The physical appearance of a Utah driver's license
A Utah driver's license is a rectangular card the size of a standard credit card. The front is predominantly blue with the state seal and the word "Utah" printed at the top. Your photograph appears on the right side of the card, and your name, date of birth, and address are printed below it on the left side.
The back of the card contains additional information in a machine-readable format, including a barcode and magnetic stripe. This back side is used by businesses and law enforcement to verify your identity and pull up your driving record when needed.
Key Takeaways
- Utah driver's licenses are blue rectangular cards with your photo on the front and your personal information printed below it.
- Your license displays your name, date of birth, address, driver's license number, and the expiration date on the front.
- The back contains a barcode and magnetic stripe that stores your information in machine-readable format.
- Licenses issued to people under 21 have a vertical orientation instead of horizontal, making them visually distinct from adult licenses.
- Utah licenses include a security feature called a hologram that makes the card harder to counterfeit.
Information printed on the front of your license
The front of your Utah license displays several pieces of information in specific locations. Your full legal name appears near the top left, followed by your date of birth. Your current address is printed below that. On the right side, your photograph takes up a significant portion of the card.
Your driver's license number is a unique identifier assigned by the state and appears in the lower left area. The expiration date of your license is printed prominently so you know when you need to renew. Your eye color and height are also listed, which help identify you if your license is lost or stolen.
How to identify a license issued to someone under 21
Utah licenses issued to people under 21 look different from adult licenses in one key way: they are oriented vertically (taller than they are wide) rather than horizontally. This vertical format makes it when ready obvious to businesses and law enforcement that the holder is under the legal drinking age.
The vertical license also has a different color scheme — it is still blue, but the layout and positioning of information differs from the horizontal adult license. When the person turns 21, they receive a new license in the standard horizontal format.
Security features that prevent counterfeiting
Utah driver's licenses include several security features designed to make them difficult to forge or alter. The most visible of these is a hologram — a three-dimensional image that appears on the front of the card and changes appearance when you tilt it under light. This hologram is nearly impossible to replicate with standard printing equipment.
The card itself is made from a durable polycarbonate material rather than paper or thin plastic, which makes it resistant to wear and tampering. The photograph is embedded into the card rather than printed on top, so it cannot be peeled off and replaced. The barcode and magnetic stripe on the back are also encoded with security information that must match the printed information on the front.
What the back of your license contains
The back of your Utah license is primarily used for machine-readable data rather than human-readable text. A barcode appears in the center, which can be scanned by police officers, businesses, and other entities to pull up your driving record and verify your identity when ready.
A magnetic stripe runs along the bottom edge of the back, similar to the stripe on a credit card. This stripe also contains encoded information about your license status, restrictions, and personal details. Some businesses use this magnetic stripe to verify your identity when you make purchases or enter age-restricted venues.
Differences between a standard license and a commercial license
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Utah, your license looks similar to a standard license but has a different color scheme and additional information printed on it. A CDL is typically red or has red markings to distinguish it from a regular license, making it when ready recognizable to law enforcement and employers.
A CDL also displays endorsements and restrictions specific to commercial driving, such as whether you are permitted to haul hazardous materials or operate certain types of vehicles. These endorsements appear as letter codes on your license. The expiration date for a CDL may differ from a standard license, and the renewal process is more involved.
How your license changes when you renew it
When you renew your Utah driver's license, you receive a new physical card with an updated expiration date and a new photograph (if you renew in person). The overall design and layout remain the same, but the card itself is brand new. Your driver's license number stays the same throughout your life in Utah, even across multiple renewals.
If you renew by mail without providing a new photograph, your license will display your previous photo with a notation that it has been renewed. The new expiration date will be printed on the card, and you will receive the new card in the mail within a few weeks of your renewal being processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Utah driver's license as a form of identification outside of driving?
Yes. Your Utah driver's license is a valid form of government-issued identification for many purposes, including boarding domestic flights, entering federal buildings, and verifying your age. However, some organizations may require a passport or other specific form of identification, so it is worth checking ahead of time.
What should I do if my license photo looks nothing like me?
You can request a new license with an updated photograph by visiting a local Driver License Division office and paying the replacement fee. You do not have to wait until your license expires to get a new photo. Bring your current license and proof of residency to complete the process.
Is the hologram on my license the same on every Utah license?
The hologram design is the same across all Utah licenses, but the specific image and security features are updated periodically as the state upgrades its technology. Older licenses may have a different hologram design than newer ones, which is normal and does not affect the validity of your license.
What does it mean if my license has a red stripe or marking?
A red marking typically indicates a commercial driver's license (CDL) or a license with specific restrictions. If your standard license has a red marking, it may indicate a medical condition or other restriction on your driving privileges. Check your license or contact the Driver License Division to understand what any markings mean.
Can I laminate my Utah driver's license to protect it?
No. Laminating your license is not recommended and may cause problems when your license is scanned by law enforcement or businesses. The barcode and magnetic stripe may not read properly if the card is laminated. Keep your license in a protective sleeve or wallet instead to prevent damage.