Wyoming Driver's License

In Wyoming, a driver's license is an official document issued by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) that authorizes individuals to operate a motor vehicle legally within the state. Governed by Wyoming Statutes (WS), Title 31, Chapter 7, all drivers must possess a valid driver's license to drive on public roads.

Understanding the regulations set forth by WYDOT is crucial, as they govern the issuance, renewal, and replacement of driver's licenses in Wyoming. These regulations encompass various aspects, such as eligibility requirements, testing procedures, and documentation standards.

Wyoming offers various driver's licenses to cater to different driving needs and vehicle types. Whether an individual is applying for their first license, renewing an existing one, or obtaining a special endorsement, it is essential to be aware of the specific requirements and procedures involved.

What Are the Types of Driver's Licenses in Wyoming?

Wyoming issues several types of driver's licenses to meet the diverse needs of its residents. These include non-commercial and commercial licenses with specific classes and endorsements tailored to different vehicle types and driving purposes.

Non-Commercial Licenses

The class of license issued in Wyoming depends on the type of vehicle driven. Wyoming defines the class code assigned to a driver's license based on the vehicle type.

Class C

The Class C license is a regular driver's license and the most common license issued. It allows the operation of any single vehicle or combination of vehicles, except motorcycles, that does not require a commercial driver's license.

Class M

This class is for motorcycles and 3-wheel trikes. It can be added to a license valid for any other class or issued as the only class if the applicant is not licensed for any other classification.

Class I

The Class I license indicates an instruction permit. It allows new drivers to practice driving under the supervision of a licensed adult. This permit is typically for beginners who are learning to drive.

Restricted Class (RC, RC-M, RM)

The Restricted Class RC license is for standard passenger vehicles or Class C vehicles. The RC-M license covers both Class C and Class M vehicles, while the RM license is specifically for motorcycles.

These restricted licenses allow driving only between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m., within a 50-mile radius of the licensee's domicile, and only at the direction of their parents or guardians.

Class I2

The Class I2 license permits the operation of non-commercial Class C vehicles with certain restrictions. It is an intermediate step between the instruction permit and a full driver's license.

Licensees with a Class I2 permit can drive between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. They may only transport one passenger under 18 who is not an immediate family member, and they must ensure that all occupants wear seat belts.

Intermediate License

The intermediate license is available to applicants aged 16 and provides limited driving privileges as a step toward full licensure. Applicants must have held an RC license or a Class I and have completed 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving, including 10 hours of nighttime driving, certified by a parent or legal guardian.

Commercial Licenses

Wyoming provides multiple classes for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) to meet the diverse demands of commercial drivers. These licenses are intended for operators of big, bulky vehicles, such as buses and trucks.

Class A CDL

This class includes any combined vehicle as long as the towed vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) greater than 10,000 pounds and the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is 26,001 pounds or more. Except motorbikes, this covers all vehicles classified as Classes B or C.

Class B CDL

Class B CDL covers any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a GVWR of no more than 10,000 pounds. This applies to all Class C vehicles, except for motorbikes.

Class C CDL

The Class C CDL refers to any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that does not fit within a Class A or B vehicle but is designed to transport 16 or more passengers or is identified for transportation of hazardous materials.

Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP)

This permit allows the driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle when assisted by a passenger who owns a valid commercial driver's license for the specific commercial vehicle being driven.

How To Obtain a Driver's License in Wyoming?

Obtaining a Class C non-commercial driver's license or a regular driver's license in Wyoming involves meeting specific requirements, providing necessary documentation, and passing various tests. WYDOT oversees this process to guarantee that all drivers are qualified and adhere to state regulations.

Requirements for Obtaining a Driver's License

The first step is to meet the requirements for obtaining a regular driver's license in Wyoming. These requirements include age eligibility, legal identification, and proof of residency.

Age Requirements

A Wyoming driver's license requires the applicant to fulfill certain age restrictions. An applicant must be at least 17 years old to be eligible for full driving privileges, or 16 and a half if they have finished an authorized Driver Education Course and maintained an intermediate license for six months.

Acceptable Legal Identification

First-time applicants must provide valid identification documents to establish their identity. This includes a state-certified birth certificate, a valid U.S. passport, or immigration documents. If the last name has changed, proof of name change is required, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Additionally, applicants must verify their social security number using a Social Security card or a financial/banking statement that includes the social security number.

Acceptable Proof of Residency

Proof of residency is required to verify that the applicant lives in Wyoming. Acceptable documents must show a residential address, and examples include:

  • Vehicle title or registration
  • Property tax or mortgage documents
  • Rental or lease agreements
  • Federal tax documents with a Wyoming address
  • Any other legal documents showing a Wyoming address

Driver's License Examinations

Applicants must pass several tests to demonstrate their ability to drive safely and understand Wyoming's traffic laws. These tests include a vision screening, a written test, and a driving skills test.

Vision Screening

The vision screening test establishes that applicants have adequate vision to drive safely. Applicants must have 20/40 eye acuity, either with or without glasses, and a combined horizontal field vision of at least 120 degrees.

Those who fail the vision screening must obtain a vision statement from an eye specialist. If contact lenses or glasses are used to pass the screening, they will be required while driving. Applicants with visual acuity worse than 20/40 but at least 20/100 will be required to take a driving skills test.

Written Test

The written test assesses the applicant's knowledge of traffic signs, signals, pavement markings, and traffic laws.

It includes identifying traffic signs by shape, color, or symbol, identifying signals and pavement markings, and answering multiple-choice questions on traffic laws, safety rules, crash prevention, and vehicle equipment. The test in Wyoming is available in English only, but interpreters or oral tests can be arranged upon request.

Driving Skills Test

The driving skills test evaluates the applicant's ability to perform safe driving maneuvers. First-time applicants must pass this test, which may be waived for those presenting proof of completion of an approved driver education course. If applicants fail, they must wait 24 hours before retesting or three days if they miss 13 or more questions.

Application Process

The application process for obtaining a driver's license in Wyoming is straightforward and designed to guarantee that all necessary steps are transparent and manageable.

Learner Permits

A regular learner's permit is issued to minors aged 15-16 learning to drive or adults who need practice. Applicants must present the necessary documents in person at a local driver exam office.

The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed as needed. For minors under 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the application. The permit must be held for at least ten days before applying for full driving privileges.

Restricted Learner's Permit & Driver License

A restricted learner's permit, also known as a "hardship permit," is available for minors aged 14-15 who meet specific criteria, such as living more than five miles from school or work. To apply, complete the Application for a Restricted Driver License (FSDL-708) or Permit Packet and mail the required forms to the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

Approval can take up to 6 weeks. Once approved, the minor must pass the driver exam office's written exam and vision screening. The permit is issued for 60 days but must be held for at least 10 days before applying for a full driver's license.

Graduated Driver License

An intermediate license, referred to in Wyoming law as a "graduated driver license," is for those under 17 who have not completed a driver education course. Applicants must appear in person and present the necessary Real ID documents and proof of 50 hours of behind-the-wheel driving time. The intermediate license must be held for six months or until the applicant turns 17.

Full Driving Privileges

Achieving full driving privileges in Wyoming involves meeting certain age and experience requirements.

At age 17, applicants may be issued a Wyoming driver's license with full driving privileges without previously holding an intermediate license or any other type of license or permit.

At age 16 and a half, applicants may be issued full driving privileges if they have a current intermediate license at least six months old, their restricted driving privileges have not been suspended, and they have completed a driver education course approved by the Wyoming Department of Education.

They must present a signed certificate of completion from an approved driver education course, present proof of identity, have a parent or legal guardian sign the minor's release on the application form, and pay the required fee.

Fees

As of July 1, 2021, Wyoming implemented new fee structures for obtaining driver's licenses. The fee for a new Class C license, or the standard license for most drivers, is $45. CDL of any class now costs $55, while CLP is priced at $45.

For those seeking specialized licenses, a restricted license approved by the Wyoming Highway Patrol costs $25. Motorcycle enthusiasts face a $11 fee for a temporary motorcycle permit, and adding a motorcycle endorsement to an existing license also costs $11.

Wyoming accepts various payment methods for license-related fees, including cash, check, credit card, or debit card.

How To Renew or Replace a Driver's License in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, drivers may need to renew or replace their driver's license due to expiration, loss, theft, or changes in personal information like name or address. These processes maintain compliance with state regulations and update personal records accurately.

Driver's License Renewal

A Wyoming driver's license can be renewed by mail or in person.

Renewing by Mail

Wyoming law permits a driver's license renewal by mail once every ten years. A Driver License Application form (FSDL-705) is mailed 120 days before the license expiration date, but renewal can be done earlier. The Vision Attestation section of the application must be completed and signed by a vision specialist.

The completed form and the $35 renewal fee should be sent to:

Driver Services - WYDOT

5300 Bishop Blvd., Cheyenne

WY 82009-3340

If renewing from out of state, include a Forwarding Request form and two forms of proof of Wyoming residency. Processing time is approximately 30 days, and the renewed license is typically received within 4-6 weeks.

Renewing in Person

Renewal can be done at the local driver exam office with the necessary documents if they have yet to be previously provided. This includes a valid U.S. passport or state-certified birth certificate, proof of social security number, and two current forms of proof of Wyoming residency.

Every ten years, an in-person appearance is required to renew the license, which includes having a new photo taken and passing a vision screening. If there are medical or vision issues, a Medical Evaluation or a Vision Evaluation form may be required.

Replacing a Driver's License

Similar to renewal, driver's license replacement can be done in person or, under certain circumstances, by mail.

Replacing in Person

This can be done at the local driver exam office by completing the Wyoming Driver License Application, paying the required fee, and having a new photo taken.

Required documents include a valid U.S. passport or state-certified birth certificate, proof of name change if applicable, proof of social security number, and two current forms of proof of Wyoming residency.

Replacing by Mail

For those who will not return to Wyoming within 60 days, a mail-in replacement may be possible. If the necessary documents have not been previously submitted, they should be included along with the completed application form, including the Vision Attestation section. The form and applicable fee should be sent to the same mailing address used for renewals.

Similar to renewal, if out of state, a Forwarding Request form must be included. For minors under 18, a legal parent or guardian must sign the minor's release on the application form.

What Happens if a Driver's License Is Suspended in Wyoming?

When a driver's license is suspended in Wyoming, understanding the reasons, consequences, and reinstatement process is crucial to regaining driving privileges.

Common Reasons for License Suspension

In Wyoming, a driver's license may be suspended for several reasons, including the following:

  • DUI (driving under the influence) offenses
  • Failure to pay fines
  • Reckless driving
  • Leaving the scene of an accident
  • Failure to maintain insurance
  • Non-compliance with child support payments
  • Accumulating multiple moving violations within a year

Consequences of Driving with a Suspended License

Driving with a suspended license can lead to fines of up to $750 and imprisonment for seven days to six months. Additionally, it can result in further suspension or revocation of driving privileges.

Reinstatement Process

To reinstate a suspended license, the driver must complete the suspension period and pay a reinstatement fee of $50 or $5 for child support suspensions.

Proof of financial responsibility must be filed and maintained for three years. Depending on the reason for suspension, completing specific programs such as alcohol or drug education courses may be required. For DUI-related suspensions, installing an Ignition Interlock device might be necessary.

Can Someone Drive in Wyoming With a Foreign License?

Visitors with a valid foreign driver's license can drive in Wyoming for up to one year. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, though not mandatory, alongside the foreign license. This permit translates the driver's license into English and helps authorities verify the information if needed.

Visitors can use their foreign driver's license for the duration of their stay without the need to obtain a Wyoming license, provided they do not establish residency in the state.

Can a Foreigner Get a Driver's License in Wyoming?

Foreigners can obtain a driver's license in Wyoming, provided they meet the residency requirements. New residents, including foreign nationals, have one year from the time they establish residency to apply for a Wyoming driver's license. Residency can be established through employment, leasing or buying property, or attending school in Wyoming.

Applicants need to present several documents to obtain a Wyoming driver's license:

  • Proof of identity
  • Two proofs of Wyoming residency
  • Proof of social security number
  • Proof of name change, if applicable

The application process involves appearing in person at a local driver exam office, surrendering any out-of-state or foreign driver's license, completing a vision screening, and passing both written and driving tests.