What You Need to Get Your Utah Driver's License

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

To get a Utah driver's license, you need to bring three categories of documents to your local DMV office: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The state will not issue a license without all three, so check what you have before you go.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization. If you were born outside the United States, the document must be certified by the issuing authority. A photocopy alone will not work.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax notice, or bank statement showing your current Utah address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You need only one document, but it must show your name and address clearly.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you will need to complete an affidavit at the DMV explaining why.

Key Takeaways

You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or naturalization document — a photocopy will not be accepted.
Your proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show both your name and your current Utah address.
Proof of Social Security number can be your card, a W-2, a 1099, or a tax return.
You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DMV office.
If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person.

The Vision and Knowledge Tests

After you submit your documents, you will take a vision screening at the DMV. You must be able to read a standard eye chart from 20 feet away. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to continue with your license process that day.

Next comes the written knowledge test. You will answer questions about Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study using the Utah Driver's Manual, which is free on the Utah Department of Public Safety website. Many people study the manual for a few days before taking the test.

If you fail the knowledge test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee each time you retake it.

Fees and How Long It Takes

A Utah driver's license costs $32 for an eight-year license if you are 21 or older. If you are between 18 and 20, your license costs $32 but expires after four years. Licenses for people under 18 cost $32 and expire when you turn 21. The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card.

You will receive your temporary license at the DMV on the day you pass your tests. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail. Your permanent license typically arrives within two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, you can request a rush delivery for an additional fee.

If You Already Have a License from Another State

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the knowledge test again. You still need to bring proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, and you still must pass the vision test. The DMV will convert your out-of-state license to a Utah license.

Bring your current out-of-state license with you. If your license is expired, you will need to take the knowledge test. If your license expired more than one year ago, you are treated as a new driver and must take both the vision and knowledge tests.

Special Rules for Drivers Under 18

If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must come with you to the DMV and sign your process in person. They must bring a photo ID. You will still need to bring your own proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.

Utah also requires drivers under 18 to complete a driver education course before they can get a license. This course can be taken online or in person through a certified provider. Once you finish the course, you will receive a certificate to bring to the DMV. You cannot get your license without this certificate.

Additionally, new drivers under 18 receive a provisional license with restrictions. You cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. for the first six months, and you cannot have passengers under 21 in the car for the first year unless a parent or guardian is present. These restrictions lift once you turn 18 or after you have held your provisional license for one year, whichever comes first.

Where to Go and What to Bring: A Checklist

Utah has DMV offices in most counties. You can find your nearest office and check its hours on the Utah Department of Public Safety website. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead or checking online wait times can help you plan your visit.

Before you go, make a checklist: original or certified birth certificate or passport, proof of residency dated within 60 days, proof of Social Security number, your current out-of-state license if you have one, and glasses or contacts if you wear them. If you are under 18, add a parent or guardian with a photo ID. If you completed driver education, bring your certificate.

Bring more than one form of each document if you can. If your birth certificate is worn or hard to read, bring a certified copy from the vital records office in the county where you were born. If your utility bill is faded, bring a bank statement as backup. Having extras protects you if the DMV finds a document unclear.

If You Do Not Have All Your Documents

If you do not have your birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the county or state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks by mail. Some states offer rush delivery for an additional fee. You can find contact information for vital records offices on the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems website.

If you do not have a Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration. You can explore online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. A replacement card usually arrives within two weeks.

If you cannot get a document in time, you can bring an affidavit to the DMV swearing that you do not have the document and explaining why. The DMV staff will tell you whether an affidavit is acceptable for your situation. Not all missing documents can be replaced with an affidavit, so call your local DMV office first to ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Utah driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can still get a license, but you must complete an affidavit at the DMV stating that you do not have a Social Security number and explaining why. Bring whatever identity and residency documents you have. Call your local DMV office first to confirm what they will accept.

What if my proof of residency is older than 60 days?

The DMV will not accept it. You need a document dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved to Utah, a lease agreement or utility bill in your name works. If you do not have a recent document in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your address.

Do I have to take the knowledge test if I am moving from another state?

Not if your out-of-state license is still valid. You only need to pass the vision test and bring your documents. If your license is expired, you must take the knowledge test. If it expired more than a year ago, you are treated as a new driver.

How long does it take to get my permanent license in the mail?

Your permanent card usually arrives within two to three weeks. You can drive on your temporary license during this time. If you need your license faster, the DMV offers rush delivery for an additional fee, though delivery times vary.

What happens if I fail the vision test?

You cannot continue with your license process that day. You can come back and retake the vision test another day. If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure you bring them. If you consistently fail the vision test, you may need to see an eye doctor and get a corrective lens prescription.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.