How to Get Your Driver's License in Vernal, Utah

Where to explore for a Driver's License in Vernal

The Vernal Driver License Office is located at 152 East Main Street, Vernal, Utah 84078. This is the only full-service DMV office in Rich County, and it handles all driver's license applications, renewals, and replacements for residents in the area. The office is operated by the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles.

You can visit in person during business hours to explore for a new license, renew an expiring one, or replace a lost or damaged card. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may experience shorter wait times if you arrive early in the morning or mid-week. The office does not take appointments, so plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour depending on how busy it is.

If you live outside Vernal but need to renew or replace a license, you can also use any other DMV office in Utah. However, if you are explore for your first license or need to take a written or driving test, you must go to the office that serves your county of residence.

Key Takeaways

The Vernal Driver License Office is at 152 East Main Street and is the only full-service DMV location in Rich County.
You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to explore.
Utah charges $30 for a standard five-year driver's license and $60 for a ten-year license; fees vary slightly for other document types.
First-time applicants must pass a written test and a driving test; you can schedule the driving test at the Vernal office or at any other Utah DMV location.
Processing times are usually same-day for renewals and replacements, but new licenses may take up to two weeks if you do not pass the test on your first attempt.

Documents You Need to Bring

Utah requires you to present an original or certified copy of a document that proves your identity and date of birth. Acceptable documents include a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a previous driver's license. If your name has changed due to marriage or court order, bring the legal document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or name-change court order.

You must also prove your current Utah residency. The Vernal office accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, property tax notices, or a recent bank statement showing your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved to Utah or to Vernal, bring a signed lease or a letter from a landlord or property manager on official letterhead.

Bring your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You will need to provide this in writing on the process form. If you cannot locate your number, contact the Social Security Administration before you visit the office.

The Written Test and Driving Test

If you are explore for your first Utah driver's license, you must pass a written knowledge test before you can take the driving test. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices specific to Utah. You can study using the official Utah Driver's License Handbook, which is available free on the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles website and in print at the Vernal office.

The written test is administered at the Vernal office on the same day you explore. You take the test on a computer, and results are available when ready. Most people pass on the first attempt if they have studied the handbook. If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day at no additional cost, though you may need to wait a few hours.

After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test. The Vernal office conducts driving tests, but you can also schedule one at any other Utah DMV office if that is more convenient. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. You must bring a vehicle that is registered and insured, and the vehicle must pass a safety inspection (working lights, brakes, wipers, and horn).

Fees and Payment Methods

A standard five-year driver's license costs $30. If you want a ten-year license, the fee is $60. These are the base fees for a regular Class D license. If you are renewing or replacing a license, the fees are the same.

The Vernal office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks or money orders. If you are paying with a card, bring the card itself — you cannot pay over the phone or online for an in-person transaction.

If you need a duplicate license (a replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged card), the fee is the same as a renewal. There is no separate charge for a duplicate. However, if you need a corrected license due to an error made by the DMV, there is no charge.

Hours of Operation and Contact Information

The Vernal Driver License Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. The office is closed on weekends and state holidays. During the lunch hour, the office is closed to the public, so plan your visit accordingly.

You can call the office at (435) 781-5600 to ask questions about documents, fees, or wait times. The staff can tell you whether you need to bring additional paperwork or whether you are missing any required documents before you visit. However, they cannot reserve a time slot or tell you how long the wait will be on a specific day.

If you need information about driver's license rules, test study materials, or other DMV services, visit the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles website at dmv.utah.gov. The website has the official driver's handbook, information about license types, and answers to common questions.

Special Situations: Name Changes, Address Changes, and Renewals

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, you must bring the legal document that proves the change. This can be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for a name change. You do not need to retake the written or driving test — you can renew your license with the new name at the Vernal office.

If you have moved within Utah but your license still shows your old address, you can update your address without renewing your license. Bring proof of your new residency and your current license. The address change is processed when ready and costs nothing.

If your license is expiring soon, you can renew it up to one year before the expiration date. Renewals do not require a new written or driving test unless your license has been expired for more than three years. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. Renewals are usually processed the same day.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Visit

Arrive at the Vernal office with all required documents in hand. Check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait in the lobby until your number is called. The staff will review your documents, ask you to sign the process form, and take your photo and fingerprints.

If you are explore for your first license, you will take the written test at a computer station in the office. If you pass, you will schedule your driving test. The driving test may be scheduled for the same day if there is an available examiner, or you may be scheduled for a later date. The office will give you a receipt showing your test appointment.

If you are renewing or replacing a license, your new card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the card to arrive. If you need the card sooner, you can request expedited processing for an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail from Vernal?

Utah does not offer online or mail-in renewals. You must visit the Vernal office in person to renew, replace, or explore for a new license. However, if you live out of state, you can contact the office to ask about exceptions or alternative options.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test at any time. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the full license fee each time you take the test. Most people pass on the second attempt after practicing specific skills that the examiner noted.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Vernal office?

No. The Vernal office operates on a walk-in basis only. There are no appointments. Arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually means shorter wait times than Friday afternoons.

What if I move out of Utah after I get my license?

Your Utah license remains valid until the expiration date printed on the card. You do not need to return it or notify the DMV. When you move to another state, you will need to obtain a license from that state's DMV.

Can I get a Real ID at the Vernal office?

Yes. A Real ID-compliant license costs the same as a standard license and requires the same documents, plus proof of your Social Security number. The Real ID card has a gold star in the upper right corner and can be used for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.

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.