The physical design of a Utah driver's license
A Utah driver's license is a vertical card, about the size of a credit card, with a blue header at the top that says "UTAH" in white letters. The front side holds your photograph on the left, your personal information in the middle and right, and a series of security features designed to prevent counterfeiting. The back side contains additional information and a magnetic stripe.
The card itself is made of durable plastic and is designed to last for the full term of your license — typically six years for a standard adult license. The blue color and layout match the Real ID standard that the federal government requires for air travel and entry to federal buildings, so if your Utah license shows the gold star in the upper right corner, it meets that standard.
Key Takeaways
- Utah driver's licenses are vertical cards with a blue header, your photo on the left, and your information printed on the front and back.
- A gold star in the upper right corner means your license is Real ID compliant and can be used for federal building entry and domestic air travel.
- Your license number, issue date, and expiration date appear on the front, along with your address, date of birth, and any restrictions or endorsements.
- Security features include a hologram, microprinting, and a magnetic stripe on the back to prevent forgery.
- Restricted licenses for minors and commercial licenses have different colors and layouts to show their status at a glance.
Front side: photo, name, and personal details
Your photograph appears in the upper left corner of the front of the card. It must be a recent color photo taken straight-on, with a neutral background and your face clearly visible. Below your photo, your full legal name is printed, followed by your date of birth and sex.
To the right of your name and date of birth, you will see your Utah driver's license number — a unique nine-digit number assigned to you when you first receive your license. Below that are your issue date and expiration date. Your current address in Utah is printed below those dates. If you have any license restrictions (such as corrective lenses required, or automatic transmission only), they appear as codes in a box labeled "Restrictions." Any endorsements you hold — such as a motorcycle endorsement — also appear on the front.
Back side: signature, conditions, and security information
Your signature appears on the back of the card in a designated box. This signature is used to verify your identity when you use your license as identification for purchases or age verification.
The back also lists any medical conditions you want emergency responders to know about, if you have chosen to include them. A magnetic stripe at the bottom of the back contains encoded information that can be read by card readers at certain businesses or government offices. Security features on the back include microprinting and a hologram specific to Utah, both of which are difficult to replicate and help prevent counterfeiting.
The Real ID gold star and what it means
If your license has a gold star in the upper right corner, your license is Real ID compliant. This means you met additional identity verification requirements when you renewed or obtained your license, and your license can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings.
If your license does not have the gold star, you can still drive in Utah and use it for most everyday purposes, but you will need a passport or other federal ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. When you renew your license, you can request Real ID compliance at that time if you have not already done so.
Restricted licenses for drivers under 18
If you are under 18, your license will be a different color — typically a different shade or design — to indicate that you are a minor driver. Restricted licenses have limitations printed on them, such as nighttime driving restrictions or passenger restrictions, depending on your age and how long you have held your license.
These restrictions are printed clearly on the front of the card so that law enforcement and others can see at a glance that you are a minor driver with specific rules. Once you turn 18 or meet the requirements to have restrictions removed, you can request an unrestricted license.
Commercial driver's licenses and their appearance
If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), your card will look similar to a standard license but will be clearly marked as a CDL. The word "COMMERCIAL" appears prominently on the front, and your endorsements — such as "A" for tractor-trailers or "B" for straight trucks — are listed in the endorsements section.
A CDL also includes information about any medical certifications you hold, which is required by federal law. The layout and security features are the same as a standard license, but the commercial designation makes it when ready clear that you are authorized to operate commercial vehicles.
Security features that prevent counterfeiting
Utah driver's licenses include several security features that make them difficult to forge. A hologram specific to Utah appears on the front of the card and changes appearance when viewed from different angles. Microprinting — tiny text that is readable only under magnification — appears in several places on the card and is nearly impossible to replicate with standard printing equipment.
The card material itself is a specialized plastic that is difficult to alter without visible damage. These features protect you by making it harder for someone to create a fake license using your identity, and they help businesses and law enforcement verify that your license is genuine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my license photo does not look like me anymore?
You can renew your license early if your appearance has changed significantly, though you will need to pay the renewal fee. Most people wait until their regular renewal date. When you renew, you will take a new photo, so your next license will reflect your current appearance.
Can I get a vertical or horizontal license, or does Utah only issue one style?
Utah issues vertical licenses for standard driver's licenses and restricted licenses for minors. Commercial licenses are also vertical. The vertical format is now standard across most states and is required for Real ID compliance.
What do the restriction codes on my license mean?
Restriction codes are letters that represent specific limitations on your driving. For example, "B" means corrective lenses required, and "E" means automatic transmission only. Your license documentation or the DMV website lists what each code means so you know what restrictions explore to you.
Is the information on the back of my license the same as the front?
No. The front has your photo, name, and address. The back has your signature, any medical information you added, and security features like the hologram and magnetic stripe. Both sides together make up your complete license.
Do I need to carry my license in a specific way to protect the security features?
No special handling is required. The security features are built into the card material and will not wear off with normal use. Just keep your license in a wallet or ID holder to prevent physical damage, and avoid exposing it to extreme heat or moisture.