Where to Get Your Driver's License in Vernal

Vernal has one Driver License office located at 152 East Main Street, Vernal, UT 84078. This is a full-service office run by the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), meaning you can handle most license transactions here: getting your first license, renewing an expiring one, replacing a lost or damaged license, and changing information like your address or name.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from noon to 1:00 p.m. It closes on state holidays. You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but the office operates on a walk-in basis, so wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week. Early morning visits typically have shorter lines.

If you cannot visit in person, you can renew your license by mail or online through the Utah DMV website, but only if you meet specific requirements (see the renewal section below). Not all transactions can be handled remotely.

Key Takeaways

  • The Vernal Driver License office is at 152 East Main Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a lunch break from noon to 1:00 p.m.
  • You will need a Social Security number, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a completed process form to get your first license or renew an expired one.
  • Utah charges $35 for a four-year license or $65 for an eight-year license; fees are paid at the time of your transaction and do not vary by location.
  • You must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test to receive your first license; renewals do not require retesting unless your license has been expired for more than three years.
  • If your license is lost or stolen, you can report it and get a replacement at the Vernal office without retaking the driving test.

Documents You Need for Your First License

Utah requires four categories of documents before you can receive your first driver's license. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

Proof of identity: A valid passport, certified birth certificate, or state ID card. If you use a birth certificate, it must be certified by the vital records office in the state where you were born, not a hospital copy. A passport is the fastest option because it serves as both identity and citizenship proof.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return showing your full Social Security number. A paystub with your full SSN also works.

Proof of residency: A recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice showing your current Utah address and dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance policy also works if it shows your name and address. A piece of mail from a government agency is often the easiest option.

Completed process: Form DL-43, the Utah Driver License process. You can fill this out before you arrive or at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and driving history.

Getting Your First License: Tests and Timeline

If you are 16 or older and have never held a Utah driver's license, you must pass three tests: a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Utah Driver Handbook, available free on the DMV website or in print at the Vernal office.

The vision test checks that you can see clearly enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. The driving test takes place on local roads near the Vernal office and lasts about 30 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A DMV examiner sits in the passenger seat and watches you perform basic maneuvers like parking, turning, and stopping.

You can schedule your driving test appointment online through the Utah DMV website or by calling the Vernal office at (435) 781-5600. Appointments typically fill up one to two weeks in advance, especially during summer months. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one business day before your next attempt.

From the time you walk into the office with your documents to the time you leave with your license usually takes two to three hours if you pass all tests on the first try. If you need to retake a test, you will need to return on a different day.

Renewing Your License in Vernal

Utah driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years, depending on which term you choose when you renew. You can renew in person at the Vernal office, by mail, or online—but mail and online renewal have strict requirements.

In-person renewal: Bring your current license, proof of residency (same documents as above, dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. You do not need to retake any tests unless your license has been expired for more than three years. The transaction takes about 30 minutes. You pay the fee ($35 for four years or $65 for eight years) and receive your new license on the spot.

Mail renewal: You can renew by mail only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or other information since your last renewal. You will need to send your current license, a completed renewal form, and a check or money order to the Utah DMV. Processing takes two to three weeks. Mail renewal is not available at the Vernal office—you send your documents to the state DMV office in Salt Lake City.

Online renewal: Utah offers online renewal through its website, but only if your license is not expired and you meet the same conditions as mail renewal. You pay the fee with a credit or debit card, and your new license is mailed to you within two to three weeks.

If your license has been expired for more than three years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and driving tests. If you have changed your address or name, you must renew in person at the Vernal office.

Replacing a Lost, Stolen, or Damaged License

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can get a replacement at the Vernal office without retaking any tests. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. If your license was stolen, you can report it to the DMV at the time you request the replacement; the DMV will flag it in the system so it cannot be used by someone else.

A replacement license costs the same as a renewal ($35 for four years or $65 for eight years) and is issued on the spot. If you lost your license and do not have another form of ID with you, bring two documents that together prove your identity and residency—for example, a utility bill and a birth certificate.

Fees and Payment Methods

Utah driver's license fees are set by state law and do not vary by location, so the Vernal office charges the same amount as any other DMV office in Utah. A four-year license costs $35. An eight-year license costs $65. These are the standard fees for new licenses and renewals.

Replacement licenses (for lost, stolen, or damaged licenses) cost the same as renewals. If you need to retake a driving test, there is an additional fee of $15 per attempt.

The Vernal office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles. There is no discount for paying in cash or any other method.

Address Changes and Name Changes

If you move to a new address in Utah, you must update your driver's license within 30 days. You can do this in person at the Vernal office by bringing your current license, proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. There is no fee for an address change if your license is not expiring within the next 90 days. If your license expires within 90 days, you will be charged a renewal fee instead.

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your license in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), proof of residency, and your Social Security number. There is no fee for a name change if your license is not expiring within 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I moved to a new address?

No. Online and mail renewal are only available if you have not changed your address, name, or other information since your last renewal. If you moved, you must renew in person at the Vernal office so the DMV can verify your new address with proof of residency.

What if I fail my driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting at least one business day. There is a $15 fee for each retake. You can schedule your next test online or by calling the Vernal office. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Vernal Driver License office?

No. The office operates on a walk-in basis and does not require appointments for most transactions. However, you must schedule a driving test appointment in advance through the DMV website or by phone.

How long does it take to get a license if I renew by mail?

Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your documents. You must send your materials to the state office in Salt Lake City, not to the Vernal office. Your new license is mailed to your address on file.

What if my Social Security card is lost?

You can use other documents that show your Social Security number, such as a W-2, 1099, tax return, or paystub. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before you visit the DMV.