How to Get or Renew Your Driver's License in Vernal, Utah

Where to go for your driver's license in Vernal

In Vernal, you handle your driver's license through the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which operates a local office in Uintah County. The Vernal DMV is located at 152 East Main Street, Vernal, UT 84078. This is where you'll go to get a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most other license-related transactions.

The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. You can call ahead at the Vernal location to confirm current hours, as they occasionally shift seasonally. Walk-ins are accepted, but the office can get busy during lunch hours and late afternoon, so arriving in the morning typically means shorter waits.

If you cannot visit in person, you can also renew your license online through the Utah DMV website if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or changes to report. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about two weeks for your new license to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

The Vernal DMV office is at 152 East Main Street and handles all driver's license services for Uintah County residents.
You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get or renew a license.
A new license costs more than a renewal, and the fee depends on whether you choose a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license.
If your license is expired, you can still renew it in person, but online renewal is only available if your license expired within the last five years.
Bring your current license or another government-issued ID to speed up the process, and arrive early to avoid afternoon wait times.

What documents you need to bring

Before you go to the Vernal DMV, gather the documents the office will ask for. You will need a valid form of identification — this can be your current Utah driver's license, a passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, you can use a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a Social Security card.

You also need proof of residency in Utah. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or bank statements dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you recently moved to Vernal, bring the document that shows your current address.

Bring your Social Security number or your Social Security card itself. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring documentation explaining why. You will also need to bring your current license if you are renewing, or your birth certificate if you are getting a license for the first time.

If you are under 21, you may need a parent or guardian to sign certain forms. Call the Vernal office ahead of time if you are under 18 to confirm what paperwork they need from your parent or guardian.

The difference between a standard license and REAL ID

Utah offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The main difference is that a REAL ID license meets federal security standards and can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 2025.

If you plan to fly within the United States or visit a federal facility, you will need a REAL ID license or another form of federal ID like a passport. If you only drive locally and do not fly, a standard license is sufficient. The REAL ID license costs more — the exact fee difference varies, so ask at the Vernal DMV when you arrive.

Getting a REAL ID requires the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional form of identification or proof of residency. The process takes the same amount of time in person. If you renew online, you cannot request a REAL ID — you must go to the office in person for that upgrade.

How much it costs and how long it takes

The cost of a new license or renewal depends on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard driver's license renewal is less expensive than a new license. A REAL ID license costs more than a standard license. The Vernal DMV office can tell you the exact fee when you call or arrive, as fees are set by the state and occasionally change.

If you renew in person at the Vernal office, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that you can use when ready. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks, and you cannot drive on your old license during that time — you will need to use your temporary online confirmation or another form of ID.

If your license is lost or stolen, you will need to pay an additional fee for a replacement, and the process is the same as a renewal. Bring a police report if you have one, though it is not required.

Renewing your license online versus in person

Online renewal through the Utah DMV website is faster and cheaper than renewing in person, but it is only available if your current license meets certain conditions. Your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid email address on file with the DMV, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or changes to your vision, height, or other physical information.

To renew online, go to the Utah DMV website, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. The DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. You cannot change your address online — if you have moved, you must renew in person at the Vernal office.

If you renew in person, you can update your address, change your name, add or remove medical restrictions, or upgrade to a REAL ID all at the same time. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is. You walk out with a temporary license and receive your permanent license by mail.

What to do if your license is expired or suspended

If your license is expired, you can still renew it at the Vernal DMV office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard renewal. There is no penalty for renewing a license that is expired, as long as you have not been driving on an expired license — driving on an expired license is illegal and can result in a traffic citation.

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or in person until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions usually result from unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or unpaid child support. You will need to resolve the underlying issue first. Contact the Vernal DMV office to find out why your license is suspended and what you need to do to restore it.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the Vernal office or check the Utah DMV website. You can look up your license status online using your license number and date of birth. If your license is suspended, the website will tell you the reason and direct you to the agency you need to contact to resolve it.

Taking the written test and driving test

If you are getting a driver's license for the first time or if your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to pass a written test and a driving test. The written test covers Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Utah Driver's Manual, which is available free on the Utah DMV website or in print at the Vernal office.

The written test is taken at the Vernal DMV office on a computer. You have a set amount of time to complete it, and you must pass with a score of at least 80 percent. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is a fee for each test attempt.

After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving test with a DMV examiner. The driving test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A parent, guardian, or licensed adult must accompany you if you are under 18.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail?

No, Utah does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online if your license meets the requirements, or you can renew in person at the Vernal DMV office. Online renewal is the closest option to mail renewal — you complete it from home and your new license arrives by mail.

What if I lost my license and need to replace it?

Go to the Vernal DMV office and bring your identification and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. Tell the staff that you need a replacement license. There is an additional fee for a replacement beyond the standard renewal fee. You will receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks.

Do I need an appointment at the Vernal DMV?

The Vernal office accepts walk-ins, so you do not need an appointment. However, you can call ahead to ask about wait times. Arriving early in the morning typically means shorter waits than arriving in the afternoon.

Can I change my address when I renew online?

No, online renewal does not allow address changes. If you have moved, you must renew in person at the Vernal DMV office. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement dated within the last 60 days.

How long is a Utah driver's license valid?

A standard driver's license is valid for five years. A REAL ID license is also valid for five years. If you are over 65, your license is valid for eight years. When your license is about to expire, the DMV will send you a renewal notice by mail.

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.