What you need to get a Utah driver's license
Utah issues driver's licenses through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and you'll explore in person at a local DMV office. You cannot complete the entire process online, though you can renew some licenses by mail or through their website if you meet certain conditions.
To get a new license, bring proof of identity (a passport, certified birth certificate, or consular report of birth), proof of Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of Utah residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process in person.
You'll also take a written test on traffic laws, a vision screening, and a driving test. The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Utah Driver Handbook, available free on the DMV website.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a DMV office in person to take your written and driving tests, though some renewals can happen by mail or online.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of Utah residency — all documents must be originals or certified copies.
- Utah driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew yours up to one year before it expires.
- If you hold a license from another state, you may not need to retake the written test, but you will still take a vision screening and driving test.
- The DMV charges a fee for a new license and a separate fee for the driving test; fees vary slightly by office location.
Steps to take your written test and driving test
Once you've submitted your documents at the DMV office, you'll take the written test on a computer. The test has 40 questions, and you need to answer at least 32 correctly to pass. If you don't pass, you can retake it the same day or come back later.
After you pass the written test, you'll do a vision screening. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You'll then schedule a driving test appointment, which may be the same day or a few days later depending on the office's schedule. During the driving test, an examiner will ride with you in your own vehicle (or a DMV vehicle if you don't have one) and watch you perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping.
If you pass both tests, you'll receive a temporary license on paper that day. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
Renewing your Utah driver's license
Utah driver's licenses expire five years from the date they're issued. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you'll need to explore for a new license instead of renewing.
If you're renewing and your address, name, and vision haven't changed, you may renew by mail or through the DMV website without visiting an office. You'll need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Mail renewals take about two weeks; online renewals are faster.
If you've had a change in address, name, or medical condition, or if you want to change your license class (for example, to add a motorcycle endorsement), you must visit a DMV office in person.
What happens if you move to Utah from another state
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Utah license without retaking the written test. You'll still need to pass a vision screening and a driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Utah residency.
You have 60 days from the date you establish residency in Utah to get a Utah license. After 60 days, you're required to have one. Your out-of-state license remains valid until you exchange it, but once you're a Utah resident, using an out-of-state license as your primary ID can cause problems with law enforcement or when registering a vehicle.
Special licenses and endorsements in Utah
Utah offers several types of licenses beyond the standard Class D (passenger vehicle) license. A Class M license is for motorcycles. A Class A or B license is for commercial vehicles and requires additional testing and medical certification. You can also add endorsements to your license — for example, an air brake endorsement for certain trucks or a hazmat endorsement for transporting hazardous materials.
To add an endorsement or change your license class, you'll need to visit a DMV office, pass the relevant written test, and sometimes pass an additional driving test. The DMV website lists which endorsements are available and what each requires.
Fees and processing times
A new Utah driver's license costs a set fee, and the driving test has a separate fee. Renewal by mail or online costs less than a new license. Fees do not vary by age, though minors under 18 may have restrictions on their license (such as a curfew or limits on passengers) that don't explore to adults.
Processing times depend on how you renew. In-person new licenses result in a temporary paper license the same day and a permanent card in two to three weeks. Mail renewals take about two weeks. Online renewals are processed within a few business days. If you need your license urgently, ask the DMV office whether they offer expedited processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The DMV offers the written test in several languages including Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic. Tell the DMV staff which language you need when you arrive, and they will provide the test in that language. An interpreter is not provided, so you must read the test yourself.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test. There is a fee each time you take it. Most people are allowed to retake it within a few days. If you fail multiple times, the DMV may require you to take a driver education course before your next attempt.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
You can bring your own vehicle if it's registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you don't have a car, some DMV offices have vehicles available for the test, though availability varies. Call your local office ahead of time to ask whether a DMV vehicle is available.
What if my license is suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the DMV. This usually means paying fines, completing a driver education course, or waiting out a suspension period. Contact your local DMV office to find out what steps you need to take.
Can I renew my license if I'm out of state?
If you're renewing by mail or online and your information hasn't changed, yes. If you need to visit an office or take a test, you'll need to be in Utah. Some military members stationed outside Utah may have other options — contact the DMV to ask about your situation.