Utahns could be required to only renew their driver licenses every eight years, instead of the currently mandated five years — but it would cost them more when they do it: $52 instead of $32.

The House Transportation Committee voted unanimously Wednesday to endorse HB294 to make those changes and sent it to the full House for consideration.

Its sponsor, Rep. Adam Robertson, R-Provo, said the change would allow the Utah Driver License Division to handle Utah’s quickly growing population without adding more offices and staff.

(Courtesy photo) Rep. Adam Robertson

Also, he said it could make life a little easier on drivers by not making them renew licenses so often.

While the cost would increase by $20, Robertson said the per-year cost of a license would remain level at $6.50. He said the Driver License Division is funded entirely by that revenue, and the funding needs to be kept constant to prevent any cuts in staffing.