Where to go for your driver's license in Salt Lake City

In Salt Lake City, you get your driver's license through the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which operates several offices in the area. The main Salt Lake City office is located at 215 South State Street, but there are also satellite offices in West Jordan, Ogden, and other nearby cities. You cannot get a Utah driver's license online or by mail — you must visit in person to pass the vision test and have your photo taken.

The DMV office hours vary by location, but most Salt Lake City offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices offer limited Saturday hours. Before you go, check the specific office location and hours on the Utah DMV website, because wait times can be long during peak hours, and some offices close for lunch.

You can also renew your license at certain Express DMV locations inside some grocery stores and pharmacies around Salt Lake City, though these locations handle renewals only, not new licenses or major changes to your record.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Utah DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to get or renew a driver's license.
  • The main Salt Lake City DMV office is at 215 South State Street, and satellite offices operate in West Jordan and other nearby cities.
  • New driver's licenses require you to pass a vision test and written knowledge test if you do not already hold a valid Utah license.
  • A standard Utah driver's license costs a fee that varies depending on whether you are getting a new license or renewing, and how long you want it to be valid.
  • Express DMV locations inside grocery stores can renew your license but cannot issue new licenses or handle major changes.

What documents you need to bring

The Utah DMV requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, a certified birth certificate, or a military ID. If you are under 21, you may also use a school ID with a photo, but you will need an additional document from the other categories.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a government document with your current Salt Lake City address. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance policy also works. Do not bring a driver's license as proof of residency — it does not count.

For proof of your Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration. The DMV will not accept a birth certificate as proof of Social Security number.

Getting a new driver's license versus renewing

If you have never held a Utah driver's license, you are getting a new license. You must pass both a written knowledge test and a vision test. The knowledge test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Utah Driver Handbook, which is free on the DMV website. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

If your Utah license has expired or is about to expire, you are renewing. Renewals do not require you to retake the knowledge test or vision test, though the DMV may ask you to update your photo if your license is very old. Renewals are faster than new licenses and can sometimes be done at Express DMV locations.

If you are moving to Utah from another state and have a valid driver's license from that state, you still need to get a Utah license. You will need to pass the vision test but may not need to retake the written test, depending on your age and how recently you passed a test in your previous state. Bring your out-of-state license with you.

The cost and how long your license lasts

A standard Utah driver's license costs between $25 and $35 for a new license, depending on how long you want it to be valid. You can choose a license that lasts 4 years or 8 years; the 8-year license costs more but saves you money over time because you renew less often. Renewal fees are lower than new license fees.

If you are under 21, your license will expire on your 21st birthday, regardless of which term you choose. After you turn 21, you can renew for a full 4 or 8 years. The DMV accepts cash, check, and card payments at all offices.

What happens at your appointment

When you arrive at the DMV office, you will check in and receive a number. Wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of the week; early mornings and mid-week visits are usually faster than afternoons and Fridays. Bring all your documents and be ready to wait.

When your number is called, a DMV employee will review your documents and ask you questions to verify your identity and residency. They will ask you to sign a form confirming the information on your license. If you are getting a new license, you will then take the vision test at a machine in the office. If you pass, you move to the photo station, where they take your picture for the license. If you are renewing and do not need a new photo, you may skip this step.

If you are getting a new license, you will also take the written knowledge test on a computer terminal in the office. You must answer at least 80 percent of the questions correctly to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day, but you will pay a retest fee.

When your license will be ready

If you pass all tests, the DMV will print your license on the spot or mail it to you within 5 to 10 business days, depending on the office and how busy they are. Ask the DMV employee which option applies to your office. You will receive a temporary paper license that you can use to drive while you wait for the plastic card to arrive in the mail.

If you renewed your license at an Express DMV location, your license is usually printed when ready. If you renewed at the main DMV office, it may be mailed to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

No. Utah requires you to renew your license in person at a DMV office or Express DMV location so they can take a new photo and verify your identity. You cannot renew by mail or online, even if your license has not expired yet.

What if I fail the written knowledge test?

You can retake the test the same day at most DMV offices, but you will pay a retest fee. Study the Utah Driver Handbook before your next attempt. If you fail a second time, you may need to wait a certain number of days before trying again; ask the DMV employee for the specific waiting period.

Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

Most Utah DMV offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some locations now offer online appointment scheduling. Check the DMV website for your specific office to see if appointments are available. Even with an appointment, you may wait, but appointments usually reduce your time in line.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must have a Social Security number to get a Utah driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to obtain one from the Social Security Administration before you can visit the DMV. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number if you cannot bring the card itself.

Can I get a Real ID driver's license in Salt Lake City?

Yes. A Real ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. To get a Real ID, bring the same documents as a regular license, plus an additional document proving your Social Security number. Real ID licenses cost slightly more than standard licenses and are marked with a gold star in the upper right corner.