Photo: Airam Dato-on, Pexels
Moving to Utah with a license from another state? Unlike most states, Utah doesn’t simply swap your card: the Driver License Division (DLD) says out-of-state license holders take a 25-question open-book knowledge test, and may be asked to take a driving skills test. Your car is a separate job with the Utah DMV, which allows new residents 60 days to transfer titles and registrations. This guide covers when you count as a resident, what to bring, the fees and the teen rules.
Key facts (Utah, as of November 2026)
- Knowledge test: a 25-question open-book written test for applicants with an out-of-state license (DLD).
- Skills test: may be required.
- You must surrender your US state license when you apply.
- Fee: $52 for adults, $39 for minors (non-refundable, DLD).
- Vehicle: new residents have 60 days to transfer title and registration (Utah DMV).
- Two agencies: licenses go through the DLD, vehicles through the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
When do you become a Utah resident?
The Utah Driver Handbook says you become a resident if you do any of the following:
- enter the state to make Utah your home
- stay in Utah for six months or more in a calendar year
- get a Utah driver license or register a vehicle in Utah
DLD guidance also counts being gainfully employed in Utah, except on a temporary assignment. Visitors with a valid out-of-state or foreign license can drive in Utah for up to six months.
Ask the DLD about any deadline to switch your license once you are a resident, and don’t wait: book an appointment soon after you move and confirm any deadline with the DLD.
The 25-question open-book test
This is the main difference from neighboring states. If you present an out-of-state license, the DLD says you take a 25-question open-book written knowledge test. First-time drivers take a longer closed-book test, so the open-book version is the lighter route for licensed movers.
- Open book means you can refer to the Utah Driver Handbook during the test. Skim it beforehand anyway so you know where to find things.
- Focus on Utah-specific rules, such as the 0.05 blood alcohol limit for adults and the Not a Drop rule for under-21 drivers. See Utah’s 0.05 BAC law.
- Skills test: the DLD may require one. If it does, see the Utah road test explained.
The pass mark is 80%, the same as for first-time applicants. The Utah knowledge test guide covers the test in more detail.
How to apply
- Schedule an appointment at a Driver License office.
- Bring your current out-of-state license. The DLD accepts a valid license from another state or country as proof of driving privilege, and a US state license must be surrendered when you apply.
- Bring identity, Social Security and Utah residence documents. Check the DLD’s current document list, and bring extra proof for a REAL ID (see REAL ID and your first US license).
- Pay the fee: $52 for adults or $39 for minors, as of November 2026.
- Take the open-book test, and the skills test if required.
Under 18? A parent or legal guardian must sign for financial responsibility.
Without lawful presence documents, Utah has a separate card: see the Utah driving privilege card.
Moving to Utah as a teen
The 2026 Utah Driver Handbook says a driver under 18 cannot get a Utah license without having held a learner permit for six months and completed driver education. A learner permit from another state does not let you drive in Utah, so get a Utah permit first. Out-of-state driver ed counts only if it meets Utah’s required hours and you complete the DLD200 form; out-of-state online or home study certificates are not accepted, and missing hours can be made up at a Utah driving school. Bring your permit or license, driver ed certificate and driving log.
Once licensed, Utah’s provisional rules apply to young drivers: for the first six months only immediate family as passengers (with exceptions), no driving from midnight to 5 a.m. until 17 (with exceptions), and a ban on phone use while driving for under-18s apart from emergencies and calls with a parent or guardian. See Utah provisional license rules for teens and Utah’s 40-hour driving log and driver education.
Bringing your car to Utah
- Deadline: the Utah DMV says new residents are allowed 60 days to transfer titles and registrations.
- Where: a Utah DMV office, not a Driver License office.
- What to check: the DMV’s “Moved From Out-of-State” and “What Documents Do I Bring?” pages list the documents and steps for an out-of-state vehicle. Check them for any inspection or emissions requirement where you live.
- Insurance: get Utah cover first. See minimum car insurance by state and title, registration and inspection in the US.
Common questions
Do I have to take a test to transfer my license to Utah?
Yes. The DLD says out-of-state license holders take a 25-question open-book knowledge test, and a skills test may be required.
How long do I have to get a Utah license after moving?
Ask the DLD about any deadline. You become a resident as soon as you move in to make Utah home, take a job or register a car, so apply promptly.
How much does it cost to transfer a license to Utah?
$52 for adults and $39 for minors, non-refundable, as of November 2026.
How long do I have to register my car?
60 days, according to the Utah DMV.
Can I drive in Utah on my old license while I wait?
Visitors can drive for up to six months on a valid license. Once you are a resident, get your Utah license without delay.
Is the open-book test hard?
It is designed for experienced drivers, but Utah rules differ from other states. A quick read of the handbook sections on alcohol, right of way and school zones helps.
Moving between other states? See moving to a new state: transferring your license, or the full Utah license guide.
Sources
- Utah Driver License Division, “Original, Out-of-State/Country” (dld.utah.gov)
- Utah Driver License Division, “Utah Driver Handbook 2025 to 2026” (dld.utah.gov)
- Utah Driver License Division, “Fees” (dld.utah.gov)
- Utah Division of Motor Vehicles, “Moved From Out-of-State” (dmv.utah.gov)
- Utah Division of Motor Vehicles, “What Documents Do I Bring?” (dmv.utah.gov)