What Utah offers and who can get one
Utah issues three types of driver's licenses: a standard license for regular driving, a commercial license (CDL) for operating heavy trucks, and an instruction permit for learners. Most people start with an instruction permit, then move to a standard license. You can hold a standard Utah license if you are at least 16 years old, a U.S. citizen or legal resident, and pass a written test and driving test. Utah also issues Real ID-compliant licenses, which you will need to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025.
The state does not issue licenses to people without proof of legal presence in the United States. You will need to show a passport, birth certificate, or other document that proves citizenship or lawful residency. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process.
Key Takeaways
- Utah requires an instruction permit before you can take the driving test, and you must hold it for at least 30 days if you are under 18.
- A standard license costs $33 for an eight-year term, and a Real ID license costs $35 for the same period.
- You must pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a practical driving test to get a license.
- Real ID licenses require additional documents beyond a standard license, including proof of your Social Security number and current address.
- You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office.
Instruction permit: your first step
Before you can take Utah's driving test, you must hold an instruction permit for a minimum of 30 days if you are under 18, or 10 days if you are 18 or older. To get a permit, visit a Driver License Division office with proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. You will pay $20 for the permit, which is valid for one year.
At the office, you will take a written knowledge test covering Utah traffic laws and safe driving practices. The test has 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You will also have your vision screened; if you cannot meet the vision standard, you may be required to wear corrective lenses while driving. Once you pass, you receive your permit when ready and can begin supervised driving.
While you hold an instruction permit, you must follow these rules: a licensed adult 21 or older must be in the front seat with you at all times, you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving. These restrictions lift once you pass your driving test and receive your license.
Standard driver's license: requirements and the driving test
After holding your instruction permit for the required time, you can schedule a driving test at any Driver License Division office. The test lasts about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, lane changes, parking, and your ability to follow traffic laws. You must bring your instruction permit, proof of identity, and a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A licensed examiner will ride with you and score your performance.
Common reasons people fail the driving test include failing to come to a complete stop, improper lane changes, hitting cones during parking, and not checking mirrors or blind spots. If you fail, you can retake the test, but you must wait at least one day before your next attempt. There is no additional fee for retesting.
Once you pass, you receive your standard license on the spot. A standard Utah license costs $33 and is valid for eight years. If you are under 21, your license will be marked with a vertical orientation and a red stripe, which identifies you as underage to retailers and law enforcement.
Real ID licenses: what you need and why
A Real ID license meets federal security standards and allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. After May 7, 2025, a standard license will no longer be accepted for these purposes. A Real ID license costs $35 for an eight-year term, just $2 more than a standard license.
To get a Real ID license, you must provide more documents than for a standard license. You will need proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return), and two documents proving your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). The address documents must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days.
You can explore for a Real ID license when you first get your license or upgrade an existing standard license to Real ID status. The process is the same as getting a standard license: you take the knowledge test and driving test, then pay the fee. If you already have a valid standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you do not need to retake the tests—you can upgrade at any Driver License Division office by providing the additional documents and paying the difference in cost.
Renewal: keeping your license current
Utah licenses expire eight years from the date of issue. You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a Driver License Division office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes; you will need your current license number and a valid payment method. Renewal by mail takes about two weeks, and in-person renewal is when ready.
You are may be able to access to renew online or by mail only if your license is not expired and you have not had any major changes to your name, address, or medical status. If your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you have changed your name, you must renew in person and may need to retake the knowledge test. Renewal costs the same as a new license: $33 for a standard license or $35 for a Real ID license.
If you are renewing a Real ID license, you must provide updated proof of your address if your current address documents are older than 60 days. You do not need to provide proof of identity or Social Security number again unless your license has been expired for more than one year.
Costs and office locations
Here is what you will pay at each stage:
| Document | Cost | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Instruction Permit | $20 | 1 year |
| Standard Driver's License | $33 | 8 years |
| Real ID Driver's License | $35 | 8 years |
| License Renewal (Standard) | $33 | 8 years |
| License Renewal (Real ID) | $35 | 8 years |
Utah's Driver License Division operates offices in Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, St. George, Moab, and several other cities. You can find the office nearest you and check current wait times on the Utah Department of Public Safety website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. Appointments are especially useful during peak hours or if you need to renew in person.
Special situations: name changes, suspensions, and out-of-state transfers
If you change your legal name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your license within 30 days. Bring your current license, proof of your new name (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address to any Driver License Division office. There is no fee for a name change.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted. Suspensions in Utah are usually caused by unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or driving under the influence. To find out whether your license is suspended, contact the Driver License Division or check your status online. Once the reason for suspension is resolved (fines paid, court appearance made, or DUI program completed), you can request reinstatement.
If you are moving to Utah from another state, you can transfer your out-of-state license to a Utah license. You do not need to take the knowledge test or driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you have held it for at least one year. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your Utah address to a Driver License Division office. The fee is the same as a new license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Utah license if I have a suspended license from another state?
No. Utah will not issue a license if you have an active suspension or revocation in any other state. You must resolve the suspension in the state that issued it before you can get a Utah license. Contact the driver's license agency in that state to find out what steps are needed to lift the suspension.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the test after waiting at least one day. There is no additional fee. You keep your instruction permit and can continue practicing. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Do I need a Real ID license if I only drive in Utah?
Not for driving. A standard license is valid for all driving in Utah and across the United States. You only need a Real ID license if you plan to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 7, 2025. A passport works as an alternative for those purposes.
Can I renew my license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Early renewal extends your expiration date by eight years from the date of renewal, not from your original expiration date.
What if I lose my license or it is damaged?
Visit a Driver License Division office with proof of identity and proof of your current address. You can request a replacement license, which costs $20. The new license will have the same expiration date as your original license.