What you need to know about getting a Utah driver's license
Utah issues driver's licenses through the Driver License Division, which operates under the Department of Public Safety. You will need to visit a Driver License office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. The office will test your knowledge of traffic laws, check your vision, take your photograph, and issue your license on the same day if you pass.
The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will pay a fee at the time of issuance; the amount depends on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard license costs less than a REAL ID-compliant license, which has a gold star and meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building entry.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver License office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
- Utah requires you to pass a written test on traffic laws and a vision test before the license is issued.
- A standard Utah driver's license is valid for eight years; a REAL ID license is also valid for eight years but costs more and meets federal travel requirements.
- If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test.
- You can renew your license by mail or online if you have not had any address changes and your license is not expired by more than one year.
Documents you need to bring to the Driver License office
Bring one document that proves your identity. The Driver License Division accepts a valid passport, a birth certificate with a government-issued photo ID, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you bring a birth certificate, you must also bring a photo ID issued by a government agency.
Bring one document that proves you live in Utah. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a government check. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A cell phone bill does not count.
Bring your Social Security number or your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You do not need to bring a card; you can tell the office your number. If you do not have either, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or the IRS stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number.
The written test and vision test at the office
The written test covers Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You will answer 40 multiple-choice questions on a computer or on paper. You must answer at least 32 questions correctly to pass. The office provides a study guide online at the Driver License Division website; you can read it and study at home before your visit.
The vision test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. The office uses a machine that measures your vision in each eye. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, the office will refer you to an eye doctor; you cannot get a license until an eye doctor clears you.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you will pay the license fee each time you take the test.
Fees and how long your license lasts
A standard eight-year driver's license costs $32. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $47 for eight years. Both are valid for eight years from the date of issuance. If you are 65 or older, you can get a four-year license for $16, or a four-year REAL ID license for $23.50.
You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. The office will take your photograph and issue your license before you leave. Your license will be mailed to your address within 10 business days if you requested a standard license; REAL ID licenses are mailed within 15 business days because they require additional processing.
Requirements if you are under 18
You must complete a driver education course before you can get a learner's permit. The course can be taken online or in a classroom; both count equally. After you finish the course, bring your certificate of completion to the Driver License office along with your other documents.
You will receive 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. During this time, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving.
After six months, you can schedule a driving test with a Driver License examiner. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving. If you pass, you will receive a restricted license valid until age 18. At 18, you can convert it to a standard license without retaking any tests.
How to renew your license before it expires
You can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address. To renew online, go to the Driver License Division website, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed within 10 business days.
To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the Driver License Division website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Include a copy of your current license. Your new license will be mailed within 15 business days of receipt.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit a Driver License office in person and repeat the written test and vision test. Bring the same documents you brought for your original license.
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 at any Driver License office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, the same documents you brought for your original license. You do not need to retake the written test or vision test.
A replacement license costs $20. You will receive it before you leave the office. If you report your license as stolen, the office will note that in the system, and you can request a new license number to prevent fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Utah driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or the IRS stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number, or bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). The office will accept either document in place of a Social Security number.
What is the difference between a standard license and a REAL ID license?
A REAL ID license has a gold star and meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license does not. Both are valid for eight years in Utah. If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building, you will need a REAL ID license or another form of federal ID.
How long does it take to get my license in the mail?
A standard license is mailed within 10 business days. A REAL ID license is mailed within 15 business days. You will receive your license at the address you provided at the office. If you do not receive it within that time, contact the Driver License Division office where you applied.
Can I change my name on my driver's license?
Yes. Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your name change to a Driver License office. You will pay $20 for a replacement license with your new name. You do not need to retake the written test or vision test.
What happens if I fail the vision test?
You cannot get a license until you see an eye doctor and get cleared to drive. The office will give you a form to take to an eye doctor. Once the eye doctor signs it, bring it back to the Driver License office and you can complete the process.