From Foreign to Utah Driver's License: Your Step-by-Step Exchange Guide

Welcome to Utah! As a new resident, one of the most important steps to settling in is obtaining a Utah driver's license. While you can drive on your valid foreign license for up to six months after arriving, you will need to get a Utah license to continue driving legally after that period. This guide details the entire process, making it as smooth as possible.

Eligibility and Initial Requirements

To be eligible to exchange your foreign driver's license for a Utah license, you must be a resident of Utah and have a valid, unexpired license from your home country. The process ensures that all drivers on Utah roads meet the state's standards for safety and knowledge.

Unlike transferring a license from another U.S. state, all foreign license holders must undergo some testing. You will be required to pass the vision screening, the written knowledge test, and the driving skills test.

Step 1: Gather Your Essential Documents

The Utah Driver License Division (DLD) requires specific documentation to verify your identity, legal status, and residency. All documents must be original or certified copies. Photocopies are not accepted.

Here’s what you'll need to bring to your appointment:

• Your Valid Foreign Driver's License: This serves as proof of your previous driving experience.
• Proof of Identity and Lawful Presence:
  • Unexpired Foreign Passport with a valid U.S. visa.
  • Your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
  • Unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if applicable.
• Social Security Verification:
  • Your Social Security Card.
  • If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number, you must obtain a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration office.
• Proof of Utah Residency (Two documents required): These must show your name and current Utah address and be dated within the last 90 days.
  • Bank statement
  • Utility bill (cell phone bills are not accepted)
  • Current rental or mortgage agreement
  • Major credit card bill
  • Vehicle title or registration
  • School transcript
• Document Translations: If any of your documents, including your foreign license, are not in English, they must be accompanied by a certified translation. The translation must be done by a DLD-approved translator. The original document and the translation are considered one document.

Step 2: Complete the Application and Schedule an Appointment

To streamline your visit, you should complete the driver license application online before you go to the DLD. After filling out the application, you will be prompted to schedule an appointment. Appointments are required for all services and take priority over walk-ins, which can lead to very long wait times.

Step 3: The DLD Office Visit - Tests and Fees

When you arrive for your appointment, you'll go through several steps:

1. Check-In: Have your appointment confirmation number ready.
2. Photo: Your photo will be taken for your license.
3. Document Presentation: The DLD agent will review all your original documents.
4. Vision Test: You must pass an eye exam to ensure you meet Utah's vision standards (at least 20/40 vision and 120-degree peripheral fields in at least one eye).
5. Pay Fees: You will need to pay the non-refundable fee of $52.00.
6. Written Knowledge Test: You must pass a 25-question, open-book written test. This test covers Utah traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices found in the Utah Driver Handbook.

Step 4: The Driving Skills Test

After successfully passing the vision and written tests, you will be issued a temporary license. However, to receive your full, unrestricted Utah driver's license, you must pass the driving skills (road) test.

You have three options for taking the driving skills test:

1. At a DLD office: You must schedule a separate appointment for the skills test.
2. With a Third-Party Tester: These are private companies authorized by the state to conduct road tests. They often offer more flexible scheduling. You will need to bring the sealed, passing score sheet to the DLD.
3. Through a Driver Education Class: This is an option if you choose to enroll in a course.

The driving test will evaluate your ability to safely operate a vehicle and perform specific maneuvers, such as parallel parking, three-point turns, U-turns, backing in a straight line, and hill parking.

Step 5: Receiving Your Utah Driver's License

Once you have successfully passed the driving skills test, you will return to the DLD office (if you tested with a third party) with your passing score. You will then be issued a temporary license with your photo, which is valid for driving immediately. Your permanent, 8-year driver's license will be mailed to your Utah address within 8-10 weeks.

Navigating the process of getting a new license in a new country can seem daunting, but by following these steps and ensuring you have all the correct documentation, you'll be on the road as a licensed Utah driver in no time.