What the Utah Driver License Division does and how to reach them
The Utah Driver License Division is the state agency that issues driver licenses, handles renewals, manages medical review cases, and oversees vision testing requirements. If you need to report a medical condition that affects your driving, renew a license that was suspended for medical reasons, or understand what vision standards Utah requires, this is the office that handles it.
You can reach the Driver License Division through the Utah Department of Public Safety website, by phone at 801-538-3800, or by visiting a local office in person. The main office is located in Salt Lake City, but the division operates satellite offices across the state. Phone lines are typically busiest in the morning and early afternoon on weekdays.
Because this division handles both routine transactions and medical cases, wait times vary. If you are calling about a medical suspension or vision requirement, have your driver license number and any recent medical documentation ready before you call.
Key Takeaways
- The Utah Driver License Division handles medical reviews, vision testing standards, and license suspensions related to health conditions.
- You can contact them by phone at 801-538-3800, through the Utah Department of Public Safety website, or in person at offices throughout the state.
- Medical cases often require documentation from your doctor, so gather those records before calling or visiting.
- If your license was suspended for medical reasons, the division will tell you what steps are needed to restore it.
How to report a medical condition that affects driving
Utah law requires drivers to report certain medical conditions to the Driver License Division. These include conditions that may impair your ability to drive safely, such as seizure disorders, loss of consciousness, severe vision loss, or conditions that affect your physical control of a vehicle.
You do not have to wait for a renewal to report a condition. Call 801-538-3800 and ask to speak with someone in the medical review section. They will ask about your condition, when it began, and what treatment you are receiving. Be honest and specific — the division's goal is to keep you and others safe, not to punish you.
Your doctor can also report a condition on your behalf if you sign a release form. Some physicians do this automatically for conditions they believe affect driving safety. If you are unsure whether your condition needs to be reported, call and describe it; the staff can tell you whether reporting is required.
What happens after you report a medical condition
After you report a condition, the division may request medical documentation from your doctor. They will ask for details about your diagnosis, current treatment, and the doctor's opinion on whether you can drive safely. This process typically takes two to four weeks.
The division then makes one of three decisions: your license continues without restriction, your license is restricted (for example, daylight driving only or no highway driving), or your license is suspended pending further medical review or treatment.
If your license is suspended, you will receive a letter explaining why and what you need to do to have it restored. This usually means providing updated medical documentation showing that your condition has improved or is now controlled. You cannot drive during a suspension, even with a restricted license.
Vision requirements and testing in Utah
Utah requires all driver license applicants and renewals to meet minimum vision standards. You must have at least 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses, to receive an unrestricted license. If your vision is worse than 20/40 but better than 20/70, you may receive a restricted license that limits where and when you can drive.
Vision testing happens at the time you explore for or renew your license. You can have the test done at any Driver License Division office, or you can bring a vision test completed by an eye doctor within the past 12 months. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you to the office.
If you fail the vision test, the division will tell you what your options are. You may be able to retest after getting new glasses or contacts, or you may need to work with an eye care provider to address the underlying vision problem.
Restoring a license suspended for medical reasons
To restore a license that was suspended for a medical condition, you will need to provide current medical documentation. This typically means a letter from your doctor stating that your condition is now controlled, that you have completed necessary treatment, or that you no longer have the condition that led to the suspension.
Send this documentation to the Driver License Division at the address provided in your suspension letter, or bring it in person to a local office. Include your driver license number and a brief explanation of what has changed since the suspension.
The division will review your documentation and contact you within two to four weeks. If approved, your license will be restored. If more information is needed, they will tell you what additional documentation is required.
Finding a local Driver License Division office
Utah has Driver License Division offices in most counties. The main office in Salt Lake City is located at 215 South State Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111. Satellite offices are found in cities including Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, and Vernal, among others.
You can find the office nearest you and current hours on the Utah Department of Public Safety website. Many offices require you to take a number and wait, so arriving early in the day typically means a shorter wait. Some offices are busier than others; if one is very crowded, you may have better luck at a smaller satellite location.
Before you visit, check the website to see if you need to bring any specific documents. For medical cases, bring your driver license, any medical documentation you have, and a list of medications you are taking.
What to bring when you visit in person
For any visit related to a medical condition or vision issue, bring your current driver license or state ID. If you are reporting a new medical condition, bring any recent medical records or a letter from your doctor describing the condition and its effect on your driving.
Bring a list of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. Some medications affect vision or alertness, and the division needs this information to make a fair assessment.
If you are there for a vision test, bring your glasses or contacts if you wear them. If you are there to restore a suspended license, bring the suspension letter and all updated medical documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to tell the Driver License Division about my medical condition?
Utah law requires you to report conditions that may impair your ability to drive safely. These include seizure disorders, loss of consciousness, severe vision loss, and conditions affecting physical control of the vehicle. If you are unsure whether your condition qualifies, call 801-538-3800 and describe it to the medical review staff.
What if my doctor disagrees with the division's decision about my driving?
You have the right to request a hearing before the division suspends your license. The hearing officer will review medical evidence from both your doctor and the division's medical consultant. Contact the Driver License Division to request a hearing within the timeframe specified in your suspension notice.
Can I drive while my medical case is being reviewed?
Yes, unless the division has already suspended your license. If you have reported a condition but have not yet received a decision, you can continue driving. Once you receive a suspension letter, you must stop driving until your license is restored.
How long does it take to get a decision on a medical case?
Most medical reviews take two to four weeks from the time the division receives all necessary documentation. If your doctor's office is slow to send records, the process may take longer. Call the division to check on the status of your case if you have not heard back within four weeks.
What if I need to drive for work while my license is suspended?
Utah does not issue occupational licenses for medical suspensions. However, if your condition improves or is controlled with treatment, you can request restoration of your license by providing updated medical documentation. Contact the division to discuss your specific situation.