Utah driver's licenses require proof of identity, residency, and legal presence, plus passing a written test and vision screening

To get a Utah driver's license, you will need to visit a Driver License Division office in person with specific documents. The state requires you to prove who you are, that you live in Utah, and that you are legally allowed to be in the United States. You will also take a written knowledge test about traffic laws and a vision test before you can receive your license.

The process is the same whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or transferring a license from another state. The main difference is that first-time drivers must also pass a practical driving test with an examiner, while renewals do not.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified birth certificate, passport, or tribal ID as proof of identity to any Driver License Division office.
  • Proof of Utah residency requires a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement with your name and current address.
  • Non-U.S. citizens must show an unexpired visa, work permit, or other federal document proving legal presence.
  • The written test covers traffic signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices; you must score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • First-time drivers must pass a behind-the-wheel driving test with an examiner before receiving their license.

Documents you must bring to the Driver License Division office

Utah requires an original or certified copy of one document proving your identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate issued by a state or U.S. territory, tribal ID card, or military ID. The document must not be expired, and a photocopy or digital image will not be accepted.

You also need proof that you live in Utah. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax notice, or government mail addressed to you at your current address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A post office box address does not count as proof of residency.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring an unexpired visa, employment authorization document (EAD), permanent resident card, or other federal document showing you are legally present in the United States. Temporary visitors on a valid visa can obtain a license, but it will expire when your visa expires.

The written knowledge test and what it covers

The written test has 25 multiple-choice questions about Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly (80 percent) to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, following distance, and what different road signs mean.

You can study using the Utah Driver Handbook, which is available free on the Driver License Division website and at any office. The handbook contains all the information tested on the exam. You are allowed to take the test once per day if you fail; there is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee each time.

The test is offered in English and several other languages. If you need the test in a language other than English, tell the office staff when you arrive, and they will arrange it for you.

Vision screening and medical requirements

You will take a vision test at the Driver License Division office before your license is issued. The test checks whether you can see clearly enough to drive safely. You must have vision of at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without corrective lenses like glasses or contacts. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, you must wear them during the vision test, and your license will be marked to show that correction is required.

Utah does not require a medical exam or doctor's note for a standard driver's license. However, if you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, the Driver License Division may ask you to provide information from your doctor or may require you to pass additional tests.

The driving test for first-time drivers

If you are getting your first Utah driver's license, you must pass a behind-the-wheel driving test with an examiner. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and responding to road conditions. You will drive on local streets and possibly a highway section, depending on which office administers your test.

To schedule a driving test, you must first pass the written test and vision screening. You can book an appointment online through the Driver License Division website or by calling the office. Appointments fill up quickly, especially in urban areas, so schedule as soon as you pass the written test.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and insurance documents must be current. A licensed adult (at least 21 years old) can sit in the vehicle during the test, but the examiner will be the only other person in the car with you.

Fees and how long the process takes

The fee for a new driver's license in Utah is $30 for a license valid for eight years. The written test costs $15 if you need to retake it. The driving test is included in the license fee and does not cost extra. Fees are paid at the Driver License Division office when you submit your documents.

If you pass the written test and vision screening on your first visit, you can usually receive a temporary license that day, valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. The permanent license typically arrives within two weeks. If you need to retake the written test or schedule a driving test, the timeline will be longer depending on office availability.

Transferring a license from another state

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to take the written or driving test to transfer it to Utah. You only need to bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, and proof of Utah residency to a Driver License Division office. The fee for a transferred license is the same as a new license: $30 for an eight-year license.

Your out-of-state license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is expired, you will need to take the written test. If you have been without a license for more than one year, Utah may require you to pass the written test and driving test as if you were a first-time driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online or by mail?

No. Utah requires you to take the written test in person at a Driver License Division office. You cannot take it online, by mail, or through any other method. You must also pass the vision test in person before your license is issued.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the next day or any day after that. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each retake costs $15. You must pay the fee and schedule a new test appointment at the office.

Do I need a Social Security number to get a Utah driver's license?

No. You do not need a Social Security number. If you do not have one, you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or leave that field blank on the process. Non-citizens can obtain a license without a Social Security number.

How long is a Utah driver's license valid?

A standard Utah driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. Licenses for drivers over 65 years old are valid for four years. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires.

What if I move to a different address in Utah?

You must update your address with the Driver License Division within 30 days of moving. You can update your address online through the Driver License Division website, by mail, or in person at an office. There is no fee to change your address.