What the Utah Driver License Division does and where to find it
The Utah Driver License Division is part of the state's Department of Public Safety. It issues driver's licenses, identification cards, and renewal documents to Utah residents. If you need a new license, want to renew one that's expiring, or need to replace a lost or damaged card, you'll work with this division.
You can visit a Driver License Division office in person, or handle some transactions online through their website. The division has offices in multiple cities across Utah, and the location you choose depends on where you live and what you're doing — some transactions can only happen in person.
The division also handles medical vision and hearing requirements for drivers. If you've had vision or hearing changes, or if your doctor has flagged a concern, the division may require you to pass a test or provide a medical report before renewing your license.
Key Takeaways
- Utah Driver License Division offices are located in several cities, and you can find the one nearest you on their website along with hours and current wait times.
- You can renew your license online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, and you must have a Social Security number on file.
- If you're renewing in person, bring your current license, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number.
- Medical vision or hearing concerns may require you to take a test at a Driver License Division office or submit a report from your doctor before your license is renewed or issued.
Getting a new Utah driver's license for the first time
If you're a new resident or have never held a Utah license, you'll need to visit a Driver License Division office in person. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or out-of-state license), and proof of residency in Utah (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days).
You'll also take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and a vision screening at the office. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return later. The vision screening checks whether you meet Utah's minimum vision standard — if you don't, you may need glasses or contacts, or the division may restrict your license (for example, to daytime driving only).
Once you pass, you'll pay the fee and have your photo taken. Your license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive with a temporary paper license while you wait.
Renewing your license online or by mail
If your Utah license is still valid or expired by five years or less, you may renew it online without visiting an office. Go to the Driver License Division website, log in with your credentials, and follow the renewal steps. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The online fee is lower than the in-person fee.
Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you've had a name change, or if the division has flagged a medical concern on your record.
If you prefer not to renew online, you can mail in a renewal process. The Driver License Division website has the form and instructions. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically two to three weeks — so plan ahead if your license is close to expiring.
Renewing in person at a Driver License Division office
You'll need to renew in person if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you've had a name change, or if the division requires a medical vision or hearing test. Bring your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number.
At the office, you'll have your photo taken and your vision screened. If the division has a medical concern on file — for example, your doctor reported a vision problem — you may be asked to take a formal vision test or provide a medical report. If you don't pass the vision screening or test, the division may restrict your license, require you to wear corrective lenses, or deny renewal until you provide a doctor's clearance.
Wait times vary by location and time of day. The Driver License Division website shows current wait times for each office, updated throughout the day. Arriving early in the morning or on weekdays typically means shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.
Medical vision and hearing requirements
Utah law requires that drivers meet minimum vision and hearing standards. The Driver License Division screens vision at every new license and renewal. If you fail the vision screening, you'll be asked to get glasses or contacts and return for a retest, or the division may restrict your license.
If your doctor has reported a vision or hearing problem to the division, or if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, the division may require a formal medical report. Your doctor fills out a form provided by the division and sends it directly to them. You don't submit it yourself — your doctor does.
If the division has concerns about your medical fitness to drive, they may suspend your license until you provide the report. This is separate from the vision screening and happens when the division receives a report from a medical provider or law enforcement.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it in person at any Driver License Division office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. You'll have your photo taken again, and your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can get a temporary paper license to use while you wait.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police and get a report number, though it's not required to replace it. The report can be useful if someone tries to use your stolen license fraudulently.
Finding a Driver License Division office and checking wait times
The Utah Driver License Division has offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Vernal, and Price. You can visit any office regardless of where you live in the state. The division's website lists the address, phone number, and hours for each location.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours one or two days a week. A few offices are open limited Saturday hours. The website shows current wait times for each office, updated every 30 minutes, so you can choose the location with the shortest wait.
If you have questions before you go, you can call the office directly or use the online chat on the division's website. Staff can tell you what documents you need and whether you can handle your transaction online instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must visit a Driver License Division office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You'll take a new written test and vision screening.
What if I fail the vision screening at the office?
If you fail, you can get glasses or contacts and return for a retest at no extra charge. Some people pass on the retest within days. If you cannot pass even with correction, the division may restrict your license — for example, to daytime driving only — or deny renewal until your doctor provides clearance.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and in-person renewals are mailed within 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in renewals take two to three weeks. You can drive with a temporary paper license while you wait for the permanent card to arrive.
Do I need an appointment to visit a Driver License Division office?
Most offices do not require appointments and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Some offices may offer appointment scheduling during busy times. Check the division's website or call your local office to ask whether appointments are available.
What counts as proof of residency in Utah?
Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and can include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of Utah residency.