How to Renew Your Utah Driver's License

Where to renew and what documents you need

You can renew your Utah driver's license in person at any Driver License Division office or through the mail if you meet certain conditions. The in-person route takes about 30 minutes and happens the same day. The mail route takes two to three weeks but requires you to be a U.S. citizen, have no medical restrictions, and not need a new photo.

For either method, bring your current license and proof of identity. If renewing by mail, you'll also need a completed process for Renewal form (DL-43), which you can read from the Utah Driver License Division website or request by phone. Mail your documents to the address listed on the form along with the renewal fee.

Key Takeaways

In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office takes about 30 minutes and you leave with a temporary license the same day.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks and is only available if you're a U.S. citizen with no medical restrictions and don't need a new photo.
Your Utah license is valid for eight years if you're under 65, or four years if you're 65 or older.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so plan ahead during busy seasons.
The renewal fee varies depending on whether you choose a standard or Real ID-compliant license.

In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office

Walk-in service is available at all Utah Driver License Division offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy on weekday mornings and more crowded on Fridays and the days before holidays. You can check current wait times on the Utah Driver License Division website before you go.

Bring your current license, proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last renewal, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. You'll pay the renewal fee at the office—the amount depends on whether you want a standard license or a Real ID-compliant license, which costs more but can be used for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights.

When you complete your renewal, you'll receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within two weeks.

Mail renewal may be able to access and process

Mail renewal is faster to start but slower to finish. You can renew by mail only if you are a U.S. citizen, have no medical restrictions on your license, don't need a new photo, and your license is not suspended or revoked. If any of these don't explore to you, you must renew in person.

read or request the process for Renewal form (DL-43) from the Utah Driver License Division. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license, proof of identity, and the renewal fee to the address on the form. Include a check or money order—the office does not accept credit cards by mail. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, arriving in two to three weeks.

Real ID versus standard license: what's the difference

A Real ID-compliant license meets federal security standards and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. A standard Utah license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 2025, though you can still use a passport instead. The Real ID license costs more at renewal and requires you to show additional documents proving your identity and residency.

If you renew in person, the office will ask which type you want. If you renew by mail, you must specify on the process form. Most people choose Real ID because the extra cost is modest and the document is more useful for travel. If you're unsure, ask at the office or call the Driver License Division before mailing your process.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Renewal fees change periodically and vary by license type. As of your renewal date, a standard eight-year license costs one amount and a Real ID license costs more. The exact fee depends on your age and whether you're renewing early. The Utah Driver License Division website lists current fees, or you can call to confirm before you go in or mail your process.

At an office, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. By mail, you must send a check or money order—do not send cash. If your check is returned or the amount is incorrect, the office will contact you and your renewal will be delayed.

Timeline: when to renew and how long it takes

Your license expiration date is printed on the front. You can renew up to one year before it expires. Renewing early is useful if you travel frequently or want to avoid the rush near the expiration date. If you renew in person, you get a temporary license when ready and the permanent card within two weeks. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes two to three weeks from the day the office receives your process.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person using the same process—there is no penalty for renewing after expiration, but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before renewal is complete, renew in person to get the temporary license the same day.

What happens if your name or address has changed

If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document showing the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If only your address has changed, you don't need extra documents—just provide your current address on the process or tell the office staff when you renew in person.

If you've moved out of state and back to Utah, or if your previous address is no longer valid, the office will update your record when you renew. Bring a recent utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your current Utah address if the office asks for proof of residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Utah does not offer online renewal. You must renew in person at a Driver License Division office or by mail. In-person renewal is faster if you need to drive when ready, since you receive a temporary license the same day.

What if I lost my license before renewing it?

You can still renew by mail or in person. Bring your proof of identity instead of your old license. The office will issue a replacement license with your current expiration date, so you won't lose time on your renewal cycle.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

No appointment is required, but you can check wait times on the Utah Driver License Division website before you go. Some offices are less busy at certain times of day. If wait times are long, you can return another day or try a different office location.

How long is my temporary license good for?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card should arrive within two weeks, but if it doesn't, contact the Driver License Division. You can drive on the temporary license while you wait.

What if I'm 65 or older—is renewal different?

Yes. If you're 65 or older, your license is valid for four years instead of eight, so you renew more frequently. The renewal process is the same, but you may need to pass a vision test or medical exam depending on your circumstances. The office will tell you if additional testing is required.

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.