What You Need to Do to Get a Wyoming Driver's License
To get a Wyoming driver's license, you will visit your local county clerk's office with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You will pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test with an examiner. The whole process takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.
Wyoming does not have a separate DMV — the county clerk handles all driver's licenses. This means you go to the same office where you would register to vote or get a marriage license. Each county runs its own schedule, so wait times and testing hours vary by location.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, a state ID or passport, proof of your current address, and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
- The written test covers Wyoming traffic laws and road signs; you can study the official Wyoming Driver's Manual online before you go.
- You will take a vision screening at the clerk's office, and if you fail, you must get a vision correction from an eye doctor before you can test again.
- The driving test happens at your county clerk's office or a nearby location they direct you to; you bring your own vehicle or use one they provide.
- Your permanent license arrives by mail in about two weeks; you get a temporary paper permit to drive when ready after you pass all tests.
Documents You Must Bring to the County Clerk
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. A photocopy will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization or Permanent Resident card.
Bring proof of your current Wyoming address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 30 days will work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. Do not bring a PO box — the address must be a physical location where you live.
Bring proof of your Social Security number. Your Social Security card itself is the easiest option. If you do not have the card, bring a W-2, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number.
Bring a second form of ID if you have one — a state ID, passport, military ID, or tribal ID. If you do not have one, the clerk will accept your birth certificate and address proof instead.
The Written Test on Wyoming Traffic Laws
The written test has 25 questions about Wyoming traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. The test is on a computer at the county clerk's office, and you take it the same day you bring in your documents.
Study the official Wyoming Driver's Manual before you go. The Wyoming Department of Transportation publishes it online for free, and every question on the test comes from that manual. You can read it on a computer or print it out. The manual covers right-of-way rules, speed limits, what different road signs mean, and what to do at traffic lights and stop signs.
If you fail the written test, you can take it again the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Most county clerks let you retake it within an hour if you want to.
Vision Screening and the Driving Test
After you pass the written test, you take a vision screening at the clerk's office. An employee will check whether you can read a chart from a certain distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening. If you fail the vision test, you cannot take the driving test that day. You must get a vision correction from an eye doctor and bring a signed statement from them saying you can now see well enough to drive safely.
The driving test happens after you pass the vision screening. You drive a set route in your county with an examiner in the car. You bring your own vehicle if you have one; if not, the clerk's office will tell you whether they have a test vehicle you can use or where you can rent one. The test takes about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic skills like starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws.
The examiner is looking for safe driving, not perfect driving. Minor mistakes like hesitating at a stop sign will not fail you. Major mistakes — running a red light, hitting something, or driving recklessly — will. If you fail, you can retake the driving test, but you must wait at least one day. You do not have to retake the written test.
Getting Your Temporary Permit and Permanent License
Once you pass all three parts — written test, vision screening, and driving test — the clerk issues you a temporary paper permit on the spot. This permit lets you drive legally while you wait for your permanent license. Write your name and address on the back of the permit and carry it with you whenever you drive.
Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in about two weeks. The address on your license will be the Wyoming address you provided at the clerk's office. If you move before it arrives, go back to the clerk and update your address so the license is mailed to the right place.
Your license is valid for eight years. You can renew it by mail or in person at the clerk's office before it expires.
What to Do If You Already Have a License from Another State
If you have a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Wyoming, you can exchange it for a Wyoming license. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of your Wyoming address, and proof of your Social Security number to the county clerk. You do not have to take the written or driving test again — only the vision screening. If you pass the vision test, you get your temporary permit and your permanent license arrives by mail.
If your out-of-state license is expired, you will have to take all three tests just like a first-time driver. Bring the expired license anyway, along with the other documents listed above.
County Clerk Locations and Hours
Find your county clerk's office on the Wyoming Secretary of State website. The site lists the address, phone number, and hours for each of Wyoming's 23 county clerks. Call ahead before you go — some offices require you to make an appointment for the driving test, while others take walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Wait times vary widely depending on the county and the time of year.
Most county clerks are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Some offer limited Saturday hours. If you cannot get to your county clerk during the week, call and ask whether they have Saturday appointments available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Wyoming driver's license cost?
The fee varies by county but is typically between $20 and $30 for an eight-year license. Call your county clerk to find out the exact cost before you go. Some offices take cash only, while others accept cards, so ask about payment methods too.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Wyoming offers the written test in English only. If you need help understanding the questions, call your county clerk ahead of time to ask what accommodations they can provide.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one day. You do not have to retake the written test or vision screening. You pay the test fee again each time you retake it.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a Wyoming driver's license?
Yes, Wyoming requires a Social Security number. If you do not have one, contact the Social Security Administration to explore for one before you go to the clerk's office.
Can I get a Real ID-compliant license in Wyoming?
Yes. Real ID licenses have a gold star in the upper right corner and meet federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. You get a Real ID license automatically when you bring the documents listed above — no extra step is needed.