What you need to do to get a Utah driver's license
To get a Utah driver's license, you visit a Driver License Division office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and residency. The whole process takes about two visits — one for the written test and one for the driving test — and costs $35 for a four-year license. You cannot complete this entirely online or by mail; you must appear in person at a Division office.
Utah recognizes licenses from other states and countries, so if you already hold a valid driver's license from another place, you may be able to skip the written test. The state also issues temporary permits that let you practice driving with a licensed adult before you take the driving test.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver License Division office in person with proof of identity, Social Security number, and proof of Utah residency.
- If you hold a valid driver's license from another state or country, you can often skip the written test and go straight to the driving test.
- The written test covers traffic laws and road signs; you need a score of at least 80 percent to pass.
- The driving test happens in your own vehicle or a Division vehicle and takes about 20 minutes.
- A four-year Utah driver's license costs $35; you can renew by mail or online if you have not had a suspension or medical issue.
Documents you need to bring to the Driver License Division office
Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. The Division accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a foreign passport with a valid visa. A school ID, work ID, or expired driver's license does not count as proof of identity on its own.
You also need proof that you live in Utah. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address works. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency — such as a tax notice or court document — also counts.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the Division staff when you arrive; they will direct you to the next step.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They will need to sign your process in person.
Taking the written test at the Division office
The written test covers Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You answer 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer at the Division office. You need to score at least 80 percent — that is 32 correct answers — to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no extra cost, or come back another day.
The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you need the test in another language, call the Division office ahead of time to arrange an interpreter.
You do not need to study a specific book. The Division publishes a free study guide on its website that covers all the topics on the test. Most people spend a few hours reviewing it before they arrive.
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state or country, you can ask the Division staff to waive the written test. They will check your license and your driving record. If you have no serious violations, they usually waive it on the spot.
Scheduling and taking the driving test
After you pass the written test, the Division staff will schedule your driving test. In most offices, you can take the test the same day if a tester is available. If not, they will give you an appointment for a later date, usually within two weeks.
The driving test takes about 20 minutes. You drive your own vehicle, or the Division will provide one if you do not have a car. A Division examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic driving tasks — starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and merging. You must follow traffic laws and obey all road signs.
You need to pass the test on the first try to get your license that day. If you fail, you can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no extra fee for retakes.
Bring your written test receipt and a valid ID to the driving test. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian does not need to be present for the driving test itself, but they signed your process at the first visit.
Getting your license after you pass both tests
Once you pass the driving test, the Division takes your photo and prints your license on the spot. You walk out with a physical card the same day. The license is valid for four years from the date it is issued.
If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during your photo. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, tell the Division staff; they may add a restriction to your license, such as "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only."
Your new license has your name, date of birth, address, license number, and expiration date. It also shows any restrictions or endorsements — for example, a motorcycle endorsement if you passed a motorcycle test.
Renewing your Utah driver's license
You can renew your license by mail or online if you have not had a suspension, revocation, or medical issue that affects your driving. The renewal form is available on the Division website. By mail, renewal takes about two weeks. Online renewal is faster — you upload a new photo and pay the fee, and your license is mailed to you within a week.
If you have had a suspension or medical issue, you must renew in person at a Division office. You will take a new written test and possibly a new driving test.
A four-year renewal costs $35. A two-year renewal costs $20. You can choose either length when you renew.
Driver License Division office locations and hours
Utah has Driver License Division offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Vernal, and Cedar City. Each office is open Monday through Friday, usually from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location. Some offices close for lunch.
The Salt Lake City office is the busiest and often has wait times of one to two hours. Smaller offices in Moab, Vernal, and Cedar City usually have shorter waits. You can check current wait times on the Division website before you go.
You do not need an appointment for the written test, but you may wait. For the driving test, an appointment is recommended, especially in busy offices. You can schedule a driving test appointment online or by calling the office directly.
If you already have a license from another state or country
If you hold a valid driver's license from another U.S. state, you can convert it to a Utah license without taking the written test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Utah residency, and your Social Security number to any Division office. The staff will check your driving record. If you have no serious violations, they will waive the written test and let you schedule a driving test.
If your out-of-state license is expired, you cannot use it to skip the written test. You will need to take the full test like a first-time driver.
If you hold a license from a country outside the U.S., you can also convert it to a Utah license, but the process is slightly different. Bring your foreign license, a certified English translation of it, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The Division will check whether your country has a reciprocal agreement with Utah. If it does, they may waive the written test. If not, you take the full test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Utah driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. Tell the Division staff when you arrive. They will issue you an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or use an alternative identification process. The process takes longer, but you can still get a license.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it after waiting at least one day. There is no extra fee. You do not retake the written test — your passing score stays on file. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.
Do I need to take a test if I am moving to Utah from another state?
If your out-of-state license is still valid, you can skip the written test. You still take the driving test. If your license is expired, you take both tests as a first-time driver.
How long does the whole process take from start to finish?
If you pass both tests on your first try and take them on the same day, you leave with your license the same day. If you need to retake a test or schedule the driving test for another day, the process takes one to three weeks total.
Can I renew my license online if I have a medical condition?
No. If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, you must renew in person at a Division office. You may need to take a new written test or driving test, depending on the condition.