What you need to get a Utah driver's license
Utah issues driver's licenses through the Driver License Division, which operates under the Department of Public Safety. To get a license, you must visit a Driver License office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of legal presence in the United States.
Proof of identity can be a valid passport, certified birth certificate, or consular report of birth. Proof of residency must show your current address and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. Proof of legal presence includes a valid U.S. passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, or employment authorization document.
You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test covering traffic laws and road signs. Utah offers the written test in multiple languages. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a learner's permit for at least 6 months before taking the driving test.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver License office in person with original documents proving identity, residency, Social Security number, and legal presence.
- Utah requires a vision test and written knowledge test; drivers under 18 must also complete driver education and hold a learner's permit for 6 months.
- A standard Utah driver's license is valid for 5 years; you can renew online or by mail if you meet certain conditions.
- The cost is $30 for a 5-year license, plus additional fees for expedited processing or duplicate licenses.
- If you move to Utah from another state, you have 60 days to obtain a Utah license before driving with an out-of-state license becomes illegal.
Where to find a Driver License office and what to expect
The Driver License Division operates offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Price, Vernal, and Richfield. You can find the full list of office locations, hours, and phone numbers on the Utah Department of Public Safety website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours on certain days.
Walk-in service is available at all offices, but wait times vary by location and time of day. The Driver License Division recommends arriving early in the morning or calling ahead to ask about current wait times. You can also schedule an appointment online through the Driver License Division website, which can reduce your wait time significantly.
When you arrive, bring all required documents in original form — photocopies are not accepted. The office staff will verify your documents, take your photograph, collect your fee, and administer the vision and written tests. The entire process typically takes 30 minutes to an hour if you have all documents and pass the tests on your first attempt.
Costs and processing time for a new license
A standard 5-year Utah driver's license costs $30. If you need your license faster, you can pay an additional $15 for expedited processing, which prioritizes your process. A duplicate license costs $20 if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Processing time depends on whether you choose standard or expedited service. With standard processing, your license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. With expedited processing, you receive it within 3 to 5 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use when ready while you wait for your plastic card to arrive.
Utah accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at Driver License offices. Some offices may have restrictions on payment methods, so call ahead if you plan to pay by check.
Renewing your Utah driver's license
You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person, depending on your situation. Online renewal is available if your license is not expired, you have no address changes, and you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past 5 years. To renew online, visit the Utah Driver License Division website, enter your license number and date of birth, and pay the $30 renewal fee with a credit or debit card.
Mail renewal is also available under the same conditions. You can request a renewal form by calling the Driver License Division or downloading it from their website. Mail your completed form, your current license, and a check or money order for $30 to the address provided on the form. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your materials.
If you cannot renew online or by mail — for example, if your address has changed, your license is expired, or you have had violations — you must renew in person at a Driver License office. In-person renewal follows the same process as getting a new license and requires the same documents.
Moving to Utah from another state
If you move to Utah, you have 60 days from the date you establish residency to obtain a Utah driver's license. After 60 days, driving with an out-of-state license is illegal, even if that license has not expired. To establish residency, you need to show proof of a current Utah address, such as a lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement.
When you explore for your first Utah license, you do not need to take the written test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have held a license for at least one year. You will still need to pass the vision test and provide all required documents. If your out-of-state license has expired or you have held a license for less than one year, you must take the written test.
You do not need to surrender your out-of-state license when you get a Utah license. However, you should stop using it for identification in Utah once your Utah license arrives.
Special licenses and endorsements in Utah
Utah offers several types of licenses beyond the standard driver's license. A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required if you drive a vehicle over 26,000 pounds or carry hazardous materials. CDL holders must pass additional written tests and a driving test with a commercial vehicle. A motorcycle endorsement allows you to operate a motorcycle and requires passing a separate written test and riding test.
If you are 16 or 17, you can get a provisional license, which comes with restrictions on driving hours and passenger limits. These restrictions remain in place until you turn 18 or have held the license for one year, whichever comes first. A learner's permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the vehicle and is required before you take the driving test for a full license.
Utah also issues licenses to people with medical conditions that affect their ability to drive. These licenses may include restrictions such as corrective lenses, automatic transmission only, or daytime driving only. The Driver License Division determines restrictions based on your medical evaluation.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate at any Driver License office. Bring your Social Security card or other proof of your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of residency. A duplicate license costs $20 and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail, or 3 to 5 business days with expedited processing.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police, though this is not required to get a duplicate. A police report can help protect you if someone uses your stolen license fraudulently. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use when ready.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can still use it until it expires. However, if it is so damaged that it cannot be read or verified, you should get a duplicate when ready to avoid problems with law enforcement or identification checks.
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 to travel or want to avoid renewing during a busy season. The new license will be valid for 5 years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expires.
What happens if I let my Utah driver's license expire?
You cannot legally drive with an expired license. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can be cited. To drive again, you must renew your license in person at a Driver License office and pass the vision test. You will not need to retake the written test if your license has been expired for less than 5 years.
Do I need to take a driving test if I already have a valid license from another state?
No. If you have held a valid out-of-state license for at least one year, you do not need to take the written or driving test when you get a Utah license. You will still need to pass the vision test and provide proof of identity, residency, Social Security number, and legal presence.
Can I get a Real ID compliant license in Utah?
Yes. Utah issues Real ID compliant licenses, which meet federal standards for identification at airports and federal buildings. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license ($30 for 5 years) and requires the same documents, plus proof of legal presence. You can request a Real ID license when you explore for or renew your license.
What should I do if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment to take it later. There is no additional fee to retake the test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. The Driver License Division website has practice tests you can use to study before your next attempt.