Where to go and what to bring

In Cheyenne, you get your driver's license from the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) Driver Services office, located at 5300 Bishop Boulevard. You can walk in during business hours without an appointment, though wait times vary. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on state holidays.

Before you go, gather these documents: a valid passport or birth certificate (original or certified copy), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and two documents showing your current Cheyenne address (utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days). If you are renewing and your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

Bring your current Wyoming license if you have one. If you are a new resident from another state, bring your out-of-state license as well. WYDOT will not accept photocopies of your documents — originals or certified copies only.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cheyenne WYDOT Driver Services office is at 5300 Bishop Boulevard and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no appointment needed.
  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate or passport, proof of your Social Security number, and two documents showing your current address.
  • A standard Wyoming driver's license costs $40 and is valid for eight years; a Real ID-compliant license costs $60 and is valid for eight years.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision screening, and a photo at the office; bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them.
  • Processing takes about 30 minutes to an hour on average, though peak times can be longer.

Choosing between a standard license and Real ID

Wyoming offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The main difference is what you can use it for. A standard Wyoming license works for driving and state identification but cannot be used as ID for federal purposes — boarding a domestic flight, entering a federal building, or accessing certain military bases.

A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards. It costs $20 more than a standard license ($60 versus $40) and is valid for the same eight years. If you plan to fly domestically or enter federal facilities, Real ID is the better choice. If you only need to drive and have other federal ID (passport, military ID), a standard license is sufficient.

Both types require the same documents and tests. You choose which one you want when you fill out your process at the office.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. A staff member will review your documents to confirm they are originals or certified copies and that your address is current. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you before you proceed.

Next, you will sit for a written test on Wyoming traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can retake it the same day if you do not pass the first time. After the written test, a staff member will perform a vision screening using a machine that checks your eyesight. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the screening — the license will note whether correction is required.

Finally, you will have your photo taken. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in; the photo will be on your license for eight years. Once the photo is taken, you are done. The office will mail your license to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days.

Cost and payment methods

A standard Wyoming driver's license costs $40. A Real ID license costs $60. These are one-time fees that cover the eight-year validity period. WYDOT accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at the Cheyenne office. Personal checks are not accepted.

If you are renewing a license that expired more than one year ago, you may be charged a late fee in addition to the standard renewal cost. The exact amount depends on how long the license has been expired. Ask the staff member at check-in if you are unsure whether a late fee applies to you.

If you are under 18

Wyoming allows you to get a learner's permit at age 14 and a driver's license at age 16. If you are under 18, you will need a parent or legal guardian to sign your process. Bring the same documents listed above, plus your parent or guardian's ID and signature.

Drivers under 18 are subject to graduated licensing restrictions. For the first six months after you receive your license, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent, guardian, or licensed driver age 25 or older is in the vehicle. After six months, the restriction lifts to 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18.

Renewing your license before it expires

You can renew your Wyoming license up to one year before it expires. Renewal at the office follows the same process as getting a new license: bring your documents, take the vision screening and written test, and have a new photo taken. You do not need an appointment.

Wyoming also offers online renewal for some drivers, but only if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name, and your address is still current. You can check whether you are may be able to access on the WYDOT website. Online renewal costs $30 for a standard license and $50 for Real ID, and the new license will be mailed to you.

What to do if you fail the written test

If you do not pass the written test on your first try, you can retake it when ready at the same visit. There is no additional fee for retakes on the same day. You will have time to review before the second attempt.

If you fail a second time, you must wait at least one day before trying again. You can return to the office the next day or any day after that. Each retake is free, so you can return as many times as you need. Most people pass on the second or third attempt. Before you return, review the Wyoming Driver's Manual, which is free on the WYDOT website and covers all the material on the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get my license after my visit?

WYDOT mails your license within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. You will receive it at the address you provided on your process. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Cheyenne office to confirm your address and check the status.

Can I get a temporary license to drive while I wait for my permanent one?

Yes. After you pass the test and vision screening, the office will print a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. You can drive with this temporary license while you wait for your permanent card to arrive in the mail.

What if my address changes after I get my license?

You must update your address with WYDOT within 30 days of moving. You can do this in person at the Cheyenne office or online through the WYDOT website. There is no fee to update your address, and you do not need to retake the test or have a new photo taken.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are welcome at the Cheyenne office. No appointment is needed. Wait times are usually shortest on Tuesday through Thursday mornings. Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You can bring other proof of your Social Security number instead: a W-2, 1099, tax return, or Social Security statement. You do not need the card itself, just a document that shows your number.