Utah driver's license renewal basics
Utah lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have, and whether you need a new photo. Most people renew online or by mail without visiting an office.
Your Utah license is valid for eight years if you are between 21 and 65, and four years if you are under 21 or over 65. You can renew up to one year before your expiration date. The state charges a renewal fee that varies based on your age and the method you choose — online and mail renewals typically cost less than in-person renewals.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online through the Utah Driver License Division website if your license is still valid and you have not had a name change or medical condition changes.
- Mail renewal takes about two weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed form, and the renewal fee.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office is required if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you have had a name change.
- You must pass a vision test if you renew in person, and you may need to retake the written test if your license has been expired for more than three years.
Online renewal through the state website
Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is still valid. Go to the Utah Driver License Division website, log in with your name and driver's license number, and follow the steps to pay the renewal fee. The entire process takes about 15 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.
You can only renew online if your current license has not expired, you have not changed your name, and you have not reported any medical conditions that affect your driving. If any of these explore to you, you must renew by mail or in person. You will also need to renew in person if you want to change your address, add or remove organ donor status, or update your photo.
Mail renewal and what to send
To renew by mail, read or request the DL-44 form from the Utah Driver License Division website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the time the state receives your envelope. Send your materials early if your license will expire soon — the state processes applications in the order they arrive. Keep a copy of everything you send in case the state needs to contact you. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you can still drive legally as long as your process is in process, but carry proof that you mailed it.
In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office
Visit a Driver License Division office if your license has expired, you need a new photo, or you have had a name change. 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 have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You will take a new photo and pass a vision test at the office. If your license has been expired for more than three years, you may need to retake the written driving test. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Your new license will be printed on the spot, and you can drive home with it the same day.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired more than three years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as if you were getting your first license. This means taking the written test, the vision test, and the driving test. You will also need to provide proof of identity, Social Security number, and Utah residency.
If your license expired less than three years ago, you can still renew it, but you must do so in person at a Driver License Division office. You will take a new photo and pass a vision test, but you will not need to retake the written or driving tests. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The renewal fee depends on your age and how long your new license will be valid. An eight-year renewal for someone between 21 and 65 costs less than a four-year renewal for someone under 21 or over 65. Online and mail renewals typically cost $25 to $35, while in-person renewals may cost slightly more. The exact amount is listed on the Utah Driver License Division website.
Online renewal accepts credit and debit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made out to the Utah Driver License Division. In-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have additional payment options — call ahead to confirm what your local office accepts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the Utah Driver License Division to find out what you need to do to clear the suspension or revocation. This may involve paying a fine, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period.
What if I moved out of state after my license was issued?
You can still renew your Utah license by mail or online if it has not expired. If you want to change your address to an out-of-state address, you can do so during an in-person renewal. If you have moved permanently, you may want to get a license in your new state instead.
Do I need an appointment to renew in person?
Appointments are not required, but the Driver License Division recommends scheduling one online to reduce wait times. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait longer during busy hours. Check the office's hours before you go, as they vary by location.
What if my name has changed since my license was issued?
You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The state will issue a new license with your updated name. This counts as a renewal, not a replacement, so you pay the renewal fee.
Can I renew my license if I am out of the country?
Yes, you can renew by mail if your license has not expired. Mail your process to the Utah Driver License Division from wherever you are. If your license has expired, you will need to renew in person once you return to Utah.