What documents you need to bring to the DMV
Utah requires you to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number when you go to the Division of Motor Vehicles office. You do not need to bring all three types of documents — you need one from each category, and some documents count toward more than one.
For identity, bring a passport, certified birth certificate, or a state ID card from another state. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Utah address on it — it must be dated within the last 60 days. For your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a 1099 form.
If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must come with you and bring their own identity and residency documents. If you cannot produce a Social Security number document, you can sign an affidavit at the DMV instead, but this takes longer and may delay your license.
Key Takeaways
- You need one document proving your identity, one proving you live in Utah, and one showing your Social Security number — bring originals, not copies.
- Residency documents must be dated within the last 60 days, so a utility bill or bank statement works but an old lease may not.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must attend the appointment with their own documents.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before the license is issued.
- A standard Utah driver license costs around $35 and is valid for eight years.
The written test and what it covers
The written test has 25 questions about Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean.
You can study using the Utah Driver Handbook, which is free and available on the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles website. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare. You are allowed to take the written test up to three times in one day if you fail, but you must wait one day before trying again after that.
Vision and driving tests
After you pass the written test, you will take a vision screening at the DMV. The screener will check whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — your license will note whether you must wear them while driving.
The driving test happens on a closed course or quiet streets near the DMV office. A DMV examiner will sit in the car with you and watch how you handle basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping. The test usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition.
Age requirements and restrictions for new drivers
You must be at least 16 years old to get a driver license in Utah. If you are 16 or 17, you will first receive a learner permit, which lets you drive only with a licensed adult in the car. You must hold the learner permit for at least six months before you can take the driving test for a full license.
Drivers under 18 also face graduated restrictions. For the first six months after getting your license, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you can have only one passenger under 21 in the car. After six months, the midnight curfew lifts but the passenger limit stays until you turn 18.
If you are 18 or older and have never held a license, you can skip the learner permit stage and go straight to the written, vision, and driving tests.
Renewing or replacing a lost license
A Utah driver license is valid for eight years. You can renew online through the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles website if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. Online renewal costs less than renewing in person and takes about two weeks.
If your license is lost or stolen, go to any DMV office and bring your identity and residency documents. A replacement license costs around $20 and is issued the same day. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it — you must first resolve the reason for the suspension with the court or the DMV.
Changing your address or name on your license
If you move to a new address in Utah, you must update your license within 30 days. You can do this online if your new address is in Utah and your license is not expired. If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must go to a DMV office in person and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Updating your address online is free. Updating your name or address in person costs around $20 for a replacement license with the new information.
What happens if you fail the driving test
If you do not pass the driving test, you can retake it the next day. There is no limit to how many times you can take the driving test, but you must pay the test fee each time. Common reasons people fail include not checking mirrors, not signaling turns, hitting cones during parking, or not coming to a complete stop at stop signs.
Before retaking the test, practice the specific maneuvers the examiner noted as problems. Many DMV offices offer practice driving courses, and some driving schools in Utah specialize in helping people prepare for the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Utah driver license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you cannot bring a Social Security card or tax document, you can sign an affidavit at the DMV stating you do not have a Social Security number. This takes longer and may require additional verification, but you can still get a license.
What if I moved to Utah from another state and already have a driver license?
You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Utah license without taking the written or driving tests. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to any DMV office. You will still take a vision test. The exchange costs around $35.
Do I need to take the written test again if I let my license expire?
If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it without retaking the written test. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must retake the written, vision, and driving tests as if you were a new driver.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The Utah DMV offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. Tell the DMV staff which language you need when you arrive for your appointment.
How long does it take to get a Utah driver license from start to finish?
If you pass all tests on your first try, you can get a license the same day you take the driving test. If you need to retake tests or if you are under 18 and must wait out the learner permit period, the timeline is longer — usually several weeks to several months.