What You Need to Do to Switch to a Colorado License

When you move to Colorado from another state, you do not have to replace your out-of-state license when ready — but you must get a Colorado license within 30 days of establishing residency. Colorado defines residency as living in the state with the intent to stay, which typically means having a job, a lease, or a home purchase in progress. You will visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring your current out-of-state license and proof of residency, pass a vision test, and pay a fee. The entire process takes about 30 minutes at the counter.

Colorado will not make you retake the written driving test or the road test if your out-of-state license is valid and you are not under suspension or revocation. This is called a license transfer, and it is faster than explore as a new driver. However, if your out-of-state license has expired or will expire within 60 days, Colorado may require you to pass the written test before issuing your new license.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 30 days from the date you establish Colorado residency to obtain a Colorado driver's license.
  • Bring your valid out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency (such as a lease or utility bill), and proof of your Social Security number to the DMV office.
  • You will pass a vision test but will not retake the written or road test if your out-of-state license is currently valid.
  • A standard five-year Colorado driver's license costs $28.25, and the process takes about 30 minutes at the counter.
  • If your out-of-state license is expired or expiring soon, you may need to pass the written test before Colorado issues your new license.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Colorado requires four categories of documents at the DMV office. First, bring your current out-of-state driver's license or state ID card. Second, bring one document that proves your Colorado residency — a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a utility bill, a bank statement, or a property tax bill all work. The document must show your name and a Colorado address, and it must be dated within the last 60 days. Third, bring proof of your Social Security number: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. Fourth, bring a document that proves your identity and date of birth if your out-of-state license does not show both — a passport, a birth certificate, or a military ID card will do.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a Colorado license, but you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. If any document is in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original.

How the Vision Test Works

At the DMV office, you will take a vision screening before the clerk issues your license. The test checks whether you can read letters and numbers on a chart from a set distance, usually 20 feet away. You do not need to study or prepare — it is a straightforward check to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not issue your license until you bring a letter from an eye doctor stating that your vision meets Colorado's standards.

Colorado's vision standard is 20/40 in each eye, or 20/30 in one eye and 20/60 in the other, with or without correction. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, tell the clerk before the test so they can position the chart correctly. The entire vision screening takes two to three minutes.

When You May Need to Retake the Written Test

If your out-of-state license is valid and not suspended or revoked, you will not retake the written test. However, Colorado will require you to pass the written test in these situations: your out-of-state license has expired, your out-of-state license will expire within 60 days, your license was suspended or revoked in any state, or you are under 21 years old and your out-of-state license does not show a birth date that proves you are 16 or older.

If you need to retake the written test, you can study using the Colorado Driver's Manual, which is free on the Colorado DMV website. The test has 25 questions and covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. You can take the test on the same day you visit the DMV office, and if you fail, you can retake it the next business day at no extra charge.

Finding a DMV Office and What to Expect

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties, and you can visit any office regardless of where you live. The main Denver office is at 1881 Pierce Street, and there are satellite offices in Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Greeley, Pueblo, and other cities. You can find the full list and hours on the Colorado DMV website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some are open Saturday mornings. Walk-ins are welcome, but wait times vary — you may wait 15 minutes or 90 minutes depending on the time of day and the office.

To avoid a long wait, visit early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Avoid the first and last days of the month, when traffic is heaviest. You can also call the DMV office ahead of time to ask about current wait times. Bring all your documents in a folder so you do not lose anything while waiting. The clerk will review your documents, take a photo for your license, collect your fee, and hand you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you.

License Fees and How Long the Card Takes to Arrive

A standard five-year Colorado driver's license costs $28.25. If you want an eight-year license instead, the cost is $40.25. If you are 65 or older, an eight-year license costs $15.25. These fees are current as of 2024 and may change — ask the clerk for the exact amount when you visit. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office.

After you pay, the clerk will give you a temporary paper license that you can use to drive when ready. Your plastic card will be mailed to the address you provided on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call the DMV to check the status. Do not throw away your temporary paper license until your plastic card arrives — you need one or the other to prove you have a valid Colorado license.

What Happens to Your Out-of-State License

When you receive your Colorado license, you do not have to return your out-of-state license to Colorado. However, you should surrender it to your home state's DMV if you want to avoid confusion or if your home state requires it. Some states ask you to return your old license by mail; others do not care. Check your home state's DMV website to see what they recommend. You can keep your out-of-state license as a form of ID if you want, but you cannot drive using it in Colorado once you have a valid Colorado license.

If your out-of-state license has a Real ID mark (a small star or circle in the corner), your Colorado license will also have a Real ID mark, and you will not need to do anything extra. If your out-of-state license does not have a Real ID mark, ask the clerk whether your Colorado license will have one. Most new Colorado licenses include Real ID, which means you can use your license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building without a passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to get a Colorado license if I just moved here for a job?

Yes, if you plan to stay in Colorado and drive, you must get a Colorado license within 30 days of establishing residency. Residency means you have a job, a lease, or a home in Colorado and intend to stay. If you are only visiting or working temporarily, you can keep your out-of-state license as long as it is valid.

What if my out-of-state license is suspended or revoked?

Colorado will not issue you a license if your driving privileges are suspended or revoked in any state. You must contact the state that suspended or revoked your license and resolve the issue first. Once your suspension or revocation is lifted, you can explore for a Colorado license.

Can I renew my out-of-state license by mail instead of going to the DMV?

No. Colorado requires you to appear in person at a DMV office to transfer your out-of-state license. You cannot do it by mail or online. However, once you have a Colorado license, you can renew it by mail or online if you meet certain conditions.

What if I moved to Colorado but do not have a lease or utility bill yet?

You can use other documents to prove residency, such as a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank statement, an insurance policy, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your Colorado work address. The document must show your name and a Colorado address and be dated within the last 60 days.

How long is a Colorado driver's license valid?

A standard Colorado driver's license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you choose an eight-year license, it is valid for eight years. Your license will show the expiration date on the front. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires.