Renewing Your Utah License: The Basic Path
In Utah, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office. Most people renew online through the Utah Department of Public Safety website — it takes about 10 minutes, costs less than renewing in person, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical conditions that need to be reviewed, and your address on file is current.
If you cannot renew online, you can mail in your renewal process or visit a Driver License Division office in person. The in-person route is fastest if you need your license when ready — you can walk out with a temporary paper license the same day — but it requires a trip to an office during business hours. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and works if you are comfortable waiting.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Utah Department of Public Safety website is the quickest and cheapest option for most people, taking about 10 minutes and costing $32 for a five-year license.
- You can renew online only if your current license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical holds, and your address is current in the system.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License Division office gives you a temporary paper license on the spot, but requires an appointment or a wait in line.
- Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks and requires you to send in your current license, a completed process form, and payment by check or money order.
- Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, so update your address before you renew if you have moved.
Online Renewal: What You Need and How It Works
To renew online, go to the Utah Department of Public Safety Driver License Division website and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. You will answer questions about your current address, any medical conditions, and whether you have had any traffic violations since your last renewal. The system will tell you when ready if you are not may be able to access to renew online — usually because your license is too old, you have a medical hold, or your information does not match what is in the system.
If you are may be able to access, you will pay the renewal fee by debit or credit card. A five-year license costs $32; a ten-year license costs $52. Once payment goes through, you are done. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to provide new documents or visit an office.
If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access, read the reason carefully. If it is because your address needs updating, you will have to renew in person or by mail. If it is because your license is expired by more than five years, you will need to renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver License Division Office
Utah has Driver License Division offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Price, Vernal, and Logan. You can visit any office, but you should make an appointment online through the Utah Department of Public Safety website to avoid a long wait. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of Utah residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address), and payment. The fee is the same as online: $32 for five years or $52 for ten years. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address.
When you complete your renewal in person, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license has your photo and signature and can be used for driving and identification during that time.
Mail Renewal: Documents and Timeline
To renew by mail, read the Driver License Renewal process (Form DL-43) from the Utah Department of Public Safety website. Fill it out completely, including your current address, any changes to your medical information, and your signature. Mail the form along with your current driver's license and payment to the address listed on the form.
Payment must be by check or money order made out to the Utah Department of Public Safety. Include the same fee as online or in-person renewal: $32 for five years or $52 for ten years. Do not send cash. Mail your packet to the Driver License Division; the address is on the form.
Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the Division receives your packet. There is no tracking system, so you will not know exactly when your license arrives. If you do not receive it within four weeks, contact the Driver License Division to confirm they received your process. Your current license remains valid until your new one arrives, so you can continue driving during the wait.
When You Cannot Renew Online or by Mail
If your license is expired by more than five years, you will need to renew in person. You may also need to retake the written test, depending on how long it has been expired. The Driver License Division will tell you when you call or visit whether a test is required.
If you have a medical condition that was flagged on your current license, or if you are renewing after a suspension or revocation, you must renew in person. Bring any medical documentation that the Division requests — this might include a letter from your doctor or a medical evaluation form. The office staff will tell you what is needed when you call to make an appointment.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You can renew in person with this document, or you can mail it in with your renewal process.
Fees and What Your New License Costs
A five-year Utah driver's license costs $32. A ten-year license costs $52. These are the only two options for renewal; you choose which term you want when you renew. There are no additional fees for online, mail, or in-person renewal — the cost is the same regardless of method.
If you renew in person and need a replacement license before your new one arrives by mail, you can request a temporary paper license at no extra charge. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for driving and identification.
Updating Your Address Before You Renew
If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address before you renew. If you renew online, the system will ask for your current address and update it automatically. If you renew by mail or in person, bring a document showing your new address — a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address.
If you want to update your address without renewing your license, you can do so online through the Utah Department of Public Safety website or in person at any Driver License Division office. Updating your address alone does not cost anything and does not require a new photo or signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Utah license if I live out of state?
Yes, you can renew by mail or online if you are out of state. Online renewal works the same way — you log in, answer the questions, and pay by card. For mail renewal, read the form, mail it with your current license and payment, and your new license will be mailed to whatever address you provide.
What if my license is suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Driver License Division to find out what you need to do to restore your driving privileges. This may involve paying a fine, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period. Once your privileges are restored, you can renew normally.
How long is my license valid after I renew?
Your new license is valid for either five or ten years from the date it is issued, depending on which term you chose when you renewed. The expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
What if I need my license before the mail arrives?
If you renewed in person, you received a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, you cannot get a temporary license — you will need to wait for your new license to arrive. If you need a license urgently, renew in person at a Driver License Division office.
Do I need a new photo when I renew?
No. When you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license. If you renew in person, you will have your photo taken at the office. If you want a new photo without renewing, you can request one at any Driver License Division office for a small fee.