Booking an appointment in Utah can be one of the most frustrating tasks for a new resident. The system is confusing, and slots are notoriously hard to find.
The most important “secret” you must know is that Utah’s “DMV” is split into two different agencies:
- The Driver License Division (DLD): This is the state-run office for your person (License, Permit, REAL ID, Tests). This office is 100% by appointment only.
- The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV): This is the County-run office for your car (Registration, Titles, Plates). This is a separate office, and it is primarily walk-in.
This guide will show you how to book the right appointment at the right office and provide the “pro-tip” on how to get a slot when the system looks full.
The “Two-Office” System: The Most Important Rule
Before you book, you must know which office to go to.
| Service Needed | Where You Must Go | Appointment Policy |
| Driver’s License / REAL ID | Driver License Division (DLD) (State) | Appointment Required |
| Learner’s Permit / Written Test | Driver License Division (DLD) (State) | Appointment Required |
| Road (Skills) Test | Driver License Division (DLD) (State) | Appointment Required |
| Vehicle Title & Registration | Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) (County) | Walk-in Service |
| License Plates | Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) (County) | Walk-in Service |
How to Schedule Your DRIVER’S LICENSE (DLD) Appointment
This is the official state-run appointment system for all Driver’s License and ID Card services.
- Visit the Official DLD Portal: Navigate to the appointment scheduler: https://nqa3.nemoqappointment.com
- Select Your Service: This is the most important step. Choose the exact service you need.
- For a Permit Test: Select “Driver License – Knowledge Test.”
- For a Road Test: Select “Driver License – Road Test.”
- For a Renewal or New Resident: Select “Driver License – Renewal / Out of State Transfer.”
- For a REAL ID: Select “Driver License – REAL ID.”
- Select Your Location & Time: Choose your preferred DLD branch office and then select an available date and time.
- Enter Your Details: Fill in your name, email, and phone number.
- Confirm & Save: You will receive a confirmation. You must save this email, as it contains the link to cancel or reschedule.
How to Register Your VEHICLE (The County DMV)
This is the process your original article was missing. You CANNOT use the state appointment portal for this.
All vehicle titles, registrations, and license plates are handled by your local County DMV Office.
- No Appointment Needed: This is a walk-in service.
- Find Your County Office: You must find your specific county’s DMV. This is often part of your County Treasurer’s office.
- Check Their Hours: Visit your local county office with your required documents (signed title, proof of Utah insurance, and a passed safety/emissions inspection) to get your plates.
The Learner’s Permit & Written Test: What You MUST Know
- Age: You must be at least 15 years old to apply for a learner’s permit.
- The Test: The knowledge test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. You must get at least 20 questions correct (80%) to pass. All questions come from the Utah Driver Handbook.
- If You Fail: You must wait at least 24 hours and book a new appointment to retake the test.
Required Documents for Your Visit (REAL ID)
When you visit the DLD Office for your license or permit, you must bring the official REAL ID (“Gold Star”) documents.
- 1. Proof of Identity & Legal Status (One required):
- U.S. Passport or U.S. Birth Certificate
- Permanent Resident Card or other immigration documents
- 2. Proof of Social Security Number (One required):
- Social Security Card
- W-2 or 1099 form (must show full SSN)
- 3. Proofs of Utah Residency (TWO required):
- You must bring TWO recent (within 60 days) documents from different sources with your name and Utah address.
- Examples: Utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or vehicle registration.
- 4. Proof of Name Change (if applicable):
- Certified Marriage Certificate or court order.
FAQs
This is the #1 most common problem in Utah. Appointments are in high demand and are often booked months in advance.
The Pro-Tip: New appointments are released every day at 8:00 AM. You must be on the website at that exact time, refreshing the page, to get a slot. Slots for the entire state are often gone by 8:05 AM.
No. The State DLD offices are 100% by appointment only. You will be turned away. The only offices that accept walk-ins are the County DMV offices (for vehicle registration).
Open your confirmation email. There will be a direct link to “Cancel” or “Reschedule” your appointment. This is the only way to do it.
The main Driver License Division (DLD) line is 801-965-4437 (in the Salt Lake area) or 888-368-8824 (toll-free). Use this for general questions. You must use the online portal to book an appointment.


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