Applying for a New License

Whether you're applying for your first-ever driver license or simply getting a new license in Utah after having one in another state, you will apply at the Driver License Division of the Utah Department of Public Safety. Unlike a lot of states where driver licenses are handled by a department of motor vehicles, in Utah the DMV is a separate entity from the organization that issues licenses.

Anyone who drives on the highways needs a driver license, whether a valid Utah license (officially called a Class D Operator License), a temporary license (while waiting for your permanent license to arrive in the mail, for example), or a learner's permit or practice permit if you're enrolled in a driver's education course. Those under 18 will be issued a provisional license that carries some restrictions.

Motorcycle riders should take a look at our Motorcycles section for info on motorcycle licenses. Drivers of commercial vehicles also need a special license; see our Commercial Drivers section for how to apply for a commercial license.

Follow the steps below to apply for a new Utah driver license. Some of these steps might not be necessary for your situation:

• 1: Complete a driver training course and additional practice hours if you are a first-time driver (skip this step if you already have a valid license from another state or country).

• 2: If you are under 18, have a parent or guardian sign the assumption of financial responsibility (skip this if you are over 18).

• 3. Show proof of name, birthday, resident address, legal presence if necessary, and Social Security or individual tax ID number (ITIN). The best forms of ID are a state-issued birth certificate and Social Security card, but if these aren't available, the state will usually accept the items on the approved list.

• 4. Pay the applicable fees ($25 for an original license if you're over 21, $30 if you're under 21).

• 5. Complete a medical questionnaire and vision test at the driver license field office where you apply.

• 6. Complete the required written and/or road test. Typically, drivers who are already licensed in another state will only take a written test based on the Utah Driver Handbook. First-time drivers will need to pass both a written exam and a road test.

• 7. Your photo will be taken after your application is completed. Smile! You will be issued a temporary paper license with your photo on it, and your new license will arrive in the mail within three weeks.

You don't need an appointment to apply for a new driver license and take the written tests if you arrive at the examining office at least an hour before closing (as long as there are enough staff and not a glut of applicants, applications that begin one hour before closing will usually be completed). However, road tests do require an appointment.

The Driver License Division examining offices in Logan, Brigham City, Farmington, and Orem are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Northwest (Rose Park) and West Valley offices in Salt Lake City are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Check locations and hours of operations for other driver license field offices.

When you've studied the Utah Driver Handbook (drivers with out-of-state licenses) or completed your driver training (new drivers) and are ready to head to your local driver license field office, remember to take the following paperwork with you:

• Certificate of completion of the required driver education and driver training courses, if applicable

• Forms of identification as described above

• Your out-of-state driver license, if applicable

• Payment for application fees

Driving Privilege Card

Utah passed a law in 2005 called Senate Bill 227 ("SB 227") that makes a Driving Privilege Card available for driver license applicants who live in Utah but do not have a Social Security number, such as undocumented individuals, foreign students, foreign military personnel, and foreign athletes.

You must have an individual tax ID number (ITIN) to apply for a Driving Privilege Card. Licenses previously issued on the basis of an ITIN expired on July 1, 2005, and should be replaced by the new Driving Privilege Card.

In addition to allowing you to drive, the card may be used to get car insurance and may be accepted as ID at banks, supermarkets, and other vendors, but the card is not accepted as ID by any government entity. The card should not ordinarily affect the likelihood of someone who is undocumented being deported; for a discussion of the immigration issues surrounding the Driving Privilege Card, refer to the question and answer document, available in English and Spanish.

To apply for a Driving Privilege Card, you will need to provide an ITIN from the IRS, proof of Utah residence using two different types of verifiable documents, proof of legal name and birth, and the same fee as for a regular driver license ($25 or $30, depending on your age).

Non-Citizen Driver License Requirements

If you're visiting Utah from another country and have a valid license, you can drive. It's a good idea to get an International Driver's Permit (IDP) from your country before you visit. Many rental car agencies require the IDP.

If you're a non-citizen who becomes a resident of Utah, you'll have to get a Utah driver's license. You must follow the exact steps described above, with identification requirements being the lone difference.

You must produce either two forms of primary identification, or one primary and one secondary. All identification documents must be original copies or certified by the issuing agency. Non-English identification requires an accompanying certified translation.

Primary Identification

• Foreign birth certificate with notarized translation

• Current foreign passport with visa

• I-94 or I-551 card

• Resident alien card

• Certificate of citizenship

Secondary Identification

• International driver license

• Employee authorization card, accompanied with passport

• Mexican voter registration card

• Out-of-country driver license

• Photo school ID

• Credit card with photo

• Marriage license or certificate

Keep in mind the DMV has the authority to request additional identification.