What the Utah DMV Does and Where to Find It

The Utah Department of Public Safety, Driver License Division is the state agency that issues, renews, and manages all driver's licenses in Utah. It is not called the "DMV" — that term does not appear in Utah's official structure — but it performs the same functions. The division operates through a network of physical offices across the state and an online portal for certain transactions.

The Driver License Division handles standard Class D licenses (for regular passenger vehicles), commercial licenses (Class A, B, and C), motorcycle endorsements, and CDL medical certifications. It also manages license suspensions, reinstatement, and records. If you need to renew, replace, or change something on your Utah license, this division is where your request goes.

The main office is located in Salt Lake City, but you do not have to go there. The division operates 15 regional offices across Utah counties, and you can conduct many transactions at any of them. Some transactions — renewal by mail, address changes, and duplicate license requests — can be handled online through the Utah Driver License Services portal without visiting an office at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Utah's Driver License Division is part of the Department of Public Safety, not a separate "DMV," and operates 15 regional offices statewide plus online services.
  • You can renew your license by mail, online, or in person, depending on your license type and whether you need a new photo.
  • First-time applicants and those renewing with a photo change must visit an office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
  • Utah licenses are valid for eight years for adults under 65 and four years for drivers 65 and older, with renewal fees varying by license type.
  • The division processes commercial licenses and CDL medical certificates, but you must pass a written test and skills test at an approved testing location.

Where to Find Utah Driver License Offices

The Driver License Division operates offices in 15 counties. The main office is at 160 West 300 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84101. Regional offices are located in Box Elder, Cache, Carbon, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Kane, Rich, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, Summit, Tooele, Uintah, Utah, Wasatch, Washington, and Weber counties.

You can find the address and hours of your nearest office on the official Utah Driver License Services website. Hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some offices have extended hours or Saturday appointments, though this varies. Call ahead or check online before visiting, as hours change seasonally and offices occasionally close for training or maintenance.

Walk-in service is available at all offices, but wait times can be long during peak hours (typically mid-morning and early afternoon). Many offices now offer appointment scheduling through the online portal. Booking an appointment does not may provide a specific time, but it can reduce your wait.

Documents You Need for Different License Transactions

What you bring depends on what you are doing. The division groups transactions into three categories: new licenses, renewals without a photo change, and renewals with a photo change.

For a new license or a renewal with a new photo, you must visit an office in person and bring: (1) proof of identity — a valid passport, birth certificate, or certified court document; (2) proof of Social Security number — your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form; (3) proof of Utah residency — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within 60 days; and (4) your current license if you have one. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the process.

For a renewal without a photo change (mail or online), you need only your current license number and the renewal notice the division mailed you. You do not need to bring documents to an office. The fee is lower for mail and online renewals than for in-person renewals.

For a duplicate license (replacement of a lost or damaged card), you can request one online or by mail without visiting an office. You will need your current license number and proof of identity if ordering by mail.

License Types, Validity Periods, and Renewal Fees

Utah issues several license types, each with different validity periods and fees. A Class D license is the standard license for driving passenger vehicles. It is valid for eight years if you are under 65 years old, and four years if you are 65 or older. The renewal fee for a Class D license is $32 if renewed by mail or online, or $37 if renewed in person.

A commercial driver's license (CDL) is required to operate trucks, buses, or vehicles carrying hazardous materials. CDL validity depends on your medical certification status: a CDL with a valid medical certificate is valid for four years, and a CDL without a current medical certificate is valid for one year. The CDL renewal fee is $50.

Motorcycle endorsements can be added to a Class D license. There is no separate motorcycle license in Utah; instead, you add an endorsement to your existing license. The endorsement fee is $10 and is valid for the same period as your underlying Class D license.

Utah also issues Class A, B, and C commercial licenses for specific vehicle types and weights. These are less common than CDLs but are used for certain commercial operations. Fees and validity periods vary; check the division's website for current rates.

How to Renew Your License by Mail or Online

If your license is not expired and you do not need a new photo, you can renew by mail or online without visiting an office. The division mails renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a form and instructions.

To renew online, go to the Utah Driver License Services portal, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. The new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Online renewal is the fastest option and costs $32.

To renew by mail, complete the form in your renewal notice, include a check or money order for $32, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes 10 to 14 business days from the date the division receives your envelope. Do not mail cash. Include a return envelope if you want the division to mail your old license back to you.

If your license has already expired, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must visit an office in person and bring the documents listed above. An expired license can still be used as proof of identity at the office, but you will pay a higher renewal fee ($37 instead of $32) and may be required to retake the written test if your license has been expired for more than one year.

Getting a Commercial Driver's License or CDL Medical Certificate

A commercial driver's license (CDL) requires more steps than a standard Class D license. You must pass a written knowledge test specific to the type of vehicle you will drive (Class A, B, or C), pass a skills test (pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test), and hold a valid medical certificate from a certified medical examiner.

The written test is administered at approved testing locations, not at DMV offices. You can find a list of approved testing sites on the division's website. The test covers vehicle operation, safety, and regulations. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. There is no fee for the test itself, but the testing location may charge an administration fee.

The skills test is also administered at approved locations. You will drive your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the testing site. The examiner will evaluate your ability to perform pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control (backing, turning), and road driving. You must pass all three components to receive your CDL.

Before you take either test, you must obtain a medical certificate from a certified medical examiner. The division maintains a list of approved examiners on its website. The examiner will check your vision, hearing, blood pressure, and medical history. The certificate is valid for two years and costs between $50 and $150 depending on the examiner. You must bring the original certificate to the testing location.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

A license suspension or revocation is different from an expiration. A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent unless you go through a reinstatement process. The division suspends or revokes licenses for reasons including DUI convictions, accumulating too many traffic violations, failing to pay traffic fines, or failing to maintain required insurance.

If your license is suspended, you cannot drive legally. The division will mail you a notice explaining the reason, the length of the suspension, and what you must do to reinstate your license. Reinstatement usually requires paying a fee (typically $100 to $150), providing proof of insurance, and sometimes completing a driver improvement course or substance abuse treatment program.

If your license is revoked, reinstatement is more complex. You may be required to retake the written and driving tests, complete a substance abuse program, or wait a specified period before you can reapply. Contact the division directly to understand the specific requirements for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Utah license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. The new expiration date will be eight years (or four years if you are 65 or older) from the date you renew, not from your current expiration date. Renewing early does not extend your license beyond the standard validity period.

What if I move out of Utah but still have a valid Utah license?

You should obtain a license from your new state within the timeframe required by that state (usually 30 to 60 days). Driving with an out-of-state license after you have established residency in another state is illegal. You do not need to formally surrender your Utah license, but you should not use it as your primary license once you move.

How do I change my name or address on my Utah license?

Address changes can be made online through the Utah Driver License Services portal without visiting an office. Name changes require an in-person visit and proof of the legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Bring your current license and the legal document to any regional office.

What is the difference between a CDL and a regular Class D license?

A Class D license allows you to drive passenger vehicles up to a certain weight. A CDL is required for commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials. CDLs require additional testing and a medical certificate. If you drive a commercial vehicle without a CDL, you can face fines and criminal charges.

Can I get a duplicate license if mine is lost or stolen?

Yes. You can request a duplicate online or by mail without visiting an office. The fee is $10. If you request it online, the new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you request it by mail, include a check or money order and allow 10 to 14 business days for processing.