What you need to get a Utah driver's license
Utah issues driver's licenses through the Driver License Division, which operates offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and St. George, plus several smaller locations. To get a license, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving skills test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. You do not need to be a Utah resident, but you must have a valid reason to be in the state — such as employment or school — if you are not.
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 Driver License Division website. The driving test happens in your own vehicle or a rental, and you must bring a licensed adult to supervise. Both tests must be passed before you receive your license.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written test on Utah traffic laws and a driving skills test before receiving a license.
- Bring original documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number to your appointment.
- The Driver License Division has offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and St. George, and you can schedule an appointment online or by phone.
- A standard driver's license costs a set fee and is valid for eight years in Utah.
- If you already have a license from another state, you may be able to transfer it without retaking the driving test.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card to prove your identity. The document must not be expired. If you do not have one of these, you can bring a combination of documents — such as a school ID plus a Social Security card — but the Driver License Division website lists which combinations are accepted.
For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your Utah address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You will also need your Social Security number; bring your Social Security card or a tax return if you have one.
If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you. They must sign your process in person. If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license — which you will need for federal buildings and domestic flights starting in 2025 — bring the same documents plus proof of your Social Security number.
How to schedule your appointment
Visit the Utah Driver License Division website and select "Schedule an Appointment." You can choose your location, preferred date, and time. The system shows available slots up to several weeks ahead. If no slots appear, the office is fully booked; check back the next day or try a different location.
You can also call the Driver License Division at the phone number listed on their website for your nearest office. Wait times vary by location and time of day. Early morning appointments and weekday visits typically have shorter waits than afternoons and Saturdays.
Bring your appointment confirmation — either printed or on your phone — when you arrive. If you miss your appointment, you can reschedule online or by phone without penalty.
Taking the written and driving tests
The written test has 40 questions and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You take it on a computer at the DMV office. The test covers Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can retake it the same day if you fail, but you must wait one day between attempts if you fail twice.
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, parking, turns, and following traffic laws. You drive in your own vehicle or a rental, and a licensed adult must sit in the passenger seat during the test. The examiner will direct you through a route in the area around the DMV office. You must pass both the written and driving tests before your license is issued.
Transferring a license from another state
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can transfer it to Utah without retaking the driving test. You still must pass the written test on Utah traffic laws. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to your appointment.
Your out-of-state license must not be expired or suspended. If it is expired, you may still transfer it, but the Driver License Division will treat you as a new applicant and require both the written and driving tests. Check the Driver License Division website to confirm the rules for your specific state.
License types and costs
Utah offers a standard driver's license, a commercial driver's license (CDL) for truck drivers, and a motorcycle endorsement. A standard license is valid for eight years and costs a set fee. You can renew it by mail, online, or in person before it expires.
A Real ID-compliant license costs slightly more than a standard license and is required for federal buildings and domestic flights. It has a gold star in the upper right corner. If you do not need Real ID compliance, a standard license works for driving and most other purposes.
A CDL requires additional testing and is needed to drive commercial trucks. A motorcycle endorsement allows you to ride motorcycles and requires a separate written test and skills test.
What happens after you pass your tests
Once you pass both tests, the DMV office prints your license on the spot or mails it to you within a few business days, depending on the location. Your license is valid when ready for driving. If the office mails it, you will receive a temporary paper license to carry until the plastic card arrives.
Your license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. You can renew it online at the Utah Driver License Division website starting 90 days before expiration, or in person at any DMV office. Renewal by mail is also available for some applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The Utah Driver License Division offers the written test in multiple languages. Tell the staff member at your appointment which language you need, and they will provide the test in that language. You still must pass the same 40-question test with the same passing score.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it the same day at most offices, though you may need to wait and pay another test fee. If you fail twice in one day, you must wait at least one day before trying again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.
Do I need a Social Security number to get a Utah driver's license?
Yes, you must provide your Social Security number. If you do not have one, you cannot get a driver's license in Utah. Contact the Social Security Administration to explore for a number before visiting the DMV.
Can I get a license if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?
No. Utah will not issue a license if your driving privilege is suspended or revoked in any state. You must clear the suspension or revocation in that state first. Contact the DMV in the state where the suspension is active to learn how to restore your privilege.
How much does a Utah driver's license cost?
A standard eight-year license costs a set fee; a Real ID license costs slightly more. The exact amount is listed on the Utah Driver License Division website. Fees may change, so check the website before your appointment to know what to bring.