Where to go and what the Salt Lake City office handles

The Salt Lake City Driver License Division office is located at 595 West South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84102. This office issues new driver licenses, handles renewals, and processes record changes like address updates and name corrections. It is the main DMV location for Salt Lake City residents, though Utah also operates satellite offices in other parts of the state if that location is not convenient for you.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You cannot renew your license online in Utah, so you will need to visit in person. The office does not take appointments — service is first-come, first-served. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter wait times than Friday afternoons.

Key Takeaways

  • The Salt Lake City DMV is at 595 West South Temple and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no appointments available.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an ITIN to get a new license.
  • Utah requires a written test, vision test, and photo for first-time licenses; renewals do not require a test unless your license has been expired for more than three years.
  • A standard driver license costs $30 and is valid for eight years; you can renew it in person at the office or through the mail if your license is not expired.
  • If you are under 21, you will receive a different-colored license with additional restrictions on when you can drive.

Documents you need to bring for a new license

Bring one form of valid identification that shows your name and date of birth. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID all work. If you do not have one of those, you can bring a combination of documents — for example, a birth certificate plus a Social Security card, or a school ID plus a utility bill with your name on it. The DMV staff will tell you on the spot if your combination meets the requirement.

You also need proof that you live in Utah. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you recently moved and do not have a new utility bill yet, a lease or rental agreement signed within the last 60 days is acceptable.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You do not need to bring a card — you can straightforward tell the staff your number. If you do not have either, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration or USCIS confirming that you do not have one.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. Staff will verify your documents, confirm your identity, and take your photo. You will then take a vision test — you must be able to read the eye chart at the required distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test.

For a first-time license, you will take a written test covering traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can take it again the same day if you do not pass the first time. If you are renewing a license that is not expired or has been expired for three years or less, you will not take a test.

After you pass the vision test (and written test if required), you will pay the fee and receive your temporary paper license. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until the permanent one arrives.

Cost and how long the license lasts

A standard driver license costs $30 and is valid for eight years. If you are under 21, the license costs the same but expires on your 21st birthday. You can renew your license before it expires, but the new expiration date will be eight years from the renewal date, not from your original expiration date.

If your license has been expired for more than three years, you will need to take the written test again when you renew, even if you have been driving the whole time. If it has been expired for three years or less, you can renew without retesting.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

You can renew your driver license by mail if your license is not currently expired and you have not had any violations or suspensions in the past three years. You will need to complete the renewal form, include a check or money order for $30, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about two weeks.

If your license has been expired for more than 90 days, you cannot renew by mail — you must visit the office in person. The same applies if you need to change your name, address, or other information on your license. Mail renewal is only for straightforward renewals with no changes.

Changing your address or name on your license

If you have moved or changed your name, you can update your license at the Salt Lake City office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a renewal — valid ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You will not need to retake the written or vision test unless your license has been expired for more than three years.

If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The fee for a name or address change is $15 if your license is not expired, or $30 if you are also renewing it at the same time.

What to know about licenses for drivers under 21

If you are under 21, your license will be a different color (typically blue) and will have restrictions printed on it. You cannot drive between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless you are driving to or from work, school, or a medical appointment. You also cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is present.

These restrictions stay in place until you turn 21. At that point, you can visit the DMV to get a standard license without restrictions. You do not need to retake any tests — the staff will issue you a new license with the same expiration date as your current one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but the process depends on how long it has been expired. If it expired less than three years ago, you can renew without retaking the written test. If it expired more than three years ago, you must take the written test again. Either way, you must visit the office in person — mail renewal is not an option for expired licenses.

What if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again the same day at no additional cost. You have up to three attempts per visit. If you do not pass after three tries, you will need to come back another day to try again. Many people study the Utah Driver Handbook before their visit to improve their chances.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Salt Lake City DMV?

No. The office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take appointments. Arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically means a shorter wait than Friday afternoons or late in the day.

How long does it take to get my permanent license after my visit?

Your temporary paper license is valid for driving when ready. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the office to confirm your mailing address.

What if I moved out of state but still have a Utah license?

You should get a driver license in your new state. If you still have a Utah address on file, you can update it at the Salt Lake City office, but you will eventually need to transfer to your new state's license. Each state has its own rules about when you must switch.