The documents Utah requires before you can test
Utah's Driver License Division requires you to bring specific documents in person to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. You cannot mail these in or submit them online — you must show originals or certified copies at a Driver License office. The exact documents depend on whether you are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a temporary visa holder, and whether you have an existing Utah ID.
Most first-time applicants need four things: proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate), proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), your Social Security card or a document showing your number, and proof of legal presence in the United States. If you do not have all four categories covered, the office will tell you what is missing and you will have to return with it before you can test.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring originals or certified copies of documents to a Driver License office in person — no online submission or mail-in option exists.
- U.S. citizens need a birth certificate or passport, proof of Utah residency, a Social Security card, and a completed process form.
- Lawful permanent residents and visa holders need the same documents plus their green card, visa, or I-94 arrival record.
- Proof of residency must show your current name and address and be dated within the last 60 days — utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements all work.
- If you do not have a Social Security card, you can bring a W-2, tax return, or SSA letter showing your number instead.
Documents for U.S. citizens
If you were born in the United States, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. If you were born outside the U.S. but are a citizen, bring a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship. A driver's license or ID from another state counts as proof of identity only if you are renewing or upgrading an existing Utah license, not for a first-time process.
Your birth certificate must be a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the county or state where you were born — a photocopy or hospital-issued copy will not work. If you do not have it yet, you can order one online or by mail from your state's vital records office before your appointment. Some offices can print a certified copy on the same day if you go in person, though this usually takes a few hours.
Documents for lawful permanent residents and visa holders
If you hold a green card (Permanent Resident Card), bring it along with your birth certificate or passport. If you are on a temporary visa, bring your passport, your current visa, and your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. You can print your I-94 for free from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website using your passport number and date of birth.
Visa holders on F-1 (student), H-1B (specialty occupation worker), L-1 (intracompany transfer), or other temporary status can get a Utah license, but the license will expire on the same date as your authorized stay in the U.S. — not on a standard renewal cycle. Bring documentation of your current status even if your visa itself has not yet been issued; an I-20 form (for students) or I-797 approval notice (for work visas) counts as proof of legal presence.
Proof of residency in Utah
You must show that you live in Utah using a document dated within the last 60 days that displays your current name and address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, or government mail (like a tax notice or voter registration card) all work. A cell phone bill does not count, nor does mail addressed to "Current Resident."
If you recently moved to Utah and do not yet have a utility bill or lease in your name, bring whatever document you have plus a signed statement from your landlord or a family member confirming your address. The Driver License office can provide a template for this statement. If you live in a dorm or with family, a lease or utility bill in the resident's name plus your signed statement works.
Social Security documentation
Bring your original Social Security card if you have it. If you do not have the card itself, you can bring any of these instead: a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, a Social Security Administration letter showing your number, or a pay stub with your full Social Security number visible. The document must show your full nine-digit number.
If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Utah driver's license. The Driver License Division will not issue a license without one. You can explore for a Social Security number at your local Social Security office or, if you are a new immigrant, through the immigration process.
process form and signature requirements
You must complete the DL-43 form (process for a Utah Driver License) before or when you arrive at the office. You can read and print it from the Utah Driver License Division website, or pick one up at any Driver License office. The form asks for your name, address, date of birth, and other basic information. You sign it in front of the office staff — you cannot sign it beforehand.
If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the form with you. Bring their ID as well. If you are 18 or older, only your signature is required. The office will also take your photograph and fingerprints at your appointment, so plan for the visit to take 15 to 30 minutes depending on how busy the office is.
What to bring to your appointment
| Document Type | What Counts | What Does Not Count |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Birth certificate (certified), U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, green card | Photocopy of birth certificate, hospital birth record, driver's license from another state (first-time only) |
| Residency | Utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, government mail — all dated within 60 days | Cell phone bill, mail addressed to "Current Resident", undated documents |
| Social Security | Social Security card, W-2, 1099, tax return, SSA letter, pay stub | Verbal confirmation, screenshot, email |
| Legal Presence (non-citizens) | Green card, current visa, I-94, I-20 (students), I-797 (work visa) | Expired visa, visa process in progress |
If you are missing a document
Do not go to the Driver License office without all four categories of documents. If you arrive without one, the office will not process your process and you will have to make another appointment. Birth certificates take the longest to obtain — order yours as soon as you know you need a license, especially if you were born outside Utah.
If you are a visa holder and do not yet have your I-94, print it online at cbp.gov before your appointment. If you are a student and your I-20 has not arrived yet, contact your school's international student office — they can issue a letter confirming your status. If you do not have proof of residency, ask your landlord or utility company for a statement or letter on company letterhead showing your address and move-in date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?
No. Utah requires an original or certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state or county where you were born. A photocopy, even a notarized one, will not work. Order a certified copy online or by mail from your state's vital records office before your appointment.
What if my residency document has my old address on it?
It will not work. Your proof of residency must show your current Utah address. If you just moved, bring a new utility bill, lease, or bank statement. If those are not yet in your name, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a family member confirming your current address and move-in date.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card if I have a W-2?
No. A W-2, tax return, pay stub, or Social Security Administration letter all count as proof of your Social Security number. You do not need the card itself as long as you bring one of these documents showing your full nine-digit number.
Can I bring a scanned or digital copy of my documents?
No. The Driver License Division requires originals or certified copies in person. Digital copies, screenshots, and emailed documents are not accepted. Plan to bring physical documents to your appointment.
What if I do not have a Social Security number yet?
You cannot get a Utah driver's license without one. Contact the Social Security Administration to explore for a number first. If you are a new immigrant, your immigration attorney or local immigration office can help you explore. Once you receive your number, you can then schedule a Driver License appointment.