Where to find the Salt Lake City driver's license office
The Utah Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) operates the main Salt Lake City office at 210 North 1950 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116. This is the location where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most other license-related transactions in person. The office is open Monday through Friday, and you can check current hours on the Utah DMV website before you go.
Salt Lake City also has a satellite office at 1095 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, which handles some services but may have more limited hours and transaction types than the main office. If you are unsure whether your specific need can be handled at the satellite location, call ahead or visit the main office instead.
You do not need an appointment at either location, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Early morning on weekdays typically has shorter lines than afternoons or Fridays.
Key Takeaways
- The main Utah DMV office in Salt Lake City is at 210 North 1950 West, open Monday through Friday during standard business hours.
- You will need a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of residency and Social Security number to explore for a new license.
- Utah offers a standard driver's license, a Real ID-compliant license, and a REAL ID card if you only need federal identification without driving privileges.
- You can renew your license online through the Utah DMV website if you are not changing your address, photo, or license class, which saves a trip to the office.
- If you have an out-of-state license, you must surrender it when you explore for a Utah license, and Utah will not issue a duplicate of your old license.
What documents you need to bring
Utah requires proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency before issuing a driver's license. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID. A photocopy is not acceptable for identity documents.
For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for a license without one, but you will be marked as ineligible to drive commercially.
For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Salt Lake City address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a lease signed within the last 60 days will work.
If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025), bring the same documents plus one additional document proving your address — for example, a second utility bill or a government letter addressed to you at your current address.
Standard license versus Real ID license in Utah
Utah offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. The standard license allows you to drive in Utah and other states but will not be accepted as identification for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building after May 7, 2025.
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal identification standards. It costs the same as a standard license and requires the same documents, plus one additional proof of address. If you plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings, a Real ID license is the practical choice.
Utah also offers a REAL ID card if you do not drive but need federal identification. This card is not a driver's license and does not grant driving privileges. It costs less than a driver's license and requires the same documents as a Real ID license.
License classes and restrictions in Utah
Utah issues Class D licenses for regular passenger vehicles, Class C licenses for commercial vehicles (which require a commercial driver's license test and medical certificate), and Class M licenses for motorcycles. When you explore, you will be assigned a Class D license unless you specifically request a different class and meet the requirements.
Restrictions are added to your license based on your vision test results, age, or medical conditions. Common restrictions include corrective lenses required, daylight driving only, or automatic transmission only. If you fail the vision test, you will be given the option to retest or leave without a license.
If you are under 18, Utah issues a provisional license with additional restrictions, including a curfew (midnight to 5 a.m.) and limits on passengers under 21. These restrictions lift when you turn 18 or after holding the provisional license for 12 months, whichever comes first.
Renewing your license online or in person
You can renew your Utah driver's license online through the Utah DMV website if your license is not expired, you are not changing your address, you are not changing your photo, and you are not changing your license class. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about 10 minutes.
If any of those conditions do not explore, you must renew in person at the Salt Lake City office. Bring your current license, proof of residency if you moved, and your Social Security card or proof of Social Security number. In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes depending on wait time.
Utah driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so plan ahead if you have a trip coming up and your license is close to expiration.
Transferring an out-of-state license to Utah
If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and are moving to Utah, you must explore for a Utah license within 60 days of establishing residency. You cannot straightforward transfer your old license — Utah will issue you a new license and you must surrender your out-of-state license to the DMV.
Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency (the same documents required for a new license). You will take a vision test and a written knowledge test covering Utah traffic laws. You will not retake a driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended.
If your out-of-state license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you may be required to take a full driving test and pay reinstatement fees. Check the status of your license with your previous state's DMV before you move to Utah.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the Salt Lake City DMV office and request a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and Social Security number. You do not need to bring proof of residency for a replacement, but bring it anyway if you have moved since your last license was issued.
A replacement license costs less than a new license and is issued the same day you explore. You will receive a new license number and a new card with your current photo from your last license process. If you want a new photo, you can request one for an additional fee.
If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and keep a copy of the report. This protects you if someone uses your old license number fraudulently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my permanent one?
Yes. When you explore for a new license at the Salt Lake City office, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to you. The temporary license has the same driving privileges as your permanent license.
What if I fail the written test on my first try?
You can retake the written test the same day or return another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. You will pay a retest fee each time you take the test. Most people pass on the second or third attempt if they study the Utah Driver Handbook, which is free on the DMV website.
How long does it take to get a license after I explore?
Your temporary paper license is valid when ready. Your permanent card is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Salt Lake City DMV office to check the status.
Do I need to take a driving test if I already have a valid license from another state?
No, you do not need a driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended or revoked. You will take a vision test and a written test on Utah traffic laws, but not a behind-the-wheel test.
What is the cost of a new driver's license in Utah?
Costs vary based on license type and validity period. A standard five-year license costs less than a Real ID license. Check the current fee schedule on the Utah DMV website, as fees change periodically. You can pay by cash, check, or card at the office.