What you need to bring to the Utah DMV
Utah's Driver License Division requires you to show proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number in person. You cannot complete a license process by mail or online — you must visit a DMV office.
Bring an original or certified copy of one of these documents as proof of identity: a valid passport, certified birth certificate, passport card, military ID, or tribal ID. A photocopy or a birth certificate from a hospital does not count. If your name has changed since the document was issued, bring the legal document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice in your name. The document must show your current Utah address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail also works. You need only one document.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but the process is different — ask the DMV staff when you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Utah DMV office in person with original identity documents; online or mail applications are not available.
- Bring a passport, certified birth certificate, military ID, or passport card as proof of identity, plus a document showing your current address dated within 60 days.
- Utah charges a fee for a standard driver's license that varies by age and license type, and you must pass a written test and vision screening.
- If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process, and you may face restrictions on driving hours and passengers.
- You can renew your license by mail or online if you are over 21 and your license is not expired by more than five years.
Utah DMV office locations and how to schedule
Utah has DMV offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and Moab, plus several smaller branch offices. You can find the full list and hours on the Utah Driver License Division website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended evening hours on certain days.
You do not need an appointment at most Utah DMV offices — you can walk in during business hours. However, some offices have become crowded, and wait times can reach one to two hours during peak times like lunch hours or late afternoon. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means a shorter wait. A few offices now offer online scheduling; check the DMV website to see if your nearest office has this option.
The written test, vision screening, and photo
At your DMV visit, you will take a written test covering Utah traffic laws and road signs. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study the official Utah Driver Handbook, which is free on the DMV website and covers everything on the test. Many people study it for a few hours the night before and pass on their first try.
You will also have your vision screened at the DMV. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to get a corrective lens restriction on your license, meaning you must wear glasses or contacts whenever you drive. You cannot retake the vision test at the DMV — you would need to see an eye doctor and return with a corrective lens form.
The DMV will take your photo for the license. Wear something you do not mind seeing on an ID for the next several years. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or head covering unless for religious reasons, and your face must be clearly visible.
Cost and payment methods
A standard Utah driver's license costs between $30 and $50 depending on your age and how long the license is valid. A license for someone 21 or older is typically $40 and is valid for eight years. A license for someone under 21 costs less and is valid for four years. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards — check with your local office about which payment methods they take.
If you need a replacement license because yours was lost, stolen, or damaged, the fee is usually $20 to $30. If you need to change your name or address on your license, you may be able to do this by mail for a smaller fee, but check the DMV website first because rules vary.
Restrictions for drivers under 18
If you are under 18, Utah law places restrictions on your license. You must have a parent or legal guardian sign your process in person at the DMV. You cannot get a license if you are under 16 — the minimum age for a learner's permit is 15, and you must hold that for at least six months before you can test for a license.
Once you have your license, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is present. These restrictions stay in place until you turn 18 or until one year after you get your license, whichever comes first.
Renewing your Utah license by mail or online
If you are 21 or older and your license has not been expired for more than five years, you can renew it by mail or online without visiting the DMV. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes on the Utah Driver License Division website. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
A renewed license by mail or online costs the same as an in-person renewal and takes about two weeks to arrive. You will not get a new photo — the DMV will use your current photo from your existing license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must renew in person and retake the written test and vision screening. If you have changed your name or address, you can update this information during the online or mail renewal process.
What to do if you fail the written test
If you do not pass the written test on your first visit, you can retake it the same day at most DMV offices. There is usually a small fee for each retake, typically $5 to $10. You can take the test as many times as you need, but you must wait a short time between attempts — usually 24 hours — to retake it at a different office or on a different day.
If you fail multiple times, spend more time studying the Utah Driver Handbook. Many people find it helpful to take practice tests online or ask friends who have recently passed what topics they studied hardest. The DMV staff can also point you to resources that might help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Utah driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license, but you will need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other documentation instead. Ask the DMV staff about what documents you need to bring when you arrive, as the process is slightly different.
What if I lost my birth certificate and do not have a passport?
You can order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services or the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, a valid passport or military ID will work as proof of identity if you have either of those.
Do I need a Real ID compliant license to fly within the United States?
Starting May 2025, you will need a Real ID compliant license or passport to fly domestically. Utah offers Real ID licenses at the DMV for a slightly higher fee. Bring an additional proof of residency document (two total) when you explore. A Real ID license has a small star in the corner and is valid for the same length of time as a standard license.
How long does it take to get a Utah driver's license after I pass the test?
Your license is usually mailed to you within two weeks of passing the test and paying the fee. You will receive a temporary paper license at the DMV that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive. If your license does not arrive within three weeks, contact the DMV office where you applied.
Can I change my address on my license without renewing it?
Yes. You can update your address by mail or online for a small fee, usually $5 to $10, without renewing your license. You do not need to visit the DMV office. Go to the Utah Driver License Division website to find the form and instructions for your situation.