Documents required for a Utah driver's license

To get a Utah driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to a Driver License Division office. Utah requires originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. The specific documents you bring depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an existing one, or converting an out-of-state license.

You cannot complete the entire process online or by mail. You must appear in person at a Driver License Division office, pass a vision test, and take a written knowledge test and driving test (unless you are renewing without a road test). Bring your documents, your completed process, and payment for the license fee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original or certified copy of a document proving your identity, such as a passport, birth certificate, or previous driver's license.
  • Proof of Utah residency requires a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail showing your current address.
  • You need documentation of your Social Security number, which can be your Social Security card, W-2 form, or tax return.
  • All documents must be originals or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted by the Driver License Division.
  • You must appear in person at a Driver License Division office to pass vision and knowledge tests and pay the license fee.

Proof of identity documents Utah accepts

Utah accepts a range of identity documents. A U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state all work. If you do not have a passport, a certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born is acceptable. A previous Utah driver's license or ID card also counts as proof of identity.

If you are a non-U.S. citizen, you can use a valid foreign passport paired with an I-94 arrival/departure record or an I-20 or DS-2019 form from your school or sponsoring organization. Military personnel can use a military ID card. The document must be current or expired no more than one year ago, with the exception of passports, which can be expired.

Proof of residency in Utah

You need a document showing your current Utah address. A recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) in your name works well. A lease or rental agreement, mortgage statement, property tax notice, or homeowner's insurance policy also counts. Government mail addressed to you at your Utah address — such as a tax document, voter registration card, or court notice — is acceptable.

The document must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on official letterhead confirming your residency. Some Driver License Division offices accept a notarized statement from a property owner or family member if you have no other option, but call ahead to confirm your local office's policy.

Proof of Social Security number

You can bring your original Social Security card, or you can bring a document that displays your number. A W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return from the past two years all work. A Social Security statement from ssa.gov also counts. If you do not have your card and cannot locate any of these documents, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration before visiting the Driver License Division.

Non-U.S. citizens who do not have a Social Security number can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring your ITIN documentation, such as a tax return showing your ITIN, along with your other required documents.

process form and fees

You must complete the Driver License process (Form DL-43) before or when you arrive at the Driver License Division office. You can read and print it from the Utah Driver License Division website, or you can fill it out at the office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and other basic information.

The fee for a four-year driver's license is $35. A six-year license costs $55. A commercial driver's license (CDL) costs more and requires additional testing and documentation. Payment is cash, check, or card at the office. If you are renewing or replacing a license, the fee may differ slightly.

Vision test and written knowledge test

At the Driver License Division office, you will take a vision screening. You must be able to see 20/40 or better in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not be able to proceed that day.

You will also take a written knowledge test covering Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test is 40 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly to pass. You can study using the Utah Driver Handbook, which is free on the Driver License Division website. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day or return another day.

Road test requirements

If you are getting your first license or converting an out-of-state license, you must pass a road test. The examiner will ask you to demonstrate basic driving skills: starting the vehicle, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers both city and highway driving if possible.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. If you are renewing your license and have held a Utah license for at least three years without a serious violation, you may not need to retake the road test — the Driver License Division will tell you when you renew.

What to do if you cannot find a required document

If you do not have a birth certificate, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born. Most states process orders online or by mail within one to three weeks. If you need your license urgently, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee.

If you cannot locate proof of residency, contact your utility company or landlord and ask for a letter on official letterhead. If you have just moved to Utah and have no documents in your name yet, bring a lease or purchase agreement along with a notarized statement from your landlord or a family member who lives with you. Call your local Driver License Division office before you visit to confirm they will accept this arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. The Driver License Division requires an original or certified copy issued by the vital records office. A photocopy of a certified copy is not acceptable. Order a certified copy from the state where you were born; most states mail them within one to three weeks.

What if my name has changed since my birth certificate was issued?

Bring both your birth certificate and a document showing the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Driver License Division will use these together to verify your identity and current legal name.

Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a recent tax return?

No. A tax return, W-2, or other document showing your Social Security number is sufficient. You do not need to bring the card itself, though you can if you have it.

Can I take the road test in a borrowed vehicle?

Yes, as long as the vehicle is registered and insured. The registration and proof of insurance must be current and in the vehicle. The vehicle must be in safe working condition with functioning brakes, lights, and wipers.

What happens if I fail the written test or road test?

You can retake the test the same day or return another day. There is no additional fee to retake. You will need to study the Utah Driver Handbook or practice driving before your next attempt.