What you need to know about Utah driver's licenses
Utah issues driver's licenses through the Driver License Division, which is part of the Department of Public Safety. You can get a license in person at a local office, and the process takes about 15 minutes if you have all required documents. Utah licenses are valid for eight years for most adults, though you can renew by mail or online before they expire.
The state issues two types of licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The REAL ID version costs a bit more but meets federal requirements for flying domestically and entering federal buildings. Most people in Utah now get the REAL ID version because the federal important date for domestic flights has passed, and many find it simpler to have one license that works everywhere.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Driver License Division office in person for your first license or if your license is expired by more than three years.
- Bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or tribal ID), proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number.
- A REAL ID license costs about $20 more than a standard license but works for federal buildings and domestic flights without a passport.
- You can renew by mail or online if your license is not expired by more than three years and you have not changed your name or address.
- Utah offers a Real ID extension card if you do not want to renew your full license yet but need federal compliance.
Getting your first Utah driver's license
To get your first license, you must visit a Driver License Division office in person. You cannot do this by mail or online. Bring your Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Utah residency. Proof of identity can be a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, tribal ID, or military ID. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address — it must be dated within the last 60 days.
At the office, you will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a photo. The written test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly. You can study the test questions on the Utah Driver License Division website before you go. The office will give you a temporary license to use while your permanent card is mailed to you, which takes about two weeks.
The fee for a standard eight-year license is around $35. A REAL ID license costs about $55. If you are under 21, your license will expire when you turn 21, and you will need to renew it then.
Renewing your Utah driver's license
If your license is not expired by more than three years, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. To renew online, go to the Driver License Division website, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the steps. You will pay the renewal fee online, and your new card will be mailed to you in about two weeks. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes.
To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the Driver License Division or read it from their website. Fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Mail renewal takes longer — usually three to four weeks — because the office must process your form and mail your card back.
If your license has been expired for more than three years, you must renew in person at a Driver License Division office. You will need to bring the same documents as a first-time applicant: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
Changing your name or address on your license
If you change your name because of marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit a Driver License Division office in person to update your license. Bring your current license, a document that proves your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your new address if you moved at the same time. The office will issue a new license with your updated name.
If you only change your address and your license is not expired by more than three years, you can update your address online or by mail without getting a new card. You do not need to pay a fee for an address change. If your license is expired by more than three years, you must renew in person and can update your address at the same time.
REAL ID licenses and extension cards
A REAL ID license meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. It has a gold star in the upper right corner. If you already have a passport or military ID, you do not need a REAL ID license for flights — you can use those documents instead. But many people find it simpler to have one card that works for both state ID and federal purposes.
To get a REAL ID license, you must visit an office in person and bring the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document that proves your Social Security number (like a Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return). The REAL ID license costs about $20 more than a standard license and is valid for eight years.
If you have a standard license and want federal compliance without renewing your whole license yet, Utah offers a Real ID extension card. This is a separate card that works with your existing license to meet federal requirements. It costs less than a full REAL ID license and is valid for four years.
Where to find a Driver License Division office
Utah has Driver License Division offices in most cities and towns. The main office is in Salt Lake City, but you can visit any office in the state — you do not have to go to the one nearest your home. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Some offices have extended hours on certain days.
You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Utah Driver License Division website. The website also lets you schedule an appointment at some offices, which can reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment holders are served first.
What happens if your license is lost or stolen
If your license is lost or stolen, visit a Driver License Division office in person to report it and get a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. The replacement license costs about $20 and is mailed to you in about two weeks. You will get a temporary license to use while you wait.
If you suspect your license was stolen and used fraudulently, report it to the Driver License Division and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. A fraud alert makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if I am out of state?
If your license is not expired by more than three years, you can renew by mail or online from anywhere. If it is expired by more than three years, you must renew in person at a Utah Driver License Division office. Some states have reciprocal agreements, but Utah does not allow renewal through another state's office.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no fee to retake the test. Most offices let you study the questions while you wait and then retake it right away. You must pass before you leave the office to get your license.
How long does it take to get a license after I explore?
You get a temporary license when ready after you pass the test and take your photo. Your permanent card is mailed to you and arrives in about two weeks. You can use the temporary license to drive while you wait for the permanent card.
Do I need to take a new photo every time I renew?
No. If you renew by mail or online, your photo from your previous license is used. If you renew in person at an office, you will take a new photo. Most people renew by mail or online to avoid the office visit and keep their old photo.
What if my address is a P.O. box?
Utah does not accept a P.O. box as proof of residency. You must provide a physical street address on a utility bill, lease, or other document. If you live in a rural area without mail delivery, contact the Driver License Division office to ask what documents they will accept.