Renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and when it expires
Utah lets you renew your driver's license through three routes: online at a computer, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office. Which one you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, how long until it expires, and what kind of license you hold. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your renewal window opens 12 months before your license expires. You can renew anytime during that year, and your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew (or four years if you are under 21). The state mails your new license to the address on file, so plan ahead if you have moved recently.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Utah Driver License Division website is the fastest option if your license is valid and you have not changed your address, name, or medical status.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the state receives your process and requires a check or money order for the renewal fee.
- In-person renewal is required if your license has expired, you need to update your address or legal name, or you have certain medical conditions that require a vision test.
- Your new license arrives by mail within 10 business days of approval, so renew before your current license expires to avoid driving with an expired license.
- The renewal fee is the same regardless of which method you choose, and you will need your Social Security number and current license number to start the process.
Online renewal through the state website
The Utah Driver License Division website allows you to renew online if your current license is valid (not expired), you have not changed your name or address, and you do not have certain medical conditions that require a vision test. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee.
Go to the Driver License Division website, select the renewal option, and answer the questions about your current information. The system will confirm your identity and process your payment. You will receive a confirmation number when ready, and your new license will be mailed to the address on your current license within 10 business days.
Online renewal is the fastest method and requires no office visit or mail time. However, if you have moved, changed your legal name, or have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you must renew in person instead.
Mail renewal when you cannot visit an office
You can renew by mail if your license is still valid and you do not need to change your address, name, or medical information. read the renewal form from the Driver License Division website (form DL-43), fill it out completely, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.
The state processes mail renewals in the order they arrive. Once your process reaches the office, it typically takes two to three weeks for your new license to be mailed to you. Write your driver's license number on the check or money order so the office can match your payment to your process.
Mail renewal is slower than online renewal but works well if you prefer not to use the internet or if you are renewing early and want to avoid an office visit. Keep a copy of the form and your payment confirmation for your records.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, you need to change your address or legal name, you have a medical condition that requires a vision test, or you are renewing a commercial driver's license. You will also need an in-person visit if you are renewing for the first time after turning 21 or if you are a non-citizen with a limited-term license.
Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you have a medical condition, the office may require a vision test or a statement from your doctor.
Visit the Driver License Division office locator on the state website to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to schedule an appointment. Your new license is typically issued the same day, though you will still receive a mailed copy within 10 business days.
What happens if your license has already expired
If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you cannot renew it—you must reapply as if you were getting a license for the first time. This means taking the written test, the vision test, and the driving test at a Driver License Division office. You will also need to provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and Utah residency.
If your license expired within the last 12 months, you can still renew it through any of the three methods (online, mail, or in person), but you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives. Do not wait until your license expires to start the renewal process. Begin during the 12-month window before expiration so your new license arrives before the old one runs out.
Renewal fees and what to expect in the mail
The renewal fee varies depending on your license type and how long you are renewing it for. A standard eight-year renewal costs less than a four-year renewal. The Driver License Division website lists the current fee when you start the online renewal process, or you can call the office to ask before you mail in your process.
Your new license arrives as a plastic card in a mailed envelope. The envelope also includes a temporary paper license that is valid when ready and allows you to drive while you wait for the plastic card. If you do not receive your new license within 15 business days of approval, contact the Driver License Division office to check the status.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If you have moved or changed your legal name, you must renew in person at a Driver License Division office. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) and, if you changed your name, a certified copy of the document that shows the change.
The office will update your information in the system and issue your new license the same day. Your license will be mailed to your new address within 10 business days. If you move before your new license arrives, contact the office to update your mailing address so it reaches you at the correct location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No. If your license expired more than 12 months ago, you must reapply from the beginning, which includes passing the written test, vision test, and driving test. If it expired within the last 12 months, you can still renew through the normal process.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?
Your new license is mailed within 10 business days of approval. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that allows you to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive by mail.
What if I moved and my renewal was mailed to my old address?
Contact the Driver License Division office as soon as possible with your new address. If the envelope has not been delivered yet, they may be able to redirect it. If it was already delivered to your old address, ask the new resident to mark it "return to sender" or contact the office for a replacement.
Do I need a vision test to renew my license?
Not for online or mail renewal, unless you have a medical condition that affects your vision or driving ability. If you renew in person, the office may require a vision test depending on your age and medical history.
Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?
No. Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at a Driver License Division office because they require a medical examination and additional testing.