You must have a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Utah. If you plan to drive while studying at the University of Utah, please review the information below about obtaining a Utah driver’s license. Obtaining a Utah driver's license or state ID card is highly recommended. It can be used as an official form of identification within the United States.

Important: SEVIS Activation Requirement

icon Before applying for a driver’s license, your SEVIS record must be activated.

• SEVIS activation typically occurs within the first two weeks of the semester
• You must:
  • Arrive in the U.S.
  • Complete your document check-in during International Student Orientation

Because SEVIS is a federal system used to track student status, you will not be eligible to apply for a driver’s license until your record is active.

If you would like to:

• Confirm whether your SEVIS record is active, or
• Request early activation (if eligible)

Please email international@utah.edu. Our team will respond as soon as possible.

 

How to Apply for a Driver's License

Step 1: Gather Documents

        a. Unexpired passport (with visa)
        b. I-94 record
        c.  I-20 or DS-2019
        d. Social Security Card     

• • If you are not eligible, you must request a denial letter from the Social Security Administration

           e. Two documents proving Utah residency (must include your name and address), such as:

• • Bank statement
  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Utility bill
  • Vehicle title

          f. Proof of driving experience:

• • Your home country driver's license or
  • Proof of completing a Utah driver education course

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment

• Visit a Utah Driver License Division (DLD) office
• Appointments are strongly recommended
• Complete the application online or at the office

 

Step 3: Complete Testing Requirements

At your appointment, you may be required to:
       a. Pass a vision test
       b. Have your photo taken
       c. Complete a medical questionnaire
       d. Pass a written knowledge test
       e. Pass a driving test (if applicable)

 

 

• As a University of Utah student, you can use the UTA public transportation at no cost. Your student ID card (UCard) will be automatically activated during your first semester so you can easily access buses, TRAX, and other services.
• UTA uses a “tap on/tap off” system. To ride, simply hold your UCard on the card reader when you board and when you exit. The reader will make a sound and show a green light to confirm your card was accepted. 
• After picking up your UCard from UCard office, it may take 1–2 days to become active. If your card does not work right away, you can let the bus driver or transit officer know that you recently received your UCard and it may not be activated yet. If it still does not work after a couple of days, please contact the UCard Office for assistance.

icon Please make sure to tap your UCard each time you ride. Not tapping your card may result in a fine. Remember: tap on when you start your trip, and tap                    off when you reach your destination.

URide is a great free resource for those looking for secure transportation options during evening hours within University of Utah campus boundaries. This is not intended to be a replacement for public transportation or other rideshare programs. Please see the following link for more information about the URide program.

Free campus shuttles help students and the university community travel easily around campus, with accessible routes and regular schedules. Personal scooters and skateboards are allowed on board; however, bicycles are not permitted. Please see the following link for more information about routes and schedules.