How to Get a Driver's License in Utah

What You Need to Know Before You Go to the DMV

In Utah, the Driver License Division is part of the Department of Public Safety, not a separate DMV office. You will visit a local Driver License Division office to get your license, and the process depends on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or transferring from another state. Utah requires you to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test before you receive your license — unless you are renewing and meet certain conditions.

The state issues a Real ID-compliant license by default, which means it meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building access. You do not need to request this separately. If you want a standard license instead (which cannot be used for federal purposes), you can choose that option when you explore, but most people keep the Real ID version.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Driver License Division office in person; you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail.
First-time applicants need a written test, vision test, and driving test, which typically takes multiple visits to complete.
Bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
Utah licenses are valid for five years, and renewal can often be done by mail or online if you meet certain conditions.
The cost varies depending on the type of license and how long it is valid, but a standard five-year license costs less than a ten-year option.

Documents You Need to Bring

Before you visit a Driver License Division office, gather the documents listed below. Bringing everything at once saves you a trip back home. The office staff will not issue a license if you are missing required documents.

Proof of identity: A valid passport, birth certificate, or certified copy of your birth certificate works. If you use a birth certificate, bring a second form of ID as well — a school ID, military ID, or employee ID. A Social Security card alone is not enough.

Proof of residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice with your current Utah address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance policy also works. If you cannot provide a utility bill or lease, bring two documents that together show your address — for example, a voter registration card and a piece of mail from a government agency.

Social Security number or ITIN: Bring your Social Security card or a letter from the Social Security Administration. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead, bring documentation from the IRS. You will need to provide this number in person; the office will not accept it over the phone.

Steps for Getting Your First License

If you have never held a driver's license in any state, you will complete three separate tests. Plan for at least two office visits, sometimes three.

Step 1: Visit the office and take the written test. Bring all documents listed above. The staff will verify your identity and residency, take your photograph, and administer the written test. This test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study the official Utah Driver Handbook (available free on the Driver License Division website) before you go. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or return another day.

Step 2: Pass the vision test. The office will check your vision as part of your first visit. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.

Step 3: Schedule and pass the driving test. After you pass the written and vision tests, you will schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. This test is conducted by a Driver License Division examiner and takes about 30 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A licensed adult (at least 21 years old) must accompany you to the test, though they will not be in the vehicle during the exam. You must pass this test to receive your license.

Step 4: Receive your license. Once you pass the driving test, the office will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few business days, depending on the office location.

Renewing or Replacing Your License

If your Utah license is expiring or you need a replacement, the process is simpler than getting your first license. Utah licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue.

Renewing by mail or online: If your license is not expired and you have not had any violations or address changes, you may renew online through the Driver License Division website or by mail. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about one week. You will need your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The renewal fee is lower than the cost of a new license. You do not need to retake any tests.

Renewing in person: If you cannot renew online or by mail, or if your license has been expired for more than one year, you must visit an office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card. You will not need to retake the written or driving test, but you will have your vision checked and your photograph updated.

Replacing a lost or stolen license: Visit a Driver License Division office with proof of identity and residency. You will pay a replacement fee, have your photograph taken, and receive a new license within a few business days.

Transferring a License from Another State

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and are moving to Utah, you can transfer it without retaking all three tests. You will need to pass a vision test and a written test covering Utah traffic laws, but you will not need to take the driving test again.

Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Utah residency, and your Social Security card or ITIN documentation. The office will take your photograph and administer the written test. If you fail the vision test, you will need to see an eye doctor before returning. Once you pass both tests, you will receive your Utah license.

If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than one year, you will be treated as a first-time applicant and must take all three tests.

Office Locations and Wait Times

Utah has Driver License Division offices in most counties. The main office is in Salt Lake City, but you can visit any office in the state. Offices in larger cities (Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden) tend to have longer wait times, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. Smaller county offices often have shorter waits.

You can make an appointment online through the Driver License Division website, which reserves a specific time slot and reduces your wait. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait one to three hours depending on the office and time of day. The website shows current wait times for each office location.

Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have extended evening hours one or two days per week. Check the Driver License Division website for the hours of your nearest office.

Costs and Timeline

The cost of a Utah driver's license depends on the type and validity period. A standard five-year license costs less than a ten-year license. Real ID licenses cost the same as standard licenses. If you are under 21, the license is valid for four years instead of five and costs less.

The timeline varies based on what you are doing. A first-time applicant typically needs two to four weeks from start to finish, because you must schedule the driving test separately and wait for an available appointment. A renewal by mail takes about one week. A renewal in person takes one to two weeks. A replacement for a lost license takes three to five business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The Driver License Division offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. When you arrive at the office, tell the staff which language you need. You may bring a certified interpreter if you need one, but the office can usually provide the test in your language without an interpreter.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting a few days. There is no limit to how many times you can take it, but you will pay a fee each time. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. You must bring the same vehicle and a licensed adult to each test.

Do I need to take a test if I am renewing my license?

No, if your license is not expired and you are renewing by mail or online. If you are renewing in person at an office, you will have your vision checked and photograph updated, but you will not retake the written or driving test. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must retake the written test.

Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, you can use that instead. Bring documentation from the IRS showing your ITIN. If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, contact the Driver License Division office directly to discuss your options.

How long does it take to get a license after I pass all the tests?

Most offices issue your license on the same day you pass the driving test. Some offices mail the license within a few business days instead. Ask the staff when you pass your test whether your license will be issued when ready or mailed.

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.