Where to find the Utah Driver License Division and what it handles
The Utah Driver License Division is part of the Utah Department of Public Safety. It issues driver licenses, renewal documents, and identification cards to Utah residents. You can reach the division through the main Department of Public Safety website or by visiting a local office in person.
The division handles standard licenses, commercial licenses, motorcycle endorsements, and state ID cards. If you need a license for the first time, a renewal, a replacement, or a change to an existing license, the Driver License Division is where you go. They also manage medical review cases — situations where a doctor's report or vision test result affects whether you can hold a license.
Utah has multiple Driver License Division offices across the state. The main office is in Salt Lake City, but you can also visit offices in Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Price, Vernal, and other locations. Each office handles the same services, so you can go to whichever is most convenient.
Key Takeaways
- The Utah Driver License Division is run by the Department of Public Safety and has offices in Salt Lake City and seven other cities across the state.
- You must pass a vision screening at the time you explore or renew, and the division may request a medical report if your health condition affects driving safety.
- First-time applicants need to provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number, plus pass a written test and road test.
- Utah licenses are valid for five years for most drivers, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person depending on your situation.
- If you have a medical condition that might affect your license, the division can request documentation from your doctor before issuing or renewing your license.
What documents you need to bring to get a Utah driver license
The Driver License Division requires specific documents before they will issue a license. You need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or previous license), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number.
If you are explore for the first time, bring the originals of these documents — photocopies are not accepted. If you are renewing an existing license, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting an office, depending on whether your address or medical status has changed.
Bring your current license or ID card if you have one. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, court order, or divorce decree). The division will not accept documents older than a certain age — for example, a birth certificate must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.
Vision screening and medical review requirements
Every time you explore for or renew a Utah driver license, you must pass a vision screening at the Driver License Division office. The screening tests whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — you will be tested with the correction you normally use while driving.
If your vision does not meet Utah's minimum standard, you may not receive a license, or you may receive one with restrictions (such as "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only"). You have the right to request a retest if you believe the first result was wrong.
The division can also request a medical report from your doctor if you have a condition that might affect your ability to drive — such as seizures, severe arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, or sleep disorders. This is not automatic; the division makes the request based on information you provide on your process or based on a doctor's report they receive. If they request a report, your doctor will need to complete a form from the division and send it back. The division will review the report and decide whether to issue, restrict, or deny your license.
how the process works for a first-time Utah driver license
If you are explore for your first Utah driver license, you must visit a Driver License Division office in person. You cannot complete this step online or by mail. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and Social Security number.
At the office, you will take a written test covering Utah traffic laws and road signs. The test is multiple choice and you must score at least 80 percent to pass. You can study using the Utah Driver Handbook, which is available free on the Department of Public Safety website. After you pass the written test, you will receive a temporary permit that allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult.
Once you have practiced and feel ready, you schedule a road test with the division. During the road test, an examiner will watch you drive and evaluate whether you can operate a vehicle safely. If you pass, you receive your license. If you do not pass, you can retake the test after waiting a set period.
Renewing your Utah driver license
Utah driver licenses are valid for five years. The division will send you a renewal notice in the mail before your license expires. You have several options for renewing: online through the Department of Public Safety website, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office.
Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access. You can renew online if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not have any medical flags on your record. You will pay the renewal fee and receive your new license by mail within a few weeks.
If your address has changed or you have a medical condition that requires review, you may need to renew in person or by mail. Renewing in person means visiting an office and passing a new vision screening. If you renew by mail, you will need to include a new vision report from an eye care professional.
Medical conditions and license restrictions
If you have a medical condition that affects your driving, the Driver License Division may place restrictions on your license or request documentation from your doctor. Common conditions that trigger medical review include diabetes, heart disease, seizure disorders, sleep apnea, vision problems, and medications that cause drowsiness or impaired judgment.
You are required to report changes in your health to the division. If your condition worsens or you start taking a new medication, contact the division to find out whether you need to report it. Failing to report a medical change that affects your driving can result in license suspension.
If the division denies or suspends your license due to a medical condition, you have the right to request a hearing. You can present evidence, including a letter from your doctor stating that you are safe to drive. The hearing is conducted by an administrative law judge who will review your case and make a decision.
Contact information and office locations
The main Driver License Division office is located in Salt Lake City at 1095 Motor Avenue. You can reach the division by phone at 801-965-4437 or through the Department of Public Safety website. The website has a list of all office locations, hours, and phone numbers.
Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some locations offer extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can check the website to see whether your local office requires an appointment or accepts walk-ins. During busy times, wait times can be long, so arriving early or scheduling ahead is recommended.
If you have questions about your specific situation — such as whether a medical condition will affect your license or what documents you need — call the division before you visit. Staff can answer questions by phone and may be able to tell you whether you need to bring additional documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I have a medical condition and the division asks for a doctor's report?
The division will send you a form to give to your doctor. Your doctor completes the form and returns it directly to the division. The division reviews it and decides whether to issue your license, issue it with restrictions, or deny it. This process usually takes two to four weeks.
Can I renew my license online if I wear glasses?
Yes, as long as your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not have any medical flags. You do not need to take a new vision test for online renewal. However, if your prescription has changed significantly, you may want to renew in person so the division can verify your current vision.
What if I fail the written test on my first try?
You can retake the written test. Most offices allow you to retake it the same day or within a few days. You will need to pay the test fee again. Study the Utah Driver Handbook before your next attempt — it covers all the topics on the test.
How long does it take to get a new license after I pass the road test?
You receive a temporary license at the office on the day you pass. Your permanent license is mailed to you within one to two weeks. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.
Do I have to report my diabetes or other chronic condition to the division?
You must report any condition that affects your ability to drive safely. Diabetes itself does not automatically trigger a license denial, but if it causes complications like severe vision loss or frequent loss of consciousness, you must report it. When you renew or explore, the process asks about medical conditions — answer honestly. If the division needs more information, they will request a report from your doctor.