The Vernal DMV location and hours

The Vernal Driver License Office is located in Vernal, Utah, and handles driver license renewals, replacements, and initial license applications for residents in that area. It is run by the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles, the same agency that oversees all DMV services statewide.

The office is at 152 East Main Street, Vernal, UT 84078. Hours vary by season and day of the week, so you should call ahead or check the Utah DMV website before you go. Many smaller DMV offices, including Vernal, have reduced hours compared to larger cities, and some days may be closed entirely.

Wait times at the Vernal office are typically shorter than at Salt Lake City or other major hubs, but you may still wait 30 minutes to an hour during peak times. Going early in the morning or mid-week often means a shorter wait.

Key Takeaways

  • The Vernal DMV is at 152 East Main Street and handles driver licenses, but you should call or check online for current hours before visiting.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to renew or replace a license.
  • If you are explore for your first Utah license, bring your out-of-state license or passport, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • The Vernal office does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those services are handled by the county clerk's office in Rich County.
  • You cannot make an appointment at the Vernal DMV, so arrive during posted hours and expect to wait.

What documents to bring for a license renewal

If you are renewing a Utah driver license that has not expired or expired less than five years ago, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and one document proving your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work as proof of residency.

You do not need to bring a new photo unless you want one. Utah allows you to renew your license with the same photo for up to two renewal cycles, though you can pay a small fee to have a new photo taken if you prefer.

If your license has been expired for more than five years, the Vernal office will treat it as a new process rather than a renewal. In that case, bring the documents listed in the next section.

What documents to bring for a first-time Utah license or replacement

If you are explore for your first Utah driver license or replacing one that was lost, stolen, or expired more than five years ago, you will need more documents. Bring a valid form of identification (a passport, out-of-state driver license, military ID, or tribal ID), proof of your Social Security number, and two documents proving your current Utah address.

The two address documents do not have to be the same type. You could bring a utility bill and a lease, or a mortgage statement and a bank statement. Both must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved to Utah and do not yet have documents in your name at your new address, bring a signed letter from your landlord or a utility company letter showing your new address.

You will also have your photo taken at the office, so plan for that time. Bring your Social Security card if you have it, or a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form showing your full Social Security number.

Scams and safety warnings for DMV visits

Do not use third-party websites that claim to renew your license or handle DMV business for you. These sites charge fees for work you can do yourself at the DMV for free or at a much lower cost. The only official Utah DMV website is dmv.utah.gov, and the only official way to renew online is through that site's renewal portal.

Be cautious of anyone offering to "hold your place" in line or claiming they can speed up your service. The Vernal DMV does not allow line-holding, and no one outside the office can change how long your transaction takes.

Never give your Social Security number, driver license number, or date of birth to anyone who calls or emails you claiming to be from the DMV. The Utah DMV does not contact people by phone or email to ask for personal information. If you receive such a call, hang up and report it to the Utah Attorney General's office.

What the Vernal DMV does and does not handle

The Vernal Driver License Office issues and renews driver licenses and identification cards only. It does not handle vehicle registration, title transfers, license plates, or vehicle-related transactions of any kind.

For vehicle registration, title work, and license plates, you must go to the Rich County Clerk's Office in Vernal. That office is separate from the DMV and handles all county-level vehicle services. The county clerk's office is also on Main Street in Vernal, but it is a different building and different staff.

If you need to renew your vehicle registration online, you can do that through the Utah DMV website without visiting either office. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN) and current registration number.

Fees and payment methods at the Vernal DMV

Driver license renewal costs vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year renewal typically costs between $25 and $35, while a ten-year renewal costs more. The exact fee depends on your age and license type.

A replacement license for one that was lost or stolen costs less than a renewal, usually around $20 to $25. A new license for a first-time applicant costs roughly the same as a renewal.

The Vernal DMV accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you pay by check, make it out to the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles. Ask the staff what payment methods they have available on the day you visit, as some smaller offices may have limited options.

When to renew your license before it expires

You can renew your Utah driver license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew early to avoid the rush near the expiration date or because they have time during a visit to Vernal for another reason.

If you renew early, your new license will be valid for the full term (five or ten years) from the date you renew, not from the date your old license would have expired. So if your license expires in six months and you renew now, you will get a new license valid for five or ten years from today, not from six months from now.

You cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years. In that case, you must visit the Vernal office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to Vernal?

You may be able to renew online through dmv.utah.gov if your license is current or expired less than five years. Online renewal is faster and costs less than renewing in person. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must visit the Vernal DMV office.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number, bring documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. Bring the same proof of identity and residency as anyone else. The Vernal DMV staff can help you through the process.

Do I need an appointment at the Vernal DMV?

No. The Vernal office does not take appointments. You arrive during posted hours, take a number, and wait your turn. Arriving early in the day or on a Tuesday or Wednesday usually means a shorter wait than Friday or Monday.

What if my address on my license is wrong?

You can update your address when you renew your license. Bring your current license and proof of your new address. If you want to change your address without renewing, you may be able to do so online through the Utah DMV website, depending on how recently your license was issued.

Can I get a Real ID at the Vernal DMV?

Yes. A Real ID is a driver license or identification card that meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. It costs a bit more than a standard license and requires additional documentation, such as proof of citizenship or legal residency. Ask the Vernal DMV staff about Real ID requirements when you visit.