Where to go and what to bring for a Utah driver's license
The Driver License Division in Salt Lake City is part of Utah's Department of Public Safety. It is located at 1095 Motor Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84116. This is the main office where you can get a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most driver-related transactions in person.
To get a driver's license in Utah, you will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. Acceptable identity documents include a passport, certified birth certificate, or a previous driver's license. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your current address. You can show your Social Security card, or the Division will verify your number through the Social Security Administration if you do not have the card with you.
The Division also operates a satellite office at 1160 West 1200 South, Orem, UT 84058, if you are closer to that location. Both offices handle the same services, though wait times vary by location and time of day.
Key Takeaways
- The main Driver License Division office is at 1095 Motor Avenue in Salt Lake City and handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements.
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number to complete your transaction.
- Utah offers a standard driver's license and a REAL ID-compliant license, which is required for federal building access and domestic air travel.
- You can renew your license online or by mail if you have not had any address changes and meet other renewal conditions.
- The Division charges different fees for new licenses, renewals, and replacements, and fees vary based on the type of license you choose.
Standard license versus REAL ID in Utah
Utah offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The main difference is that a REAL ID license meets federal security standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license cannot be used for these purposes as of May 2025.
Getting a REAL ID license requires the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document that shows your name and date of birth. This can be a birth certificate, passport, or other state-issued ID. The REAL ID license costs more than a standard license, and the fee difference varies depending on whether you are getting a new license or renewing an existing one.
If you travel by air or visit federal facilities, a REAL ID license is the simpler choice because you will not need to carry a passport or other federal ID alongside your driver's license. If you rarely travel or do not visit federal buildings, a standard license meets most everyday needs.
How to renew your license online or by mail
Utah allows you to renew your driver's license online through the Division's website if you meet certain conditions. You must not have changed your address, you must not have any medical restrictions or vision corrections that have changed, and your license must not be expired by more than five years. You also cannot renew online if you are changing the type of license (for example, from standard to REAL ID).
To renew online, visit the Utah Department of Public Safety website, create an account, and follow the renewal steps. You will pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal is faster and requires no visit to an office.
If you do not meet the online renewal conditions, you can renew by mail. Request a renewal form from the Division, complete it, and mail it with your current license and the renewal fee. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal, typically 2 to 3 weeks, because the Division must process the form and print your new license before mailing it to you.
Vision requirements and medical restrictions
Utah requires that you meet certain vision standards to hold a driver's license. You must have visual acuity of at least 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction. If you wear glasses or contact lenses to meet this standard, that is acceptable, and your license will note that correction is required.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, the Division may place restrictions on your license. Common restrictions include requiring glasses, limiting driving to daylight hours, or restricting you from driving on highways. Some conditions may disqualify you from holding a license altogether.
When you explore for a new license or renew an existing one, you will be asked about medical conditions and medications. If you have a condition that might affect your driving, be honest about it. The Division may ask you to have your doctor complete a medical evaluation form. This form helps the Division decide whether to issue your license and what restrictions, if any, to place on it.
Testing requirements for new drivers and license classes
If you are getting your first Utah driver's license, you must pass a written test and a driving test. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Utah Driver Handbook, which is available free on the Division's website and in print at the office.
The driving test is conducted by a Division examiner and takes about 30 minutes. The examiner will ask you to perform basic driving tasks such as parking, turning, and stopping. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors.
Utah also has different license classes for different types of vehicles. A standard Class D license allows you to drive passenger cars and light trucks. If you want to drive a motorcycle, you need a Class M license, which requires a separate written test and riding skills test. If you want to drive a commercial vehicle, you need a Commercial Driver License (CDL), which has additional requirements and testing.
Fees and payment methods at the Division
Driver's license fees in Utah vary based on the type of license and whether you are getting a new license, renewal, or replacement. A new standard driver's license costs less than a new REAL ID license. Renewals cost less than new licenses. Replacements (for a lost, stolen, or damaged license) have their own fee.
The Division accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at the office. If you renew online or by mail, you can pay by debit or credit card only. Fees are set by the state and do not change based on where or how you explore, though the Division's website lists current fees so you know the exact amount before you visit.
If you are a senior (age 65 and older), you may be charged a lower renewal fee. If you are a military member on active duty, you may be charged a lower fee as well. Ask at the office or check the Division's website to confirm whether you may have access to for a reduced fee.
Hours, wait times, and how to prepare for your visit
The Driver License Division in Salt Lake City is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Hours may vary on holidays. The Orem satellite office has different hours, so check the Division's website before you visit.
Wait times at the Salt Lake City office are typically longest on Saturdays and on weekday mornings. If you can visit on a weekday afternoon, you may wait less time. The Division does not currently offer online appointment scheduling, so you will be served on a first-come, first-served basis.
Before you visit, gather all required documents and make copies of them. Bring the originals to the office. If you are renewing and your address has not changed, bring your current license. If you are getting a new license, bring your birth certificate or passport. Bring proof of residency such as a utility bill or lease. Having everything ready before you arrive will speed up your transaction and reduce your time at the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one to arrive?
Yes. When you explore for a new license at the office, the Division will issue you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. This temporary license allows you to drive while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Keep the temporary license with you while driving.
What do I do if my license is lost or stolen?
Report the loss to the Division as soon as possible. You can do this in person at the office or by calling the Division's main line. You will need to pay a replacement fee and bring the same documents you would bring for a new license. The Division will issue a temporary license on the spot and mail your permanent replacement within 7 to 10 business days.
Can I change my address without getting a new license?
Yes. You can update your address at the Division office, online through the Department of Public Safety website, or by mail. If you update online or by mail, you do not need to pay a fee. Your current license remains valid; only the address on file changes. You do not receive a new physical license card unless you request one.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you will pay the test fee each time you take it. The examiner will tell you what you did wrong so you can practice those skills before your next test. Many people pass on their second or third attempt.
Do I need to renew my license before it expires, or can I renew it after?
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires or up to five years after it expires. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you must explore for a new license and take the written and driving tests again. Renewing before expiration is simpler because you avoid the tests and can renew online if you meet the conditions.