Where to find Utah's driver's license office and what to bring
Utah's driver's license division is run by the Driver License Division, which is part of the Utah Department of Public Safety. You cannot get a Utah license online or by mail — you must visit a Driver License office in person. Utah has offices in most counties, with the main office in Salt Lake City at 215 South State Street, and satellite locations in Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Vernal, and other cities.
Before you go, gather the documents you will need. You must bring proof of identity (a passport, certified birth certificate, or foreign national ID), proof of Utah residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number or a letter from Social Security if you do not have a number. If you are under 21, you will also need parental consent. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one.
The office will take your photo, signature, and thumbprint during your visit. You will also take a written test on traffic laws and a driving test in your own vehicle or a test vehicle provided by the office. Bring your vehicle's registration and proof of insurance to the driving test.
Key Takeaways
- Utah's Driver License Division has offices in Salt Lake City and six other cities across the state, and you must visit in person to get a license.
- You need proof of identity, proof of Utah residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number before you visit.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and a driving test in a vehicle during your appointment.
- A Utah driver's license costs $35 for an adult license valid for eight years, or $20 for a minor license valid until age 21.
Types of licenses Utah issues and who can get each one
Utah issues a standard driver's license to anyone at least 16 years old who passes the written and driving tests. If you are 16 or 17, you get a minor license that expires on your 21st birthday and comes with restrictions — you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving except in an emergency.
If you are 18 or older, you get an adult license valid for eight years. Utah also issues commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) to people who drive trucks or buses for work. A CDL requires additional testing and medical certification, and you must be at least 18 years old (21 if you drive across state lines).
Utah offers an ID card if you do not drive but need a state ID for banking, travel, or other purposes. An ID card costs $20 and lasts eight years. You do not take a driving test to get an ID card — you only need to prove your identity and residency.
How to schedule an appointment and what to expect on test day
You can schedule an appointment online through the Utah Driver License Division website or by calling the office nearest you. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be long, especially in Salt Lake City. Scheduling ahead usually means a shorter wait. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary by location.
On test day, arrive 15 minutes early. You will first take the written test, which covers Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. After you pass the written test, you will take the driving test with an examiner in your vehicle or a test vehicle.
The driving test lasts about 20 minutes and covers basic skills: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The examiner watches for safe driving habits and your ability to control the vehicle. If you pass both tests, you will get a temporary license on the spot, valid for 30 days while the state prints your permanent card. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two weeks.
Costs and how long it takes to get your license
A Utah driver's license costs $35 for an adult (age 21 and older) and $20 for a minor (under 21). An ID card costs $20. These fees are paid at the office when you explore. If you renew your license, the cost is the same. Utah does not charge extra for a Real ID-compliant license — all licenses issued now meet Real ID standards for federal purposes like flying or entering federal buildings.
The timeline depends on whether you pass your tests on the first try. If you pass both the written and driving tests at your first appointment, you receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent card arrives by mail within two weeks. If you fail either test, you can retake it, but that adds time. Most people complete the entire process — from first appointment to permanent card in hand — within three to four weeks.
What happens if you fail the written or driving test
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost, or you can schedule another appointment. You have unlimited attempts, but you must wait at least one day between retakes. Most people pass on the second or third try if they study the Utah Driver Handbook, which is free and available online.
If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one day. You can schedule another appointment online or by phone. There is no extra fee for retaking the test. Common reasons for failing include not checking mirrors, not signaling turns, speeding, or hitting a curb during parking. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice before your next attempt.
Renewing or replacing your Utah license
You can renew your Utah driver's license online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. You can renew online up to one year before your license expires. The cost is $35, and your new license will arrive by mail within two weeks.
If your license is expired, lost, or stolen, you must renew or replace it in person at a Driver License office. A replacement license costs $35 and takes the same time as a new license. If your address has changed, you can update it online during renewal or in person at an office.
Real ID and federal compliance in Utah
All Utah driver's licenses issued now are Real ID-compliant, meaning they meet federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. A Real ID license allows you to fly domestically and enter federal buildings without a passport. You do not need to do anything special to get a Real ID license — when you explore for a new license or renew, you automatically get one.
If you have an older Utah license issued before 2020, it may not be Real ID-compliant. You can check by looking for a gold star in the upper right corner of your license. If your license does not have the star and you need to fly or enter a federal building after May 2025, you will need to renew your license or carry a passport. Renewing is the same process as getting a new license — visit an office, pass the tests, and pay the fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Utah driver's license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You can get a Utah driver's license if you are a legal resident, including visa holders and people with work permits. You must bring proof of your legal status, such as a visa, work permit, or green card, along with proof of identity and Utah residency. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a standard license, but Utah does not offer a separate license for undocumented residents.
What if I move to Utah from another state?
You must get a Utah license within 60 days of becoming a resident. You can transfer your out-of-state license by visiting a Driver License office and passing the written and driving tests. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Utah residency, and proof of identity. You do not need to retake the written test if your out-of-state license is valid, but Utah may waive the driving test in some cases — ask at the office.
How do I know which Driver License office is closest to me?
Visit the Utah Driver License Division website and search by county or city. The site lists all office locations, hours, and phone numbers. You can also call 1-801-538-3800 to find the nearest office and schedule an appointment.
What if I fail my driving test multiple times?
You can retake the driving test as many times as you need. There is no limit on attempts, and each retake costs nothing. Between attempts, practice the skills the examiner said you need to improve. Some people take a professional driving lesson before their next test, which can help.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew online up to one year before your license expires. In-person renewal can happen at any time. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire eight years from the date you renew, not eight years from your old expiration date.