What the Utah Driver License Division handles
The Utah Driver License Division, part of the Department of Public Safety, issues and renews driver licenses, handles license suspensions and reinstatements, and manages the written and road tests for new drivers. If you need to renew your license, replace a lost one, change your address, or resolve a suspension, you'll work with this division. They also oversee the commercial driver license (CDL) program and issue identification cards for people who don't drive.
The division operates through a network of local offices across the state, plus an online portal for certain transactions. Not every task can be done online or by mail — some require an in-person visit to verify your identity and take a new photo.
Key Takeaways
- The Utah Driver License Division is reached through the Department of Public Safety website at dps.utah.gov, where you can find your nearest office location and current wait times.
- License renewals can be done online if your license is not suspended, you have not changed your name, and your address is current — otherwise you must visit an office in person.
- If your license is suspended, you must contact the division to find out why and what steps are needed to reinstate it, as reinstatement often requires paying a fee or completing a course.
- Bring a valid form of identification and proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease) to any in-person visit, and expect to wait longer during lunch hours and late afternoon.
- The division processes name changes, address changes, and corrections to your record, but some changes require documents like a marriage certificate or court order.
How to renew your Utah driver license
Utah allows online renewal if your license is not suspended, you have not changed your name in the past five years, and your address on file is still correct. Go to the Department of Public Safety website, select the Driver License Division, and follow the renewal portal. The fee is paid by credit or debit card, and your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
If any of those conditions do not explore — your license is suspended, you've had a legal name change, or your address has changed — you must renew in person at a Driver License office. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a valid form of identification if your current license has expired. The in-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on office traffic.
Your Utah license is valid for five years from the date of issue. The division sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew online.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you must visit a Driver License office in person. Bring a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID card) and proof of residency. You will be asked to sign a statement confirming the license is lost or stolen, and a new photo will be taken.
The replacement fee is the same as a renewal fee. Your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the office staff whether they can issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
Understanding license suspensions and reinstatement
Your Utah driver license can be suspended for reasons including unpaid traffic tickets, failure to appear in court, unpaid child support, medical conditions reported to the division, or accumulating too many points from traffic violations. The division sends notice of suspension by mail to your address on file, but you should contact them directly if you are unsure why your license is suspended.
To find out the reason for your suspension and what is required to reinstate it, call the Driver License Division or visit an office in person. Reinstatement steps vary — you may need to pay a reinstatement fee (typically $50 to $100), complete a defensive driving course, provide proof of insurance, or resolve the underlying issue (such as paying a ticket or appearing in court). Once you complete the required steps, the division will process your reinstatement, which usually takes 3 to 5 business days.
Do not drive while your license is suspended. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.
Changing your address or name on your license
You can change your address online through the Driver License Division portal if your license is not suspended and you have not changed your name. The address change is processed when ready and does not require a new photo or a visit to an office.
If you have changed your name — through marriage, divorce, or court order — you must visit an office in person with your current license and a document proving the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). A new photo will be taken, and the new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. There is no fee for a name change on your license.
Finding a Driver License office and checking wait times
Utah has Driver License offices in most counties. The Department of Public Safety website lists all office locations, hours, and current wait times. Wait times are updated throughout the day and can vary significantly — offices in larger cities like Salt Lake City and Provo tend to have longer waits during midday hours.
To reduce your wait time, visit early in the morning (when offices open) or late in the afternoon (after 4 p.m.), and avoid lunch hours between 12 and 1 p.m. Some offices accept walk-ins only, while others allow you to schedule an appointment online. Check your local office's page to see which system they use.
What to bring to a Driver License office visit
For any in-person transaction, bring your current driver license or a valid form of identification (passport, military ID, or state ID card). You will also need proof of residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the past 60 days. If your address on file is different from your current address, bring the proof of your current address.
If you are renewing after a name change, bring the document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are explore for a commercial driver license, bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of medical certification if required. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it has already expired?
Yes. You can renew online if it meets the other conditions (not suspended, no name change, current address), or in person at any office. An expired license does not prevent renewal, but you cannot legally drive with an expired license, so renew as soon as possible.
How long does it take to get a new license in the mail?
The Utah Driver License Division typically mails new licenses within 7 to 10 business days of your transaction. If you need to drive before it arrives, ask the office whether they can issue a temporary paper license valid for 30 days.
What if I moved out of state but still have a Utah license?
You should obtain a driver license from your new state as soon as you establish residency there. Driving with an out-of-state license after moving is not legal in most cases. Contact your new state's licensing authority for their residency requirements and process process.
Can someone else pick up my license for me?
No. The Driver License Division mails licenses directly to the address on file. If you need to update your mailing address before your license is sent, contact the division when ready by phone or through their website.
What happens if I fail the written or road test?
You can retake either test. There is a fee for each attempt. The division allows you to schedule another test appointment through their website or by visiting an office. You must wait at least one day before retaking the written test and at least three days before retaking the road test.