How to Get Your Wyoming Driver's License

What a Wyoming driver's license is and who needs one

A Wyoming driver's license is the state's official document that shows you are legally allowed to drive on public roads. You need one to operate any motor vehicle in Wyoming, whether you own it, rent it, or borrow it. If you live in Wyoming or plan to drive there regularly, you will need to get one through the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT).

Wyoming issues several types of licenses depending on what you drive and your age. A standard Class D license covers regular cars and light trucks. If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a separate endorsement. If you drive a commercial vehicle for work, you need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), which has its own requirements and testing process.

You also need a Wyoming license if you move to the state and already have a license from another state. Wyoming gives you 30 days after you establish residency to transfer your out-of-state license. After that, driving on an expired or out-of-state license is illegal.

Key Takeaways

Wyoming issues Class D licenses for regular vehicles, motorcycle endorsements, and Commercial Driver's Licenses, each with different age and testing requirements.
You must be at least 16 years old to get a learner's permit and 16 to 17 for a restricted license, depending on how long you have held your permit.
WYDOT requires you to pass a written test, a vision screening, and a road test before you receive a full license.
If you move to Wyoming from another state, you have 30 days to transfer your license before driving on it becomes illegal.
You can renew your Wyoming license in person at a WYDOT office, by mail, or online, depending on your age and license type.

Age requirements and the path from learner's permit to full license

Wyoming has a graduated licensing system that starts with a learner's permit and moves toward a full license. You can get a learner's permit at age 15. With a permit, you can drive only when a licensed adult at least 21 years old is in the front seat with you. You must hold your permit for at least six months before you can move to the next step.

At age 16, you can take the road test and move to a restricted license if you pass. A restricted license lets you drive alone during the day, but you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. unless a licensed adult is with you. You must keep this restricted license for at least six months.

At age 17, you can test for an unrestricted Class D license with no driving time limits. If you are 18 or older when you first get your permit, you can skip the restricted stage and go straight to a full license after holding your permit for just 30 days and passing the road test.

Documents you need to bring to WYDOT

WYDOT requires proof of identity, proof of Wyoming residency, and your Social Security number before you can get a license. Acceptable identity documents include a birth certificate, passport, or tribal ID card. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Wyoming address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency.

If you are under 18, you may also need a parent or guardian's signature on your process. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. WYDOT will not accept a photo of your Social Security card — you must bring the original or a certified copy.

The written test, vision screening, and road test

Before you can drive alone in Wyoming, you must pass three separate tests. The written test covers Wyoming traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study for it using the Wyoming Driver's Manual, which WYDOT publishes online and in print. The test has 50 questions, and you must answer at least 40 correctly to pass. You get two chances to pass; if you fail twice, you must wait one week before trying again.

The vision screening checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. WYDOT tests your distance vision and color vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision screening, you may be able to get a restricted license that requires you to wear corrective lenses while driving.

The road test is a 20-minute drive with a WYDOT examiner in your vehicle. The examiner watches how you handle basic driving tasks like starting, stopping, turning, parking, and merging. You must follow traffic laws and show that you can control the vehicle safely. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting one week.

Where to go and how to schedule your tests

WYDOT has driver licensing offices in most Wyoming counties. You can find the office nearest you and its hours on the WYDOT website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by location and time of year. Call ahead or check online to see if you need an appointment or if you can walk in.

To schedule your written test and road test, contact your local WYDOT office directly. Some offices let you book online, while others require you to call or visit in person. When you schedule, ask what documents to bring and whether you need to bring your own vehicle for the road test. If you do not have access to a vehicle, ask whether the office has one you can use.

Bring all required documents, your completed process, and any fees in cash or check. WYDOT does not accept credit cards at all locations. If you are not sure what to bring, call your local office before you go.

License renewal and keeping your license current

Wyoming driver's licenses expire every eight years. WYDOT will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew in person at a WYDOT office, by mail, or online, depending on your age and whether your address has changed.

If you are 21 or older and your address has not changed, you can renew online through the WYDOT website without visiting an office. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing in person. If your address has changed or you need a new photo, you must renew in person.

If you are under 21, you must renew in person at a WYDOT office. You will need to pass a new vision screening and may need to retake the written test, depending on your age. Bring your current license, proof of residency if your address changed, and the renewal fee.

Special licenses: motorcycle endorsements and commercial driver's licenses

If you want to ride a motorcycle in Wyoming, you need a motorcycle endorsement on your Class D license. You must be at least 16 years old and pass a separate written test and skills test. The written test covers motorcycle-specific rules and safety. The skills test is a riding course where you demonstrate that you can control a motorcycle safely. Some riders take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course, which can waive the skills test requirement.

A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required if you drive a truck or bus for work. CDL requirements are stricter than Class D requirements. You must be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate driving), pass a medical exam, and pass written and skills tests specific to the type of vehicle you will drive. You also need a CDL permit before you can take the road test. The CDL process takes longer and costs more than a standard license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Wyoming license if I have an out-of-state license?

Yes. If you move to Wyoming, you can transfer your out-of-state license without retaking the written and road tests, as long as your license is valid. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Wyoming residency, and your Social Security number to a WYDOT office. You will still need to pass a vision screening. You have 30 days after you move to transfer your license.

What happens if I fail the road test?

You can retake the road test after waiting one week. There is no limit to how many times you can take it. Each time you test, you pay the road test fee again. Before you retake it, practice the skills the examiner said you need to improve.

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change when your new license expires — it will still expire eight years from the date you renew. There is no advantage to renewing early unless your license is damaged or you need a new photo.

Do I need to take a test again if I let my license expire?

If your license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it without retaking any tests. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must retake the written test and road test. Bring your expired license and proof of residency to a WYDOT office to find out what you need to do.

What if I move out of Wyoming?

Your Wyoming license remains valid until it expires, even if you move to another state. However, you must get a license from your new state within the time that state allows. Most states give you 30 to 60 days. Driving on an out-of-state license after that important date is illegal.

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.