Last updated 2026-08-18
TL;DR
Yes, Utah requires a license to drill water wells. The Division of Water Rights issues it under Utah Code 73-3-25. You must pass a written exam, hold a surety bond, and pay a license fee (confirm the current amount with DOWS). Most applicants finish in 4 to 12 weeks, depending on exam scheduling and document turnaround.
Do you need a license to drill wells in Utah?
Yes. Utah Code 73-3-25 makes it unlawful to drill, construct, alter, or abandon a water well without a valid license from the Utah Division of Water Rights (DOWS). [1] The statute covers water wells, monitoring wells, and dewatering wells. Geothermal borings sit under a separate but related set of rules, so confirm the exact category with DOWS before you apply.
The license is person-specific, not company-specific. Your drilling company can hold a business registration, but the driller of record on every well log has to carry a personal license. If you run a crew, every person who operates a drill rig on a regulated Utah well needs coverage, either as the licensed driller or under the direct supervision rules. Ask DOWS to spell out the supervision language for your setup before you assume one license covers everybody.
There is no grandfather exemption for out-of-state drillers with decades behind them. Licensed in Colorado or Arizona and planning to drill across the border? You still need a Utah license. Utah has no formal reciprocity agreement with other states as of this writing, but confirm that with DOWS because these policies do shift. [1]
What are the eligibility requirements for a Utah well driller license?
Utah's Division of Water Rights lays out the baseline in rule R655-4, the Well Drilling Rules. [2] You generally need:
- Proof of experience in well drilling. DOWS wants documentation showing you have worked on drill rigs. The statute names no specific number of years, but the exam assumes real field knowledge, so applicants with less than one or two seasons of hands-on work tend to struggle.
- A surety bond. Utah Code 73-3-25 requires a bond before DOWS will issue a license. The amount can change; confirm the current figure directly with DOWS. [1]
- A completed application with the license fee.
- A passing score on the Utah well driller written exam.
You do not need a college degree. You do not need to be a Utah resident. If you are a sole proprietor, your individual license covers your own operations. If you are forming a company, you still need the individual license on top of any business entity filings with the Utah Division of Corporations.
Here is what people miss: the bond has to be in place and verified before DOWS will schedule your exam or release results as a usable license. Start the bond paperwork early. Some surety companies take two to three weeks to issue. [2]
How much does a well driller license cost in Utah?
The honest answer: check directly with DOWS. Fees set by administrative rule change between publication cycles, and this article cannot guarantee a current number.
Here is the shape of the fee structure based on the statutory framework. Utah charges an initial license application fee, a renewal fee (licenses run on a set cycle, typically two years), and a per-well log fee when you submit a well completion report. [1][2] Many drillers also treat their surety bond premium as a recurring cost, usually a percentage of the bond face value each year.
Beyond the state fees, budget for:
- Exam prep materials if you use a study guide or course
- Notarization of any documents DOWS wants notarized
- Bond premium (ongoing, paid to the surety company)
- County-level permits if your work site needs a local land use permit
For a rough planning number, many western states with similar programs charge initial license fees of $100 to $300 and set bond amounts between $5,000 and $25,000 face value. Utah's specific numbers can land anywhere in that range. Confirm with DOWS at (801) 538-7372 or through their online contact portal before you budget. [3]
| Cost item | Typical range | Confirm with |
|---|---|---|
| Initial license fee | Varies, confirm with DOWS | Utah DOWS |
| License renewal fee | Varies, confirm with DOWS | Utah DOWS |
| Surety bond face value | Varies by rule | Utah DOWS / surety co. |
| Bond annual premium | 1-3% of face value | Your surety company |
| Per-well log fee | Set by DOWS rule | Utah DOWS |
| Exam prep materials | $0-$200+ | Varies |
What does the Utah well driller exam cover?
DOWS gives a written exam covering Utah water law, well construction standards, grouting requirements, casing specifications, and completion procedures. [2] This is not a casual quiz. It pulls from R655-4 and the Utah Well Drilling Rules in real depth, so people who skimmed those rules get surprised.
Key topic areas from the published rules:
- Casing materials and depth requirements
- Annular seal (grout) methods and minimum depths
- Setback distances from contamination sources
- Well log completion requirements and deadlines (the law requires a log filed with DOWS within 30 days of completion) [2]
- Pump test procedures and reporting
- Well abandonment and plugging procedures
There is no published pass rate for the Utah exam, and DOWS does not post practice exams. Your best prep: read R655-4 in full, work through the Utah Code 73-3 sections on well drilling, and nail down the grouting rules, because those show up on western state exams over and over.
Fail it, and DOWS lets you retake after a waiting period. Confirm the current retake policy and any additional fees with DOWS before your first attempt.
How long does it take to get a well driller license in Utah?
Most applicants with paperwork ready and a bond issued can expect 4 to 12 weeks start to finish. The range is wide because it hangs on two variables mostly out of your hands: exam scheduling and DOWS processing time.
A realistic week-by-week picture:
- Weeks 1-2: Gather experience documentation, fill out the application, get your bond issued by a surety company.
- Weeks 2-4: Submit the application package and fee. DOWS reviews for completeness.
- Weeks 4-8: Schedule and sit the written exam. Dates are not on-demand; you wait for DOWS to slot you after your application clears.
- Weeks 8-12: Get your results and, if you pass, your license.
Nobody has published solid data on average DOWS processing times, so these windows come from the structure of the process, not official benchmarks. DOWS workload, staff availability, and the completeness of your packet all move the needle. An incomplete application that bounces back for corrections adds weeks.
The one thing that speeds this up most: submit a complete, correct application the first time. Read the checklist on the DOWS website closely and call to confirm anything ambiguous. [3]
What is the Utah well log requirement and why does it matter?
Every water well drilled in Utah needs a completion report, commonly called a well log or driller's log, filed with DOWS within 30 days of completion. [2] Utah Code 73-3-25 and R655-4 both make this a hard legal requirement, not a courtesy.
The log has to include the well location (Township, Range, Section, and quarter-section), total depth, casing type and depth, grouting details, static water level, and any pump test data. DOWS uses these logs to build the state's groundwater database, which feeds water right administration. A missing or late log can trigger disciplinary action against your license.
Under Utah Code 73-3-25, the driller is responsible for filing the report, not the property owner. If you subcontract a well, spell out in your contract who files, but legally DOWS holds the licensed driller responsible. [1]
Paper logs go to the DOWS office in Salt Lake City. DOWS also accepts electronic submission through their online system. Drilling multiple wells? Build the 30-day deadline into your job scheduling so it can't slip. A single job that runs long can push a log past 30 days and land you a violation notice. Don't let paperwork be the thing that costs your license.
WellDrillerPath's Well Board and Grout-Log Kit (a one-time purchase at /start) puts the commonly needed log templates and grout documentation forms in one place, which helps if you are standing up your admin system for the first time and want a clean starting structure.
How do you renew a Utah well driller license?
Utah well driller licenses are not permanent. DOWS issues them on a renewal cycle, and you have to renew before expiration to avoid lapsing. A lapsed license means you cannot legally drill, even with your exam still on record. [1]
Renewal generally requires:
- A renewal application and fee (confirm the current amount with DOWS)
- A current, active surety bond on file
- No outstanding compliance violations that would block renewal
DOWS may require continuing education or documentation of ongoing activity as part of renewal, and the specifics can change. Check R655-4 and the DOWS website for current renewal rules before your expiration date. [2]
Set a calendar reminder 90 days before your expiration. Renewal takes time, and if you file close to the deadline while DOWS has a backlog, you could open a gap. A gap means no legal drilling. Your surety bond renewal has to line up with your license renewal too, so coordinate those timelines.
What are the well construction standards drillers must follow in Utah?
R655-4 is the governing document for well construction standards in Utah. [2] It sets minimum requirements for casing material, casing diameter, casing depth, annular seal depth and materials, and surface completion.
A few rules that come up over and over in compliance situations:
- Annular grouting is mandatory. Utah requires a cement or bentonite grout seal in the annular space to protect groundwater from surface contamination. Minimum grout depth depends on well type and local conditions, and shallow grouting is a common violation. [2]
- Casing has to extend above the pump house floor or ground surface by specified minimums.
- Setback distances from septic systems, fuel tanks, and other contamination sources are set by rule and vary by well type.
- Decommissioned wells have to be properly abandoned and plugged. You cannot cap a well and walk away.
The EPA's Underground Injection Control program also intersects with some well types in Utah, particularly monitoring wells used near underground injection activity. [4] Know which regulatory program applies to your well type before you start.
Moving from another western state? Utah's grouting requirements sit broadly in line with EPA's minimum standards for water supply wells, but read R655-4 yourself. The specific depths and materials differ from what you might know next door. [7]
How does Utah's well driller license compare to neighboring states?
This comparison covers the basic structure only. Fees and bond amounts change, so confirm current numbers with each state board before you decide anything on cost.
| State | License required? | Exam required? | Reciprocity with Utah? | Governing agency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | Yes | Yes | Check with DOWS | Division of Water Rights |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes | No formal agreement [5] | Division of Water Resources |
| Arizona | Yes | Yes | No formal agreement [6] | ADWR |
| Nevada | Yes | Yes | Check with NDEP | NDEP |
| Idaho | Yes | Yes | Check with IDWR | IDWR |
The pattern across the Mountain West is the same: exam, bond, annual or biennial renewal. None of these states treat a neighboring license as automatic qualification. Drill across state lines and you carry two or three licenses and two or three bonds. That cost adds up, so factor it into your pricing when you bid jobs near a border.
Colorado's well driller licensing runs through the Colorado Division of Water Resources and requires a written exam on Colorado-specific rules. [5] Arizona's program runs through the Arizona Department of Water Resources with similar exam and bond requirements. [6] Neither accepts Utah credentials without going through their own process.
Curious how other state programs stack up? See our guides on well driller license in Colorado and well driller license in Arizona.
Where do you apply for a well driller license in Utah?
The Utah Division of Water Rights handles well driller licensing. Their Salt Lake City office is the single point of contact for applications, exam scheduling, bond filing, and renewals. [3]
Contact and application information:
- Website: waterrights.utah.gov
- Phone: (801) 538-7372
- Mail: Utah Division of Water Rights, P.O. Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300
The application form lives on the DOWS website. Download the current version directly from there rather than reusing a saved copy from a previous year, because forms do get updated. [3]
You also have to file your surety bond with DOWS as part of the application package. Your surety company issues a bond form; DOWS may have a preferred form or accept the standard industry version. Confirm that before your surety company prints the bond, because a reprint costs time.
Forming a new business entity alongside your individual license? The Utah Division of Corporations handles business registration separately, and those filings go through the Lieutenant Governor's office online portal. Neither filing substitutes for the other.
What happens if you drill without a license in Utah?
Drilling without a license in Utah violates Utah Code 73-3-25, which carries civil and potentially criminal penalties. [1] DOWS can issue cease-and-desist orders, assess fines, and refer cases for prosecution. The property owner can also face liability for allowing unlicensed work.
Beyond the legal penalties, wells drilled without a licensed driller on record create trouble for the property owner. If a well log never gets filed, the water right tied to the well stands on shaky ground. A buyer's attorney doing due diligence before a sale will find the gap. Unpermitted wells sometimes have to be properly abandoned at the owner's cost before a property can transfer.
The enforcement reality in rural Utah is that DOWS does not have inspectors on every drill site. But the well log requirement builds a paper trail. A log that comes in without a licensed driller's number flags immediately. And a licensed driller who submits a log for a well they didn't drill is committing fraud.
Drilling without a license right now and reading this? Stop, contact DOWS, explain the situation, and ask about the path to getting properly licensed. Voluntary compliance gets treated more favorably than enforcement action. That is not legal advice, just common sense.
Practical tips for getting your Utah well driller license faster
A few things that consistently slow applications down, and how to dodge them:
Read R655-4 before you fill out the application. The form asks questions that reference the rule. Don't know the rule, and you will fill in something wrong or incomplete, and DOWS sends it back.
Start your bond the same day you start the application. Surety underwriting takes time. Wait until DOWS asks for the bond and you have added two to three weeks to your timeline for no reason.
Call DOWS and ask if there is a current application checklist. Published checklists sometimes lag behind current requirements. A two-minute phone call saves you a round-trip correction.
For the exam: read R655-4 in full. Not a summary. The actual rule text. Pay close attention to the grouting and casing sections. Those trip up applicants who have real field experience, because practice and rule language don't always line up.
WellDrillerPath's Well Board and Grout-Log Kit at /start won't pass the exam for you, but having your documentation templates organized before your first job means you're not reconstructing grout records 28 days after a well is done.
Want to see how other state processes run? The guides on how to start well driller in Colorado and how to start well driller in Arizona lay those out in the same format.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a license to drill a well in Utah?
Yes. Utah Code 73-3-25 requires a valid license from the Division of Water Rights before anyone drills, constructs, alters, or abandons a water well in Utah. The license is person-specific. There is no exemption for property owners drilling their own well or for out-of-state drillers with licenses from other states.
How much does a Utah well driller license cost?
DOWS sets fees by administrative rule, and they can change. Budget for an initial application fee, a renewal fee on a two-year cycle, and a surety bond premium. Confirm exact current amounts directly with DOWS at (801) 538-7372. Many comparable western state programs charge initial fees between $100 and $300, but Utah's specific number must be confirmed with the agency.
How long does it take to get a well driller license in Utah?
Most applicants with complete paperwork and an active bond take 4 to 12 weeks from application submission to license in hand. The main variables are exam scheduling availability and DOWS processing time. Submitting a complete, correct application the first time is the single best way to avoid delays. Incomplete applications can add weeks to the process.
Is there a written exam for the Utah well driller license?
Yes. DOWS gives a written exam covering Utah water law, well construction standards under R655-4, grouting requirements, casing specifications, well log rules, and abandonment procedures. There is no publicly posted pass rate or practice exam. Read R655-4 in full before sitting the exam. If you fail, you may retake after a waiting period; confirm the retake policy and any additional fees with DOWS.
Does Utah have reciprocity with other states for well driller licensing?
Utah does not have a formal reciprocity agreement with other states as of this writing. An out-of-state licensed driller who wants to work in Utah must go through the full Utah application, exam, and bond process. Confirm current reciprocity policy with DOWS before assuming your out-of-state credentials transfer, as these policies can change.
What bond is required for a Utah well driller license?
Utah Code 73-3-25 requires a surety bond as a condition of licensure. The required face value is set by rule and can change. Confirm the current bond amount with DOWS before ordering the bond from your surety company. Bond premiums typically run 1 to 3 percent of face value annually, depending on your credit and the surety company's underwriting.
When must a well driller submit a well log in Utah?
Utah law requires a well completion report (well log) filed with DOWS within 30 days of well completion. The driller of record is legally responsible for filing, not the property owner. Logs must include location, depth, casing, grouting details, and static water level at minimum. Late or missing logs can result in disciplinary action against your license.
How do you renew a Utah well driller license?
Utah well driller licenses renew on a set cycle, typically every two years. Renewal requires a renewal application, the renewal fee, and an active surety bond on file with DOWS. Set a calendar reminder 90 days before expiration. A lapsed license means you cannot legally drill. Confirm current renewal requirements and fees with DOWS before your expiration date.
Can a property owner drill their own water well in Utah without a license?
Generally no. Utah Code 73-3-25 covers the drilling of water wells broadly and does not include a property-owner exemption for drilling their own well. If you are a landowner who wants to self-drill, contact DOWS before you start to get current guidance on whether any exemption applies to your specific situation.
What are the penalties for drilling without a license in Utah?
Drilling without a license violates Utah Code 73-3-25. DOWS can issue cease-and-desist orders, assess civil fines, and refer cases for criminal prosecution. Wells drilled by unlicensed drillers also create title problems for property owners, since a missing or invalid well log can complicate water rights and property sales. Voluntary compliance is treated more favorably than enforcement action.
Where do I apply for a well driller license in Utah?
Applications go to the Utah Division of Water Rights, P.O. Box 146300, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6300. You can also reach DOWS at (801) 538-7372 or through waterrights.utah.gov. Download the current application form directly from the DOWS website rather than using a saved copy, since forms are updated periodically.
Does a Utah well driller license cover monitoring wells and dewatering wells?
The Utah well driller licensing statute covers water wells broadly, including monitoring wells and dewatering wells. Geothermal borings may fall under separate or additional rules. Confirm with DOWS which license category applies to the specific well type you plan to drill before you apply, because drilling the wrong well type under the wrong license category creates compliance problems.
What grouting requirements apply to Utah wells?
R655-4 requires an annular grout seal on water wells in Utah using cement or bentonite. The minimum grout depth depends on well type and local geology. Shallow or missing grout is one of the most common compliance violations DOWS cites. Read the grouting section of R655-4 carefully and document your grout placement on every well log you submit.
Is experience required before applying for a Utah well driller license?
DOWS expects applicants to have hands-on experience in well drilling before applying. No specific minimum number of years is written into the statute, but the written exam assumes real field knowledge. Applicants with limited field experience consistently struggle with the exam content. There is no formal apprenticeship program listed in the rules, so gaining experience under a licensed driller before applying is the practical path.
Sources
- Utah Legislature, Utah Code 73-3-25: Utah requires a license from DOWS before drilling, constructing, altering, or abandoning a water well; surety bond required; driller responsible for well log submission
- Utah Division of Water Rights, Administrative Rule R655-4 (Well Drilling Rules): R655-4 governs well construction standards including grouting, casing, setbacks, well log requirements within 30 days of completion, and exam content areas
- Utah Division of Water Rights: DOWS is the licensing agency for Utah well drillers; application forms and contact information available through this agency
- U.S. EPA, Underground Injection Control (UIC): EPA's Underground Injection Control program intersects with some monitoring well types near underground injection activity
- Colorado Division of Water Resources, Water Well Contractor Licensing: Colorado requires a separate written exam and licensing process through its Division of Water Resources; no formal reciprocity with Utah
- Arizona Department of Water Resources, Well Driller Licensing: Arizona requires its own exam and bond through ADWR; no formal reciprocity with Utah
- EPA, Minimum Design and Construction Requirements for Class V Wells (EPA 816-R-99-014): EPA minimum standards for water supply well grouting and casing provide baseline against which state rules like Utah R655-4 are broadly consistent