What you need to do to transfer your license to Utah
To transfer your driver's license to Utah, you must visit a Driver License Division office in person, bring your current out-of-state license, and pass a vision test. Utah will not issue you a new license by mail or online — you have to show up. The process takes about 30 minutes, costs $32 for a four-year license or $53 for an eight-year license, and you'll walk out with a temporary paper license the same day while your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
You do not need to take a written knowledge test or a driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended. Utah recognizes licenses from all U.S. states and territories. However, if your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you will need to retake the written test and possibly the driving test — the rules depend on why your license was suspended and how long ago it expired.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Utah Driver License Division office in person with your current out-of-state license and proof of residency.
- Utah does not require a written or driving test if your out-of-state license is currently valid and in good standing.
- The transfer fee is $32 for a four-year license or $53 for an eight-year license, and you receive a temporary paper license when ready.
- Your plastic Utah license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; bring your Social Security number or a document that shows it.
- If your out-of-state license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you will need to pass the written test and possibly the driving test before Utah issues a new license.
Documents you must bring to the Driver License Division office
Bring your current out-of-state driver's license, proof of Utah residency, and proof of your Social Security number. For residency, Utah accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your immigration documents instead.
You will also need to bring your date of birth and current address. If you have changed your name since your out-of-state license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Utah will not transfer your license under a different name without proof.
Where to go and how long it takes
Utah has Driver License Division offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, Price, Vernal, and Richfield. You can find the full list and hours on the Utah Department of Public Safety website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours, because some offices close for lunch or have reduced hours on certain days.
The office visit itself takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents. Wait times vary by location and time of day — early morning and mid-week visits are usually faster. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but a few locations allow you to reserve a time slot online, which can save you a wait.
What happens if your out-of-state license is expired or suspended
If your out-of-state license expired less than one year ago, Utah will let you transfer it without retaking tests. If it expired more than one year ago, you must pass the written knowledge test before Utah will issue a new license. You do not have to retake the driving test unless your license was suspended or revoked for a traffic violation or safety reason.
If your license was suspended or revoked, Utah will not transfer it. Instead, you must contact the state that suspended your license and find out what you need to do to restore it — usually paying a reinstatement fee and waiting out a suspension period. Once your license is restored in that state, you can then transfer it to Utah. If you cannot restore your out-of-state license, you can take the written and driving tests in Utah and get a new license as a first-time applicant, but this is slower and more expensive than a transfer.
Vision test requirements at the office
Utah requires a vision test at the time of transfer. You must be able to see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you — the test is done with your correction in place. If you fail the vision test, the office will not issue your license that day. You can retake the test at the same office within a few days, or you can get a vision exam from an eye doctor and bring the results back.
If you have a medical condition that affects your vision or driving ability, tell the office staff before the test. Utah may place restrictions on your license — such as "corrective lenses required" or "daylight driving only" — based on the results.
Your temporary license and when your plastic card arrives
When you finish at the office, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready. This temporary license works for driving, employment, and identification purposes and is good for 30 days. Your plastic Utah driver's license is mailed to the address you provided and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Driver License Division office where you applied.
Do not throw away your temporary paper license until your plastic card arrives. If your plastic card is lost or damaged in the mail, you will need the temporary license as proof that you applied. Once your plastic card arrives, the temporary license is no longer valid, even though it may still have time left on it.
Fees and payment methods
A four-year Utah driver's license costs $32. An eight-year license costs $53. You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office. Some offices may have limits on which payment methods they accept, so call ahead if you want to confirm. There are no additional fees for the transfer itself — the fee you pay is for the new license.
If you are over 65 years old, a four-year license costs $10 and an eight-year license costs $17. If you are a member of the military on active duty, you may be able to get a reduced-fee license — ask the office staff when you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take a written test to transfer my license to Utah?
No, not if your out-of-state license is currently valid. You only need to pass a vision test. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must pass the written knowledge test before Utah will issue a new license.
Can I transfer my license online or by mail?
No. Utah requires you to appear in person at a Driver License Division office. You cannot transfer your license by mail, online, or through any other method.
What if I just moved to Utah and my out-of-state license is still valid for several years?
You can keep using your out-of-state license for up to 60 days after you move to Utah. After 60 days, you must transfer it to a Utah license if you want to drive legally in the state. It is faster to transfer sooner rather than wait until the important date.
How long does it take to get my plastic Utah license in the mail?
Your plastic license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Your temporary paper license is valid during this time, so you can drive and use it for identification. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the office where you applied.
What if my name has changed since I got my out-of-state license?
Bring a certified copy of the document that shows your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Utah will not transfer your license under a different name without this proof.