What You Need to Do to Get a Utah Driver's License

To get a Utah driver's license, you must visit a Driver License Division office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The process takes about two to four weeks from the time you submit your documents until you receive your license in the mail. You cannot complete the entire process online — the in-person visit and the driving test are required.

Utah issues two types of licenses: a standard license valid for eight years, and an Enhanced Driver License (EDL) valid for five years that allows you to cross the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders by land without a passport. Both follow the same basic process steps, though the EDL requires additional citizenship documentation.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver License Division office in person with original documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number.
  • Utah requires you to pass a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test before your license is issued.
  • The entire process from process to receiving your license in the mail typically takes two to four weeks.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 65 days before taking the driving test.
  • An Enhanced Driver License costs more but allows you to cross land borders into Canada and Mexico without a passport.

Documents You Must Bring to the Driver License Office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves your residency. For identity, the Driver License Division accepts a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID card. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax notice, or a bank statement showing your current Utah address. Both documents must be originals — photocopies are not accepted.

You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one at the same office, though this adds time to your visit.

If you are explore for an Enhanced Driver License, bring a certified U.S. birth certificate or a valid U.S. passport in addition to the standard documents. If you were born outside the United States, bring a Certificate of Naturalization or a Certificate of Citizenship.

The Written Knowledge Test

At your office visit, you will take a written test covering Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You can take the test on a computer at the office, and results are available when ready.

The Driver License Division provides a free study guide on its website that covers all the material on the test. You can review it before your visit. If you fail the test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, though you must wait at least one hour between attempts.

The Driving Test and What Happens After

After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test appointment. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors before the test begins.

If you pass the driving test, the examiner will take your photo and process your process on the spot. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to your address. The permanent license arrives within two to four weeks. If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another attempt, usually within a few days.

Special Rules for Drivers Under 18

If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can take the written test. Utah recognizes both classroom and online driver education courses offered by approved providers. The course covers traffic laws, vehicle operation, and hazard recognition.

After completing driver education, you receive a learner's permit that allows you to drive with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the vehicle. You must hold the learner's permit for at least 65 days before you can take the driving test. During this time, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

Driver License Division Office Locations and Hours

Utah has Driver License Division offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Price, Vernal, and Logan. Each office handles written tests and driving tests, though some smaller offices have limited hours. You can find the full list of offices, hours, and phone numbers on the Utah Department of Public Safety website.

Offices are typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some locations offering limited Saturday hours. You do not need to make an appointment for the written test, but you should schedule your driving test in advance. Wait times at busy offices can be 30 minutes to an hour, so arriving early in the day or on weekdays other than Monday often means shorter waits.

Cost and Payment

A standard Utah driver's license costs $30 and is valid for eight years. An Enhanced Driver License costs $50 and is valid for five years. Payment is due at the time of your process. The Driver License Division accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card.

If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the cost is $20 for a standard license and $30 for an Enhanced license. Renewal by mail or online costs less than a new license but is only available if your current license is not suspended or revoked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. The written test must be taken in person at a Driver License Division office. You cannot take it online or submit it by mail. However, you can study the test material online using the free study guide before your visit.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test as soon as a few days later. There is no waiting period between attempts, and each retake costs the same as the original test. You do not need to retake the written test unless your knowledge test result has expired.

How long is a Utah driver's license valid?

A standard driver's license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. An Enhanced Driver License is valid for five years. You can renew your license by mail or online if it is not suspended or revoked and you have not changed your name or address.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a driver's license?

Yes, Utah requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you can explore for one at the Driver License Division office during your visit. This may add time to your appointment.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my permanent one?

Yes. After you pass the driving test, the examiner issues a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license allows you to drive while your permanent license is being printed and mailed to you, which usually takes two to four weeks.