The basic path to a Colorado driver's license
To get a driver's license in Colorado, you need to pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide proof of identity and residency. You'll go through the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which operates driver services offices across the state. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while you wait for your permanent license to arrive in the mail.
Colorado issues licenses to people 16 and older. If you're under 18, you'll follow a graduated licensing system that starts with a permit, moves to a restricted license, and then becomes a full license. Adults 18 and over can move directly to a full license if they pass both tests on the same day.
Key Takeaways
- You must pass a written knowledge test and a behind-the-wheel driving test at a Colorado DMV office to receive a license.
- Bring an original or certified birth certificate, proof of Colorado residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number when you go in.
- The written test covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, available free on the DMV website.
- After you pass both tests, the DMV issues a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
- If you're under 18, you must hold a permit for at least 12 months and log 50 hours of supervised driving before you can test for a full license.
Documents you need to bring
Colorado requires specific documents to prove who you are and where you live. Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate — a photocopy won't work. You'll also need one document showing your Colorado address, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID like a passport is helpful but not required if you have your birth certificate.
You must also prove your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a pay stub with your full number on it. If you don't have a Social Security number, you can explore for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) through the IRS, though this adds time to the process.
If you're a non-citizen, bring your passport and visa or other immigration documents showing you're lawfully present in the United States. Colorado will not issue a license without proof of legal presence.
The written knowledge test
The written test has 25 questions about Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and Spanish, and you can request a reader if you need one.
Study material is free: read the Colorado Driver Handbook from the DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov. The handbook covers everything the test covers. Many people study it for a few days and pass on their first try. You can also take practice tests online through the DMV website to get a feel for the question format.
You can retake the written test the same day if you fail, though most offices ask you to wait a few hours. There's no limit to how many times you can retake it.
The driving test and what happens after
Once you pass the written test, you'll schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test at the same office or at another location, depending on how busy the office is. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions. The examiner will ask you to perform tasks like parallel parking, lane changes, and turns.
If you pass both tests on the same day, the DMV will issue you a temporary paper license right there. This temporary license is valid for driving when ready and lasts until your permanent card arrives. Your permanent license card will be mailed to the address you provided, usually within two to three weeks. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, though you may need to wait a few days depending on the office's schedule.
How the graduated licensing system works if you're under 18
If you're under 18, Colorado requires a three-step process. First, you get a permit by passing the written test. With a permit, you can drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone.
You must hold the permit for at least 12 months and complete 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night. Keep a log of your driving hours — the DMV doesn't require you to submit it, but you may need it to prove you've met the requirement. After 12 months and 50 hours, you can take the driving test to move to a restricted license.
A restricted license lets you drive alone during the day, but you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. unless a licensed adult is with you. You must hold a restricted license for at least 12 months before it becomes a full, unrestricted license. If you're 17 or older and have held a restricted license for 12 months without a traffic violation, you can request an unrestricted license without taking another test.
Where to go and how to schedule
Colorado has DMV driver services offices in most counties. Find the office nearest you on the DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov. Many offices accept walk-ins, but wait times can be long — sometimes two to three hours during busy times. You can also schedule an appointment online through the DMV website, which usually cuts your wait time significantly.
Office hours vary by location, but most are open weekdays during business hours and some offer Saturday hours. Check your local office's hours before you go. Bring all your documents, your temporary permit (if you have one), and be ready to pay the license fee, which is currently $32 for an eight-year license for adults, though fees can change.
If you already have a license from another state
If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you don't need to take the written and driving tests again. Instead, you can do a license transfer. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of your Social Security number to any DMV office. The fee is the same as a new license. You'll get a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent card by mail within two to three weeks.
If your out-of-state license has expired, you'll need to take both tests. Colorado treats an expired license the same as no license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the driving test in a car I don't own?
Yes. The car must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before the test starts. You can borrow a friend's or family member's car. The car doesn't have to be registered in Colorado.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake it. Wait times between retakes vary by office — some let you retake it the same day, others require you to wait a few days. You don't need to retake the written test. There's no limit to how many times you can retake the driving test.
How long is a Colorado driver's license valid?
A standard driver's license is valid for eight years. You'll need to renew it before it expires. Renewal can be done by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office, depending on your situation. Check the DMV website for renewal important date and options.
Do I need to take an eye test?
Yes. The DMV will test your vision at the office before you take the driving test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may be required to get a corrective lens restriction on your license, meaning you must wear glasses or contacts while driving.
What if I'm a non-citizen without a Social Security number?
You can get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, which Colorado accepts as proof of a tax identification number. explore for an ITIN online or by mail through the IRS website. The process takes several weeks, so plan ahead. Once you have an ITIN, you can proceed with your license process.