Renewing Your Wyoming Driver's License: A Complete Guide

Renewing your driver's license is a necessary task for every licensed driver in Wyoming. It's a process that ensures the information and photo on your card are up to date and that your vision still meets the state's standards for safe driving. While it might seem like an inconvenience, WYDOT has a straightforward process, including a convenient option to renew by mail for many residents.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about renewing your Wyoming driver's license, including when to renew, the associated fees, what you need to bring, and how to find out if you can skip the trip to the driver exam station.

When to Renew Your License in Wyoming

A standard Wyoming driver's license is valid for five years and expires on your birthday.

• Renewal Window: You can renew your license up to 180 days (about 6 months) before its expiration date. There is no benefit to waiting until the last minute, so it's a good idea to renew early to avoid any issues.
• Renewal Notice: WYDOT typically mails a renewal notice to the address they have on file for you. This serves as a helpful reminder, but it is ultimately your responsibility to know when your license expires and to renew it on time.

What Happens if Your License Expires?

Driving with an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic ticket.

• Grace Period: Wyoming offers a 90-day grace period after your license expires during which you can still renew without having to retake the written or road tests. However, you are still considered to be driving on an expired license during this time.
• Expired for More Than 90 Days: If your license has been expired for more than 90 days, you will be required to pass the written knowledge test again.
• Expired for More Than One Year: If your license has been expired for more than a year, you will be treated as a new applicant and must pass the vision, written, and road skills tests.

Methods for Renewal: In-Person vs. By Mail

Wyoming offers two ways to renew your license. Your eligibility and circumstances will determine which option is available to you.

1. In-Person Renewal

This is the standard method for renewal and is required for most drivers.

You MUST renew in person if:

• It is your first time getting a REAL ID-compliant license.
• Your previous renewal was done by mail.
• You need to change your name or other personal information.
• You have developed a medical or vision condition that may affect your driving.
• Your license has been expired for more than 90 days.
• Your photo on file is more than 10 years old.

Steps for In-Person Renewal:

1. Visit a Driver Exam Station: Find your local WYDOT Driver Services office.
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the State of Wyoming Application for Driver License/ID Card.
3. Provide Documents: Bring your current driver's license. If you are upgrading to a REAL ID, you will need to bring all the required identity, Social Security, and residency documents.
4. Pass a Vision Test: A vision screening is required at every in-person renewal. If you wear glasses or contacts to pass, a restriction will be placed on your license.
5. Get a New Photo: A new photograph will be taken.
6. Pay the Fee: Pay the renewal fee. The current fee for a standard Class C renewal is $30.

2. Renewal by Mail

Wyoming offers a convenient "Renew by Mail" option for eligible drivers, allowing you to skip the trip to the DMV.

General Eligibility for Mail-in Renewal:

• You are a U.S. citizen and a Wyoming resident.
• Your current license is not a Commercial Driver License (CDL).
• Your driving privileges are not suspended, revoked, or canceled.
• Your last renewal was completed in person. (You cannot renew by mail twice in a row).
• You are between the ages of 21 and 70.
• You do not need to change your name or other information.

How to Renew by Mail:

1. Obtain the Renewal Packet: The renewal notice you receive in the mail will indicate if you are eligible and will contain the necessary forms.
2. Complete a Vision Evaluation: You will need to have a licensed eye specialist (optometrist or ophthalmologist) complete the vision evaluation form that is part of the renewal packet.
3. Complete the Application: Fill out and sign the application form.
4. Mail the Documents and Fee: Mail the completed application, the vision evaluation form, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address provided on the form.

Your new license will be mailed to you. The mail-in option is especially useful for Wyoming residents who are temporarily out of state, such as college students or military members.

Always check the official WYDOT website for the most current information on fees, forms, and procedures before beginning your renewal process.