current license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other state ID), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you are adding REAL ID status, you will also need proof of Social Security number (Social Security card or W-2) and a second form of identity. The in-person renewal fee is $33, and you can pay by cash, check, or card. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your physical license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal

Mail renewal is an option if you cannot visit an office and do not meet the requirements for online renewal. You will need to request a renewal form from the Driver License Division by calling 801-538-3800 or visiting a local office. Complete the form, include a copy of your current license (front and back), and mail everything to the address provided on the form along with a check or money order for $33.

Mail renewal takes significantly longer than online or in-person renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks or more depending on mail delivery time. You will be without your physical license during this period. The state will mail your renewed license to the address on file. If you need to change your address, you must do this in person or online; mail renewal cannot process address changes.

REAL ID compliance and renewal

A REAL ID-compliant license is marked with a gold star and meets federal standards for identification. If your current license already has the gold star, online or mail renewal will keep that status. If your license does not have the gold star and you want REAL ID compliance, you must renew in person with original documents: a passport or birth certificate, proof of Social Security number, and proof of current address.

REAL ID compliance is not required for driver licenses in Utah, but it is required for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings. If you do not need REAL ID status, you can renew without it. Your choice at renewal does not affect your ability to drive in Utah.

What happens if your license expires

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Utah, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by police, you can show your temporary license number or renewal confirmation email as proof that you have applied, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. It is best to complete your renewal before the expiration date on your current license.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. To avoid this, renew before your license expires or within one year of expiration.

Changing your address during renewal

If you have moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you will need to renew in person or by phone. Call the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 to ask about phone-based address updates, though most address changes require an in-person visit.

Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) when you visit an office. Your renewed license will show your new address. If you have moved but have not yet updated your address with the state, do this as soon as possible — your license address should match where you actually live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it is suspended?

No. You cannot renew a suspended license online or by mail. You must visit a Driver License Division office in person, and the suspension must be resolved before renewal is possible. Contact the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps are needed to clear it.

How long is my renewed license valid?

A renewed license is valid for five years from the date of renewal, not from your original expiration date. If you renew in January 2025, your new license will expire in January 2030, regardless of when your old license expired.

What if I lose my license before it arrives in the mail?

Contact the Driver License Division at 801-538-3800 to report the loss. You can request a replacement license, which costs $20. You will need to visit an office in person or explore by mail. In the meantime, your temporary license number or renewal confirmation email can serve as proof that you have a valid license.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are not required at most Utah Driver License Division offices, but you can check wait times and office hours at dmv.utah.gov before you visit. Some offices may recommend appointments during busy times, so it is worth checking your local office's policy.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot change your name online or by mail. You must visit a Driver License Division office in person with your current license, proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of identity. The office will process the name change and issue a new license on the spot.