Where to get a Utah driver's license and what to bring
You get a Utah driver's license through the Driver License Division, which is part of the Utah Department of Public Safety. You can visit any of their offices in person — there are locations in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and Moab, plus several smaller cities. You cannot renew or obtain a license by mail or online; you must appear in person.
Before you go, gather these documents: a valid passport or birth certificate (proof of citizenship or legal residency), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and two documents showing your current Utah address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you are under 21, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person.
Bring your documents in their original form — photocopies are not accepted. If any document is not in English, bring an official translation along with the original. The office will take your photo and signature on-site, so you do not need to bring those separately.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver License Division office in person; there is no online or mail option for getting a Utah driver's license.
- Bring proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate), proof of your Social Security number, and two documents showing your current Utah address.
- The fee for a standard driver's license is $35 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license.
- Your license will be mailed to you within 10 business days after you complete your process at the office.
- If you are under 21, a parent or guardian must be present and sign your process.
The written test and driving test requirements
If you are getting your first Utah driver's license or moving to Utah from another state, you must pass a written knowledge test and a driving test. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Utah Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the Driver License Division website or in paper form at any office.
The written test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You take the test on a computer at the Driver License Division office during your appointment. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no additional cost, though you may have to wait for an available testing slot.
After you pass the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test. During the driving test, an examiner rides with you in your own vehicle (or a vehicle you borrow) and watches you perform basic driving tasks like parking, turning, and stopping. The test lasts about 30 minutes. You must bring a valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance for the vehicle you use.
Renewing your Utah driver's license
If your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you can renew it without retaking the written or driving test. You renew by visiting a Driver License Division office in person and bringing your current license, proof of your current address, and the renewal fee ($35 for four years or $65 for eight years).
If your license expired more than one year ago, you are treated as a new applicant and must pass both the written and driving tests again. The same rule applies if you let your license lapse for any reason.
Utah does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must go to an office in person each time, even for a straightforward renewal.
Fees and how long it takes to get your license
A standard four-year driver's license costs $35. An eight-year license costs $65. These are the only two options; Utah does not offer one-year or two-year licenses. You pay the fee at the office when you submit your process.
After you complete your process and pass any required tests, the Driver License Division mails your physical license to the address you provided. This usually takes 10 business days, though it can take longer during busy periods. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.
If you need your license sooner, you can request a rush service at some offices, though this costs extra and is not available at all locations. Ask at your local office whether rush service is an option.
Special licenses and restrictions for young drivers
Utah has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 21. If you are 16 or 17, you first get a learner's permit, which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. You must hold the learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license.
Once you pass the driving test, you get a provisional license if you are under 18. A provisional license has restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. (with limited exceptions for work or school), you cannot use a cell phone while driving, and you cannot have passengers under 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is also in the vehicle.
These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after you hold the provisional license for one year, whichever comes first. At that point, your license becomes a standard adult license with no special restrictions.
What to do if you lose your license or it is damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement by visiting a Driver License Division office. Bring your Social Security proof and proof of your current address, just as you would for a renewal. The replacement fee is $20.
You do not need to retake any tests for a replacement license. The office will issue you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your new physical license will be mailed within 10 business days.
If your license was stolen, you may also want to report the theft to local police, especially if you are concerned about identity theft. The police report is not required to get a replacement license, but it creates a record in case someone tries to use your stolen license.
Moving to Utah from another state
If you move to Utah and already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to get a Utah license when ready. However, once you establish residency in Utah (which typically means living here for more than 30 days), you should get a Utah license. Utah law requires you to have a Utah license within 60 days of becoming a resident.
When you explore for a Utah license as an out-of-state driver, you must pass the written test but you may not have to take the driving test, depending on your age and the state your previous license was from. Ask at the Driver License Division office about whether you may have access to for a waiver of the driving test.
Bring your out-of-state license along with the same documents you would bring for a new applicant: proof of citizenship, proof of your Social Security number, and two documents showing your Utah address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Utah driver's license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a rush later. The renewal process is the same whether your license is still valid or expired.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test, but you must schedule a new appointment. There is no additional fee for retaking the test. Most Driver License Division offices can schedule your next test within a few days to a week.
Do I need to take an eye test to get a Utah driver's license?
Yes. The Driver License Division will test your vision at the office as part of the process process. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to get a corrective lens restriction on your license.
Can I get a Real ID-compliant license in Utah?
Yes. A Real ID license meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. You get a Real ID license by bringing an additional document (such as a birth certificate or passport) when you explore or renew. The fee is the same as a standard license.
What happens if I drive with an expired license?
Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Utah. You can be stopped and cited by police. If your license expired less than one year ago, you can renew it at any Driver License Division office without retaking tests.