How to Get and Renew Your Utah Driver's License

What you need to get a Utah driver's license

Utah issues driver's licenses through the Driver License Division, which operates under the state's Department of Public Safety. You can explore in person at any of their offices across the state, and the process takes about 15 minutes if you have all required documents. You cannot explore by mail or online for an initial license — you must appear in person.

Before you go, gather proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. For identity, bring a passport, certified birth certificate, or consular report of birth. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your current address. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can still get a license but will receive a restricted version.

You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Utah. You can study using the Utah Driver Handbook, available free on the Driver License Division website. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.

Key Takeaways

Utah requires you to explore for a driver's license in person at a Driver License Division office with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
You must pass a vision test and written knowledge test on the day you explore; the handbook is free online and covers everything on the test.
A standard Utah driver's license is valid for eight years and costs $35 for a first-time license.
Renewing your license can be done online, by mail, or in person, depending on whether your address or name has changed.
If you are under 21, you receive a provisional license with restrictions on driving hours and passengers until you turn 21.

Cost and processing time for a new license

A standard Utah driver's license costs $35 for an eight-year license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is $40. Payment is cash or card at the office; you cannot pay online before your appointment.

You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that day, valid for 30 days. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card faster, you can request expedited mail for an additional fee, though this is not always available. Do not plan to travel by air or enter a federal building until you have the physical card in hand.

Renewing your Utah driver's license

Renewal depends on whether your information has changed. If your name and address are the same, you can renew online through the Driver License Division website up to one year before your license expires. Online renewal costs $35 for eight years and takes 7 to 10 business days for the card to arrive by mail.

If your address has changed, you must renew in person at a Driver License Division office. Bring proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) along with your current license. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must also appear in person and bring a certified copy of the document showing the change.

You can also renew by mail if your information has not changed. Request a renewal form from the Driver License Division, complete it, and mail it with your current license and payment. This takes longer than online renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks — so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.

Provisional licenses for drivers under 21

Utah issues a provisional license to drivers aged 16 to 20. This license restricts when and how you can drive. During the first six months, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a parent, guardian, or licensed adult over 25 is in the car. You also cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the vehicle unless a supervising adult is present.

After six months of holding a provisional license with no violations, the restrictions ease. You can then drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. with a supervising adult, and you can have up to three passengers under 21. At age 21, you can convert to a standard license by visiting a Driver License Division office with your provisional license. There is no fee for the conversion.

Real ID compliance and what it means

A Real ID is a federal standard for state-issued identification. Starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID driver's license to board a domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings. Utah offers Real ID licenses at the Driver License Division offices. The process is the same as a standard license, but you must bring additional proof of identity and residency, and the license costs $40 instead of $35.

If you already have a passport, you do not need a Real ID license for domestic travel — your passport works for flights. However, if you plan to use your driver's license at airports, you will need the Real ID version. Check the Real ID section of the Driver License Division website to see which documents count as proof of identity and residency for Real ID purposes, as the rules are stricter than for a standard license.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the Driver License Division as soon as possible. You can report it online through their website or in person at any office. A replacement license costs $20 and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that day.

While you wait for your replacement, you can drive legally with the temporary paper license. If you need to fly or enter a federal building before the card arrives, bring your temporary license and a second form of identification, such as a passport or state ID card. Some airlines and federal buildings may not accept the temporary license, so call ahead if you are unsure.

Changing your name or address on your license

To change your address, you can renew online if no other information has changed. If your name has changed, you must visit a Driver License Division office in person with a certified copy of the document proving the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring your current license and proof of your new address if you are also moving.

There is no fee to change your name or address during renewal. However, if you want to update your address without renewing your license, you can do so online for free through the Driver License Division website. This updates your address on file but does not issue a new card; your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it until renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The Driver License Division offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. When you schedule your appointment or arrive at the office, let staff know which language you need. You may be asked to bring an interpreter if your language is not available at that location.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. If you fail again, you must wait one day before taking it a third time. After three failures, you must wait one week before trying again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test.

Do I need an appointment to get a driver's license?

Appointments are not required but are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are served on a first-come, first-served basis and may wait several hours. You can schedule an appointment online through the Driver License Division website, and most offices have same-week or next-week availability.

Can I get a driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. Utah issues driver's licenses to non-citizens with a valid visa or work permit. Bring your passport and visa or work permit along with proof of residency and Social Security number (or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not have a Social Security number). Your license will be valid for the duration of your legal status in the United States.

What is the difference between a standard license and a Real ID?

A standard Utah driver's license works for driving and state identification. A Real ID license meets federal standards and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings starting in May 2025. Both cost $35 to $40 and are valid for eight years. Real ID requires stricter proof of identity and residency at the time of process.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.