What You Need to Do to Get a Utah Driver's License
To get a Utah driver's license, you visit a Driver License Division office in person, bring required documents proving your identity and residency, pass a written test and vision screening, and pay the fee. The whole process usually takes one office visit if you have your documents ready. You cannot complete this online — you must appear in person at a Driver License Division office.
Utah issues driver's licenses valid for eight years. If you are under 21, your license expires when you turn 21. The state recognizes both standard licenses and REAL ID-compliant licenses, which meet federal requirements for air travel and federal building access.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, a Social Security card or number, and proof of Utah residency such as a utility bill or lease.
- You need to pass a written knowledge test about traffic laws and a vision screening at the Driver License Division office.
- The fee varies depending on the license type and validity period you choose, and you pay at the time of your visit.
- You can find your nearest Driver License Division office and check wait times on the Utah Department of Public Safety website.
Documents You Must Bring to the Office
Bring an original or certified birth certificate as your primary identity document. A photocopy will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document instead.
You also need proof of your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, or a document showing your number such as a W-2 form or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for one at the same office visit.
Bring two documents proving Utah residency. These can include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail addressed to you. The documents must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state counts as one residency document if it shows your current Utah address.
If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your current out-of-state driver's license if you have one.
The Written Test and Vision Screening
At the office, you take a written knowledge test covering Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study using the Utah Driver's License Handbook, which is free and available on the Utah Department of Public Safety website.
You also undergo a vision screening at the office. The screener checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you cannot receive a license until you correct the vision problem and return for another screening.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day. There is no fee to retake the test.
Fees and License Validity Periods
The cost of a Utah driver's license depends on how long you want it to be valid. An eight-year license costs more than a four-year license. A REAL ID-compliant license costs more than a standard license. The Driver License Division office will tell you the exact fee when you arrive, based on which type of license you choose.
You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the office. Some offices may have additional payment methods. Ask when you call or visit.
Your license is valid starting the day you receive it. If you need it for travel or federal building access, confirm whether you need a REAL ID license before you visit, because you cannot upgrade to REAL ID after you leave the office.
Finding an Office and Checking Wait Times
Utah has Driver License Division offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you on the Utah Department of Public Safety website. The website lists each office's address, phone number, and hours of operation.
Many offices display current wait times online. If your nearest office has a long wait, you can try a different location. Some offices are less busy at certain times of day or on certain days of the week.
You do not need an appointment at most offices, but some locations accept appointments. Check the website for your specific office to see whether appointments are available.
What Happens If You Cannot Pass the Vision Screening
If you fail the vision screening, the office staff will explain what correction is needed. You may need glasses or contacts, or you may need to see an eye doctor to determine the right prescription. Once you have corrected your vision, you can return to the office for another screening at no additional cost.
If you have a medical condition affecting your vision or ability to drive, the office may require a report from your doctor before issuing a license. The staff will tell you what documentation you need to bring back.
Renewing or Replacing Your License
When your license is about to expire, you can renew it by visiting a Driver License Division office again with the same documents. You do not need to retake the written test to renew, but you will have another vision screening.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at any Driver License Division office. Bring your documents and pay the replacement fee, which is lower than the fee for a new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a learner's permit before getting a full driver's license?
Yes. Utah issues learner's permits to people who pass the written test but have not yet passed a driving test. A learner's permit allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. You can get a learner's permit at a Driver License Division office with the same documents required for a full license.
What if I was born outside the United States?
Bring your passport or travel document as your identity document instead of a birth certificate. You also need proof of legal presence in the United States. Bring documents such as a visa, green card, employment authorization document, or I-94 arrival record. The office staff will tell you which documents they accept.
Do I need a REAL ID license for flying within the United States?
Starting May 7, 2025, a standard Utah driver's license will not be accepted as identification for domestic air travel. You will need either a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a passport, or another federal ID. If you fly, get a REAL ID license when you visit the office.
How long does it take to get a license after my office visit?
You receive your license the same day you visit the office. The staff will give it to you before you leave, so you can use it when ready for driving and identification.
What if I moved to Utah from another state?
You need to get a Utah license within 60 days of establishing residency. Bring your out-of-state license along with your other documents. You will take the written test and vision screening again, because each state has different traffic laws.