What you need to get a Wyoming driver's license
Wyoming issues driver's licenses through the Department of Transportation, which operates a network of driver services facilities across the state. To get your first Wyoming license, you will need to visit one of these facilities in person — you cannot complete the process by mail or online.
Before you go, gather proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Acceptable identity documents include a valid passport, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Your Social Security card itself works for proof of your number, or you can bring a W-2, tax return, or bank statement that shows it.
You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the facility. The written test covers Wyoming traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Wyoming Driver's Manual, which the Department of Transportation publishes online for free. After you pass both tests, you will take a photo at the facility, and your license will be issued the same day or mailed to you within a few days, depending on the location.
Key Takeaways
- Wyoming driver's licenses are issued only at Department of Transportation driver services facilities, and you must appear in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
- You will take a vision test and a written knowledge test at the facility, and you can prepare for the written test using the free Wyoming Driver's Manual online.
- Standard Wyoming driver's licenses are valid for eight years from your birthday in the year they are issued, and you can renew by mail if you have no medical conditions and your address has not changed.
- If you are renewing in person, bring your current license, proof of residency if your address changed, and payment for the renewal fee, which varies by license type.
- Wyoming offers REAL ID-compliant licenses, which are required for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights, but they cost more and require additional documentation.
How long a Wyoming driver's license lasts and when to renew
A standard Wyoming driver's license is valid for eight years from your birthday in the year it was issued. The Department of Transportation will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires, so watch for it in the mail. You do not have to wait until your license expires to renew — you can renew up to one year early if you want to.
If your address has not changed and you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, you can renew by mail. Send your current license, the renewal notice, and payment to the address shown on the notice. Processing by mail takes about two weeks. If your address has changed, you have a medical condition, or you prefer to renew in person, visit a driver services facility with your current license, proof of your new address if applicable, and payment.
Renewal fees and payment methods
The cost of renewing a Wyoming driver's license depends on the type of license and how long you are renewing it for. A standard eight-year renewal costs less than a four-year renewal, so most people choose the longer term. REAL ID-compliant licenses cost more than standard licenses because they require additional verification steps.
The Department of Transportation accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at driver services facilities. If you are renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order. Do not send cash by mail. The exact fee amounts are listed on the Department of Transportation website and may change, so check before you go or send your payment.
REAL ID-compliant licenses and what they are for
Wyoming offers REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses, which meet federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. You will need a REAL ID-compliant license to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or visit a military base. A standard Wyoming driver's license is not sufficient for these purposes.
Getting a REAL ID-compliant license requires the same documents as a standard license, plus additional proof. You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, and you must prove your current address with a document dated within the last 60 days. The process takes longer because the Department of Transportation verifies your information with the Social Security Administration and other agencies. REAL ID licenses cost more than standard licenses and are valid for the same eight-year term.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your Wyoming driver's license is lost or stolen, report it to the Department of Transportation as soon as you can. You can do this by visiting a driver services facility or by calling the department. When you report it, you will receive a temporary paper license that you can use while your replacement is being made. Bring your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, just as you would for a renewal.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a new one at a driver services facility. Bring your damaged license and payment for the replacement fee. If your license is so damaged that it cannot be read, the department will treat it as lost and issue a replacement.
Changing your name or address on your Wyoming license
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your driver's license. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address. You can make this change at any driver services facility, and you will receive a new license with your updated name.
If you move to a new address within Wyoming, you must update your license within 30 days. You can do this by mail if you are not changing your name or license type. Send your current license, proof of your new address, and a note with your new address to the Department of Transportation. If you are changing your name at the same time, you must visit a facility in person.
Commercial driver's licenses and endorsements
Wyoming issues commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) for people who drive large trucks, buses, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Getting a CDL requires passing additional written tests and a skills test in the vehicle you will be driving. You must also pass a medical examination and provide a medical certificate from a certified examiner.
Wyoming also offers endorsements that add to your standard license, such as a motorcycle endorsement or a hazmat endorsement. Each endorsement requires passing a written test specific to that endorsement. Motorcycle endorsements require a skills test on a motorcycle as well. You can add endorsements when you first get your license or at any renewal, as long as you pass the required tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Wyoming driver's license online?
No. Wyoming does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your address has not changed and you have no medical conditions, or you can renew in person at a driver services facility. Mail renewal takes about two weeks, while in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.
What happens if my Wyoming license expires while I am out of state?
You can still renew by mail even if you are out of state, as long as your address has not changed and you have no medical conditions. Send your current license, the renewal notice, and payment to the address on the notice. If you need to renew in person, you must do so at a Wyoming driver services facility.
Do I need a new license if I move to Wyoming from another state?
Yes. Wyoming law requires you to get a Wyoming driver's license within 30 days of moving to the state. You can use your out-of-state license until then, but after 30 days it is no longer valid in Wyoming. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to a driver services facility.
How much does a Wyoming driver's license cost?
The cost varies by license type and renewal term. Standard eight-year licenses cost less than four-year licenses, and REAL ID-compliant licenses cost more than standard licenses. Check the Department of Transportation website for current fees, as they may change.
Can I get a Wyoming driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Wyoming requires proof of a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration before you can get a Wyoming license.