Documents required for a Utah driver's license
You need four categories of documents to get a Utah driver's license: proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of legal presence in the United States. The Utah Driver License Division accepts specific documents in each category, and you must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.
You do not need to gather every document listed below. You need one document from the identity section, one from residency, one from Social Security, and one from legal presence. The Division's website lists which documents they accept, and you can call ahead to confirm your specific documents will work before you make the trip.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring originals or certified copies of documents — photocopies will not be accepted by the Utah Driver License Division.
- One document from each of four categories (identity, residency, Social Security, legal presence) is required; you do not need multiple documents per category.
- A passport or passport card counts as both identity and legal presence proof, so it can reduce the number of documents you need to bring.
- If your name has changed since your document was issued, bring a certified copy of the name change document (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
- The Utah Driver License Division office in your county is where you go in person; you cannot complete this process by mail or online.
Proof of identity documents
For proof of identity, the Utah Driver License Division accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state. If you do not have any of these, you can use a certified birth certificate, a Tribal ID card, or a school or work ID issued by a government agency.
Your identity document must show your full legal name and date of birth. If your name has changed since the document was issued — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the certified copy of the document that shows the name change along with your original identity document.
Proof of residency in Utah
Proof of residency means a document showing your current Utah address. The Division accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax notice, or a recent piece of mail from a government agency addressed to you at your Utah address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
If you have just moved to Utah and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, an affidavit of residency signed by someone who lives at your address and has lived there for at least one year can work instead. You can get the affidavit form from the Driver License Division office or read it from their website.
Proof of Social Security number
You need to show your Social Security number. The Division accepts a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a document from the Social Security Administration. Your Social Security card must be an original or certified copy.
If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a driver's license, but you will need to complete an affidavit stating that you do not have one. Ask the Driver License Division office for the form when you arrive.
Proof of legal presence in the United States
Legal presence means you are authorized to live and work in the United States. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID proves this. If you do not have one of those, you can use a birth certificate, a Tribal ID, a permanent resident card (green card), a work permit, a visa, or an I-94 arrival/departure record.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your immigration documents in their original form or as certified copies. The Division staff will review them to confirm your legal status. If you have questions about whether your specific immigration document will work, contact the Driver License Division office in your county before you go in.
Name changes and updated documents
If your name has changed since any of your documents were issued, you must bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. This includes a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers. The certified copy must come from the county clerk or court that issued it — a photocopy or a certified copy from a different source will not work.
Bring both the certified name change document and your original identity document showing your previous name. The Driver License Division will use both to confirm your identity and update your license to your current legal name.
Where to bring your documents
You must go in person to a Driver License Division office in the county where you live. Utah has offices in every county. You cannot mail in your documents or complete this process online. Bring all your original documents or certified copies — do not send them ahead or leave them at home.
The office will make copies of your documents for their records, so you will get your originals back. Bring your documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get lost or damaged on the way. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must go with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?
No. The Division requires an original birth certificate or a certified copy from the county or state vital records office. A photocopy will not be accepted. If you need a certified copy, contact the vital records office in the county or state where you were born.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
You can still get a driver's license. You will need to sign an affidavit stating that you do not have a Social Security number. Ask for the form when you arrive at the Driver License Division office. You will still need to bring documents for the other three categories: identity, residency, and legal presence.
Do I need to bring all these documents if I already have a passport?
A passport covers both identity and legal presence, so you would still need to bring proof of residency and proof of Social Security number. That is two documents instead of four. A passport card works the same way.
My name changed after I got my birth certificate. What do I bring?
Bring your original birth certificate and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The certified copy must come from the county clerk or court that issued it. The Division will use both documents to confirm your identity and update your license to your current name.
Can someone else bring my documents for me?
No. You must go in person to the Driver License Division office. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must go with you. If you are over 18, you cannot send someone else in your place.