A Utah bill designed to end the state's driving privilege card program for immigrants is awaiting legislative attention, according to information from the Utah Driver License Division. The proposal follows ongoing discussions regarding licensing for residents unable to establish lawful presence under REAL ID requirements, as detailed in agency documentation from July 2026.
Restrictions and Eligibility Requirements
The driving privilege card (DPC) serves as a Class D license for individuals who cannot establish lawful presence under REAL ID requirements. According to the Utah Driver License Division, these cards allow residents to operate motor vehicles on state highways but do not permit the operation of commercial motor vehicles or motorcycles. Furthermore, the Division noted in July 2026 that a DPC cannot be used as a form of identification by any Utah government entity.
Documentation and Expiration
To qualify for a DPC, residents must be able to provide proof of identity, a Utah address, and either a Social Security number or an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS. The Utah Driver License Division specified that individuals ineligible for a U.S. Social Security number must obtain an ITIN to meet these requirements. Once issued, the card expires on the holder's birthday in the first year following the date of issuance.
Application and Testing Procedures
The process for obtaining an original DPC involves several mandatory steps and fees. Applicants must schedule an appointment at a Driver License office to provide a photograph, a fingerprint card from a law enforcement agency, and potentially a current out-of-state or out-of-country driver license. The Driver License Division requires a non-refundable $30.00 fingerprint fee and a $32.00 licensing fee.
Testing and Skills Requirements
Testing requirements vary depending on the applicant's previous driving history. Applicants who have never been licensed anywhere in the world must first apply for a learner permit and complete a 50-question written knowledge test. According to the Driver License Division, these individuals must also complete an online Traffic Safety and Trends Exam, which requires a score of 100% to pass. After passing the written test, applicants may complete a driving skills test either at a Driver License Division office or through a third-party tester.
Minor Driver Regulations
Age-specific regulations apply to the issuance of these cards. For applicants under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian is required to sign for financial responsibility. The Utah Driver License Division noted that if a parent or guardian withdraws their signature at any time, the driver's license becomes invalid, and the minor must wait until they reach age 18 to reapply, which requires paying new licensing fees and passing a written knowledge test.
Safety and Delivery
The division also maintains that drivers are responsible for refraining from driving if any uncertainty exists regarding their physical, mental, or emotional status that could affect safety. If such a condition persists, the driver is responsible for reporting the status to the Driver License Division. Upon successful completion of all tests, applicants receive a temporary no-privilege document as a receipt, while the official completed DPC is mailed in approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
