What you need to do to get a Colorado driver's license

To get a Colorado driver's license, you will need to pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity and Colorado residency. The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all licenses. You can take the written test at any DMV office without an appointment, but you must schedule the driving test in advance. The whole process typically takes a few weeks from start to finish, though you can get a temporary permit to drive while waiting for your full license.

Colorado offers different types of licenses depending on your age and driving history. A standard driver's license is for people 18 and older. If you are under 18, you will go through the Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program, which has restrictions that gradually lift as you age and gain experience. You can also get a commercial driver's license (CDL) if you plan to drive large trucks or buses for work, but that requires additional testing and medical certification.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) plus proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement) to your first DMV visit.
  • The written test covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs; you can take it at any DMV office without scheduling, and you get three attempts to pass.
  • The driving test must be scheduled in advance and typically happens two to four weeks after you pass the written test.
  • If you are under 18, you must hold a permit for at least one year and complete a driver education course before taking the driving test.
  • You can drive with a temporary permit when ready after passing the written test, as long as a licensed adult is in the car with you.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Before you go to the DMV, gather two types of documents: proof of identity and proof of Colorado residency. For identity, bring one document from the Real ID list. This includes a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a state ID card, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a combination of other documents — the DMV website lists all acceptable combinations.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and a Colorado address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or rental agreement, a bank or credit card statement, a mortgage statement, or a property tax bill. A government check or tax return also works. If you live with someone else and are not on the utility bill, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.

Bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access. You will also need to bring any out-of-state driver's license you currently hold.

Taking the written test at the DMV

The written test covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it at any DMV office without scheduling an appointment. The test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You get three attempts to pass; if you fail all three, you must wait one week before trying again.

The test is available in English and Spanish. You can also request a large-print version or take it orally if you have a disability. Before you take the test, you can study the Colorado Driver's Handbook, which is free and available on the DMV website. Many people also use the DMV's online practice test to prepare.

When you pass the written test, you will receive a temporary permit that allows you to drive as long as a licensed adult 21 or older is sitting next to you. This permit is valid for six months. If you do not schedule and pass your driving test within that time, you will need to retake the written test.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

After you pass the written test, you must schedule your driving test. You can do this online through the Colorado DMV website, by phone at 303-205-5600, or in person at any DMV office. The wait time varies by location and season; in busy months, you might wait three to four weeks, while in slower months you might get an appointment within two weeks.

On the day of your driving test, bring your temporary permit, a valid form of ID, and the vehicle you will be driving. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you start. The test lasts about 30 minutes and includes driving on different types of roads — residential streets, main roads, and possibly a highway.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after one week. There is no limit to how many times you can take it. When you pass, you will receive your driver's license on the spot or by mail within two weeks, depending on which DMV office you use.

Rules for drivers under 18 (Graduated Driver's License program)

If you are under 18, Colorado's Graduated Driver's License program applies to you. This program has three stages: the permit stage, the intermediate license stage, and the full license stage. Each stage has different restrictions on when and how you can drive.

During the permit stage, you must hold your permit for at least one year and complete a driver education course before you can take the driving test. You can only drive between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m., and a licensed adult must always be in the car. You cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.

Once you pass the driving test, you receive an intermediate license. This allows you to drive alone during the day, but you still cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. You also cannot have more than one passenger under 21 in the car unless a parent or guardian is present. These restrictions lift when you turn 17 or have held the intermediate license for one year, whichever comes later.

Getting a Real ID-compliant license

Colorado driver's licenses are Real ID-compliant by default. This means your license can be used to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without showing an additional ID. Real ID compliance requires the same documents listed above — proof of identity and Colorado residency.

If you prefer not to have a Real ID-compliant license, you can request a standard license instead, but you will need to show additional ID when flying or entering federal buildings. Most people choose the Real ID option because it is simpler.

Renewing or replacing your license

A Colorado driver's license is valid for five years. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at the DMV. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about two weeks.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at any DMV office. Bring your ID and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license. A replacement license costs less than a new license and is processed the same way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Colorado driver's license cost?

A new driver's license costs $28.20. A renewal costs $28.20. A replacement for a lost or damaged license costs $20.20. These fees can change, so check the Colorado DMV website for the current price.

Can I take the written test in a language other than English?

Yes. The written test is available in Spanish and several other languages. Call your local DMV office or check the website to see which languages are offered at your location.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test after one week. There is no limit to how many times you can take it. Each time you retake it, you pay the test fee again.

Can I use an out-of-state license to drive in Colorado while I wait for my Colorado license?

Yes, as long as your out-of-state license is valid. Once you pass the written test and receive your temporary permit, you can use either your out-of-state license or the permit to drive.

Do I need to take a driving test if I already have a valid license from another state?

No. If you move to Colorado and already have a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Colorado license without taking the written or driving test. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, and proof of Colorado residency to any DMV office.