Documents Required for a Utah Driver's License
Utah requires you to bring three categories of documents to the Driver License Division: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. You cannot complete the process without all three, and the documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. The specific documents accepted in each category vary, so knowing which ones you have on hand before you go saves a trip back home.
The Driver License Division operates at the main office in Salt Lake City and at satellite offices in other counties. You can find the full list of accepted documents on the Utah Department of Public Safety website, but the most common path uses a passport for identity, a utility bill for residency, and your Social Security card for the number itself.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID.
- Proof of residency requires a document showing your name and current Utah address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days.
- You need to show your Social Security card or a document that displays your full Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return.
- The Driver License Division will not accept photocopies or digital images of documents — originals or certified copies only.
- If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are ineligible, which the Division will accept in its place.
Proof of Identity Documents Accepted in Utah
Your identity document must show your full legal name and date of birth. A U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state all work. If you do not have a passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate (the long-form version with the state seal) is the next most common choice. Military ID cards, tribal ID cards issued by federally recognized tribes, and permanent resident cards (green cards) are also accepted.
If you were born outside the United States and do not have a U.S. passport, you will need a certified copy of your birth certificate from the country where you were born, plus a document showing you are a lawful permanent resident or citizen — such as a green card, naturalization certificate, or visa. The Driver License Division can tell you which specific documents your country of origin requires; call ahead if you are uncertain.
Proof of Residency: What the Division Accepts
Proof of residency must show your name and your current Utah address. The document must be dated within the last 90 days. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name is the simplest option. A lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax notice, or bank statement showing your address also works. If you receive mail from a government agency at your Utah address — such as a tax notice or voter registration card — that counts too.
If you live with someone else and the bill is in their name, you can bring a notarized letter from that person stating that you live at the address, along with their ID and a utility bill in their name. Temporary residency documents, such as a hotel receipt or shelter verification letter, are accepted if you do not yet have a permanent address. The key is that the document must be recent and must show the specific address where you currently live.
Proof of Social Security Number
You can bring your Social Security card itself, which is the fastest option. If you do not have the card, the Division accepts a W-2 form, 1099 form, tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration showing your number. Some people bring a pay stub that displays their full Social Security number, though you should check with your employer first to confirm the stub shows the complete number and not a partial one.
If you do not have a Social Security number and are not a U.S. citizen, you can request a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are ineligible for a number. Bring that letter to the Division in place of a Social Security document. The Division will then issue you a driver's license, though it will not have a Social Security number printed on it.
Documents You Will Also Need at the Office
Bring your current driver's license or ID if you have one, even if it is expired or from another state. Bring your Social Security card or the alternative document listed above. You will also need to complete the DL-43 form (process for a Utah Driver's License), which you can fill out before you arrive or at the office itself.
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with you. They will need to bring their own ID and sign the process. If you are renewing a license rather than getting one for the first time, the requirements are the same, though you may not need to bring proof of residency if your address has not changed since your last renewal.
What Happens if a Document Is Missing or Unclear
If a document is unclear — for example, if a birth certificate is faded or a utility bill does not show your full name — the Division staff will tell you on the spot. You can then go home, get a clearer copy or a different document from the same category, and return. Some offices allow you to come back the same day; others may require you to schedule another appointment. Calling ahead to ask about the specific office's policy saves time.
If you do not have any of the three required categories, you cannot get a license that day. The Division does not issue temporary licenses while you gather documents. Plan to have all three categories in hand before you visit, or you will need to return later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a digital photo of my documents instead of bringing the originals?
No. The Driver License Division requires original documents or certified copies only. Digital photos, photocopies, and faxes are not accepted. If you have a certified copy from a government office or court, that counts as an original for this purpose.
What if my name on my birth certificate does not match my current legal name?
Bring both your birth certificate and a document showing your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Division will use the name change document to verify that the two names belong to the same person.
Do I need to bring all three types of documents if I am renewing my license?
If your address has not changed, you may only need to bring proof of identity. If you have moved, you will need proof of residency as well. Call the Driver License Division office in your county to confirm what you need before you go.
What if my utility bill is in my spouse's name but we live at the same address?
You can use the bill if you bring a notarized letter from your spouse stating that you live at that address, along with your spouse's ID. Alternatively, bring a different residency document in your own name, such as a lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement.
Can I use a passport from another country as proof of identity?
A foreign passport alone is not enough. You will need the foreign passport plus a document showing you are a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen, such as a green card or naturalization certificate. Call the Division to confirm which documents your specific country of origin requires.