Where to go for your driver license in Salt Lake City

In Salt Lake City, you get your driver license from the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which operates several offices around the city. The main office is located downtown, but there are also satellite locations in other parts of Salt Lake County. You cannot get a Utah driver license online or by mail — you must visit in person with the documents the DMV requires.

The DMV office locations and hours change, so before you go, check the Utah DMV website or call ahead to confirm which office is nearest you and whether they have current wait times. Some offices are busier than others, and a few locations take appointments while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Knowing this ahead of time saves you a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Utah DMV office in person with a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to get or renew a driver license.
  • The fee for a standard driver license is set by the state and varies depending on whether you are getting a new license or renewing an existing one.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before the DMV issues your license.
  • A standard Utah driver license is valid for eight years, after which you must renew it in person or by mail depending on your age and circumstances.
  • If you are a new Utah resident, you have 60 days from moving to the state to get a Utah driver license.

Documents you need to bring

The DMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. For identity, bring a valid passport, a birth certificate, or a military ID. If you do not have one of these, the DMV website lists other documents that work.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current Salt Lake City address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. If you cannot find any of these, you can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before you visit the DMV.

Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually do not work. If any of your documents are in a language other than English, bring both the original and an official English translation.

The written test and vision screening

Before you can drive, you must pass a written test on Utah traffic laws and road signs. The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the Utah Driver Handbook, which the DMV provides free online or in print at their offices. Most people study the handbook for a few days before taking the test.

The test is multiple choice and you take it on a computer at the DMV office. You must answer a certain number of questions correctly to pass — the exact number depends on how many questions are on your test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another day.

You will also take a vision screening at the DMV. They check whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may need to see an eye doctor and bring a form signed by the doctor before the DMV will issue your license.

The driving test and what happens after you pass

After you pass the written test, you schedule a driving test with a DMV examiner. The examiner sits in your car while you drive through Salt Lake City streets and demonstrate that you can handle basic driving tasks safely — things like parking, turning, stopping, and following traffic signals. The test usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

If you pass the driving test, the DMV issues your license on the spot or within a few days. Your license will be valid for eight years. If you fail, you can retake the test after waiting a certain number of days — the DMV will tell you when you can come back.

Your new license will have your photograph, your name, your address, your date of birth, and restrictions if any explore to you (for example, that you must wear glasses while driving). Keep your license with you whenever you drive.

Renewing your license before it expires

You can renew your Utah driver license before it expires, and many people do this to avoid the rush when their license is about to expire. If you renew early, your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expires.

To renew, you visit the DMV with your current license and pay the renewal fee. You do not have to retake the written or driving test unless the DMV has a reason to require it (for example, if your vision has changed significantly). The process is faster than getting a new license for the first time.

If you are 65 or older, you may be able to renew by mail instead of visiting the office in person. Call the DMV to ask whether you are may be able to access.

What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the DMV as soon as you can. You can do this in person at any DMV office or by calling them. They will cancel your old license so no one else can use it. You then get a replacement license by visiting the DMV with proof of identity and paying a replacement fee.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a new one at the DMV. Bring your damaged license and pay the replacement fee. The process is quick.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a driver license after I pass the test?

The DMV usually issues your license the same day you pass the driving test, or within a few days if they need to process your photograph. You will receive a temporary paper license to use while you wait for your plastic card to arrive in the mail.

What if I moved to Salt Lake City from another state?

You have 60 days from the date you became a Utah resident to get a Utah driver license. After 60 days, driving with an out-of-state license is not legal. Bring your old license to the DMV along with your other documents, and the DMV will issue a Utah license.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The DMV offers the written test in several languages. Tell the staff at the DMV office which language you need, and they will provide the test in that language.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after waiting a set number of days. The DMV will tell you the exact date you can come back. You do not have to retake the written test or vision screening unless something has changed.

Is there a way to skip the line at the DMV?

Some DMV offices in Salt Lake County accept appointments, which can reduce your wait time. Check the Utah DMV website to see whether the office you plan to visit takes appointments, and book one if it is available. Walk-ins are also accepted, but may have longer waits.