What the Brigham City Drivers License Division Does
The Brigham City Drivers License Division is a Utah Department of Public Safety office that issues driver's licenses, renewal permits, and identification cards. It handles the written test, vision screening, and photo processing for new and renewing drivers in Box Elder County and surrounding areas. This is where you go in person to complete the final steps of getting a license — you cannot finish the process online or by mail.
The office is located in Brigham City, which serves residents who live in or near that area. If you live closer to another Utah division office, you can use that location instead; the process and requirements are the same statewide.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit the Brigham City office in person to take the written test, pass the vision screening, and have your photo taken for a new license.
- Bring your Social Security card, proof of residency (utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (passport or birth certificate) — the office will not accept expired licenses as proof of identity.
- The vision screening at the office is separate from an eye doctor's exam; you do not need to bring glasses or contact lens records unless you want to note a vision correction on your license.
- Wait times vary by day and time of day; calling ahead or checking online can tell you how busy the office is before you go.
- If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return another day at no extra cost.
Documents You Need to Bring
Utah requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
For proof of identity, bring your passport, birth certificate, or a valid foreign passport. An expired driver's license does not count as proof of identity, even if it is recent. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card itself. If you do not have the card, bring a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement from ssa.gov. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement in your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
If you are renewing a license that is not yet expired, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting in person. Check the Utah Driver License Division website to see whether your renewal qualifies.
The Vision Screening at the Office
The Brigham City office performs a basic vision screening as part of the license issuance process. This is not a comprehensive eye exam — it tests whether you can see well enough to drive safely. You will read letters or numbers on a chart from a set distance, usually about 20 feet away.
You do not need to bring glasses, contacts, or any records from an eye doctor. If you wear glasses or contacts while driving, tell the staff before the screening, and they will test you while wearing them. The office will note on your license whether vision correction is required.
If you fail the vision screening, the office will not issue your license that day. You will need to see an eye doctor, get a signed statement that you meet the vision standard for driving, and return to the office with that statement. The office can tell you the exact vision standard Utah requires.
Taking the Written Test
The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Utah. It is typically 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the office, and you can take it in English or Spanish.
You can study using the Utah Driver Handbook, which is free on the Driver License Division website. Many people also use practice tests online to prepare. The office does not provide study materials on site, so bring your own or study before you arrive.
If you fail, you can retake the test when ready or come back another day. There is no fee for retaking it. Most people who fail are allowed to retake it the same day, though the office may ask you to wait a short time before trying again.
Hours, Location, and Wait Times
The Brigham City Drivers License Division is located at 16 North Main Street, Brigham City, Utah 84302. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours may vary by season or for holidays. Call ahead to confirm hours before you go.
Wait times depend on the day of the week and time of day. Mornings and early afternoons are usually less crowded than late afternoons. The office does not take appointments, so you arrive and take a number. The Utah Driver License Division website sometimes shows current wait times for each office location.
Bring all your documents in one trip. If you forget something, you will have to return another day to complete the process. The office staff can tell you when ready if a document is missing or invalid.
What Happens After You Pass
Once you pass the vision screening and written test, the office will take your photo and issue your license on the spot. Your temporary license is valid when ready for driving. The permanent plastic card is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need to drive before the permanent card arrives, the temporary license is valid proof. Keep it in your vehicle. When the permanent card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid.
If your address changes after you receive your license, you can update it online through the Utah Driver License Division website or by visiting any division office. You do not need to retake the test or vision screening.
If You Cannot Visit in Person
Some transactions can be completed online or by mail. If you are renewing a license that is not expired, you may renew online at the Utah Driver License Division website. If you are renewing a license that expired less than five years ago, you may renew by mail.
If you need a new license (not a renewal) or your license has been expired for more than five years, you must visit an office in person. There is no exception to this requirement. The Brigham City office is the closest location if you live in Box Elder County, but you can visit any Utah Driver License Division office instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an eye doctor's letter to get my license?
No, unless you fail the vision screening at the office. The office performs its own screening. If you pass, no letter is needed. If you fail, you must see an eye doctor, get a signed statement that you meet Utah's vision standard, and return with that statement.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake it the same day at no cost, or return another day. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it. Most people who fail are allowed to retake it after a short wait on the same visit.
Can I renew my license by mail instead of going to Brigham City?
Yes, if your license is not expired or expired less than five years ago. You can renew by mail or online through the Utah Driver License Division website. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must visit an office in person.
What if I do not have a Social Security card?
Bring a W-2 form, tax return, or Social Security statement from ssa.gov instead. The office accepts any of these as proof of your Social Security number. You do not need the card itself.
How long does it take to get a license after I pass the test?
Your temporary license is valid when ready. The permanent plastic card is mailed within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive with the temporary license until the permanent card arrives.