Where to find Utah's driver's license office and what to bring

Utah's driver's license division operates through the Driver License Division, which is part of the Utah Department of Public Safety. You cannot get a Utah driver's license online or by mail — you must visit a Driver License office in person. There are offices in most counties, with the main office in Salt Lake City and satellite locations in Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, and other cities. You can find the full list of office locations and hours on the Utah Driver License Division website.

Before you go, gather these documents: a valid passport or birth certificate (proof of identity and citizenship), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of Utah residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your current driver's license if you have one. If you are renewing or replacing a license, bring the old one. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Driver License office in person with original identity documents, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
  • Utah has multiple office locations across the state, and you can visit any of them — you are not limited to your home county.
  • The fee for a new driver's license is set by the state and varies depending on whether you are getting a standard license, a REAL ID, or a commercial license.
  • Processing takes a few minutes at the office, but your physical license arrives by mail within one to two weeks.
  • If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, you must bring them to your eye exam at the office.

The vision test and medical requirements

When you arrive at the Driver License office, you will take a vision screening as part of the licensing process. Bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them for driving — the test measures whether you can see well enough to drive safely with any correction you normally use. You do not need a separate eye exam from an optometrist or ophthalmologist unless the office staff tells you that you failed the screening or that your medical history requires one.

If you have a medical condition that might affect your driving — such as seizures, severe hearing loss, or a condition that causes sudden loss of consciousness — tell the staff when you arrive. They may ask you to have a doctor fill out a medical form before they issue your license. This form is called a Medical Evaluation Form, and your doctor completes it to confirm that you are safe to drive. You pay for the doctor's time, but the form itself is free from the Driver License Division.

Getting a REAL ID versus a standard license

Utah offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID. The difference matters if you fly domestically or enter a federal building. Starting in May 2025, you will need a REAL ID or a passport to board a domestic flight in the United States. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and costs more than a standard license.

To get a REAL ID, you need the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document that proves your Social Security number — your Social Security card itself, a W-2, or a tax return. If you already have a standard Utah driver's license and want to upgrade to REAL ID, you can do so at any Driver License office without retaking the vision test or written exam. You will pay the difference in fee and receive a new card by mail.

What happens during your office visit

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and take a number. The wait time varies by location and time of day — early mornings and mid-week visits are usually shorter. When your number is called, a staff member will review your documents, ask you questions about your address and driving history, and take your photograph. You will then move to the vision screening station, where you look into a machine that tests how well you can see.

If this is your first license or you are renewing after it expired, you will also take a written test on Utah traffic laws. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study the Utah Driver Handbook online before you go. Once you pass the vision test and written exam (if required), the staff will tell you that your license has been issued. You will not receive the physical card at the office — it arrives by mail within one to two weeks.

Fees and payment methods

The fee for a Utah driver's license depends on the type and length of validity. A standard license valid for five years costs one amount; an eight-year license costs more. A REAL ID license costs extra. Commercial driver's licenses have their own fee structure. The Driver License Division accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at all offices. Call your local office or check the website for the exact current fee, as amounts can change.

If you are renewing a license that has not yet expired, you may be able to renew by mail or online, depending on your situation. If your license has expired or you are getting your first license, you must visit in person. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, you will pay a replacement fee, which is usually lower than a new license fee.

Renewing or replacing your license

If your Utah driver's license is still valid and you are straightforward renewing it before it expires, you can renew online through the Utah Driver License Division website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired, you must not have any medical restrictions, and you must not have changed your name or address. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than an in-person renewal.

If your license has expired, you lost it, or it was stolen, you must visit an office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new license. If your license was stolen, you may also want to file a report with local police, though this is not required to get a replacement. Processing for a replacement is the same as for a new license — you will receive your card by mail within one to two weeks.

What to do if you fail the vision test

If you do not pass the vision screening at the office, the staff will tell you before you leave. You have two options: you can get glasses or contacts and return to the office for another screening, or you can bring a letter from an eye doctor stating that you have been corrected to the legal standard for driving. Utah requires that you see at least 20/40 in each eye with correction, or 20/30 in one eye and 20/40 in the other.

If you fail the test and do not have glasses or contacts, the office staff can direct you to a nearby optometrist or eye clinic. You will pay for the eye exam out of pocket. Once you have glasses or contacts, return to the Driver License office with them and take the vision test again. There is usually no additional fee for the retest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an out-of-state driver's license to drive in Utah?

Yes, you can drive in Utah with a valid out-of-state license. However, if you become a Utah resident, you must get a Utah driver's license within 60 days. Residency is established when you register a vehicle in Utah, enroll children in school, or establish other ties to the state.

Do I need to take the written test if I am renewing my license in person?

Not always. If your license is still valid and you are renewing before it expires, you may skip the written test. If your license has expired, you will need to take the test. Ask the staff when you arrive — they will tell you whether the test is required for your situation.

What if I wear bifocals or progressive lenses?

Bring your glasses to the office. The vision screening machine will test you with them on. Progressive lenses are fine — the staff are used to testing people who wear them. Make sure your prescription is current before you go.

How long does it take to get my license after I pass the test?

You will know when ready whether you passed. Your physical license card is printed and mailed to you within one to two weeks. You can drive legally with the receipt they give you at the office until your card arrives.

Can someone else pick up my license for me?

No. Your license is mailed directly to the address you provide at the office. You cannot pick it up in person or have someone else collect it. Make sure the address you give is one where you will receive mail.