The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles handles all driver's licenses in Denver
In Denver, you get your driver's license from the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which is part of the Colorado Department of Revenue. The state runs one main office in downtown Denver and several satellite locations around the metro area. You cannot get a Colorado license from a private vendor or third-party service — you must go to a DMV office in person for the written test, vision screening, and photo.
The process involves three separate visits in most cases: one to get your learner's permit, one to take the driving test, and one to pick up your physical license card. Some people combine steps if they already hold a valid out-of-state license, but you still need to appear in person at least once.
Key Takeaways
- Denver's main DMV office is at 1881 Pierce Street, and you can also visit satellite locations in Aurora, Littleton, and Westminster without traveling downtown.
- You must bring your Social Security number, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a valid ID to any DMV visit.
- The DMV does not take walk-ins at most locations — you need to reserve a time slot online through the Colorado DMV website before you go.
- Bring your completed process form (DL 44 for a new license) printed and filled out, because the office will not provide blank forms on-site.
Denver's main DMV office and satellite locations
The primary Denver DMV office is located at 1881 Pierce Street, Denver, CO 80204. This is the largest office and handles all transaction types, including new licenses, renewals, and commercial licenses. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays.
If you live in or near the Denver metro area, you may find it faster to visit a satellite office. The Aurora DMV is at 13370 East Quincy Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011. The Littleton office is at 7780 South Broadway, Littleton, CO 80122. The Westminster office is at 3520 West 72nd Avenue, Westminster, CO 80030. All satellite offices keep the same hours as the main office and handle the same services.
You can check wait times and availability on the Colorado DMV website before you decide which location to visit. Some offices have shorter queues than others depending on the day and time of year.
How to reserve your time slot online
The Colorado DMV requires you to reserve a time slot before arriving at any office. You cannot walk in without an appointment. Go to the Colorado DMV website (dmv.colorado.gov) and click the button to schedule an appointment. You will need to select the type of transaction (new driver's license, renewal, or other), choose your preferred office location, and pick a date and time that works for you.
The system shows available slots up to several weeks in advance. If all slots are full for your preferred location, you can try a different office or check back the next day, as new slots sometimes open. You will receive a confirmation number by email — save this number and bring it with you or have it ready on your phone when you arrive.
Arrive about 10 minutes before your scheduled time. The DMV will call you by name or number when it is your turn. If you miss your appointment, you will need to schedule a new one online.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Bring your original Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a tax return or W-2 form. You also need proof of Colorado residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.
Bring a valid photo ID such as a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must come with you and bring their own ID and proof of residency. You will also need your birth certificate or certified copy of your birth record.
Fill out form DL 44 (process for a Colorado Driver's License) before you arrive. You can read and print this form from the Colorado DMV website. Do not leave it blank and expect the office to provide one — they do not hand out forms at the counter anymore.
The written test, vision screening, and photo
At your first visit, you will take a written test on Colorado traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can study the Colorado Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DMV website, or pick up a printed copy at any DMV office. Many people study for a few days before their appointment.
The DMV will also do a vision screening to make sure you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you may need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision form signed by the doctor before you can get your license.
After you pass the written test and vision screening, the DMV will take your photo for your license. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your face. Your photo will appear on your license for the next five years, so dress how you want to look in that photo.
Getting your learner's permit before the driving test
If you are a new driver, you must get a learner's permit before you can take the driving test. The permit is issued the same day you pass the written test and vision screening at your first DMV visit. With a learner's permit, you can practice driving with a licensed adult in the car, but you cannot drive alone.
You must hold your learner's permit for at least one day before you can schedule your driving test, though most people wait several weeks or months to practice. Once you feel ready, you go back to the DMV and reserve another appointment for the driving test. Bring your learner's permit, your Social Security card, and proof of residency again.
The driving test takes about 20 to 30 minutes. A DMV examiner will ride with you in your own car (or a car you borrow) and watch you drive through city streets and possibly a highway. You must follow traffic laws, park correctly, and show you can handle the vehicle safely. If you pass, you move on to the final step.
Picking up your physical license card
After you pass the driving test, the DMV will issue your license on the spot, but you do not take it home that day. Instead, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to you. The plastic card usually arrives within two to three weeks at the address you provided on your process.
If your card does not arrive within four weeks, contact the DMV to check the status. You can drive with the temporary paper license until the plastic card shows up. Once it arrives, keep it in your wallet and discard the paper version.
If you need to change your address after you receive your license, you can update it online through the Colorado DMV website without visiting an office. You do not need a new card unless you want one.
If you already have a valid out-of-state license
If you hold a current driver's license from another state and you are moving to Colorado, you can convert it to a Colorado license without taking the written test again. You still need to visit a DMV office in person for a vision screening and new photo. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency, your Social Security card, and form DL 44.
The vision screening and photo process is the same as for new drivers. You will receive your temporary paper license that day and your plastic card by mail within two to three weeks. Your out-of-state license will be returned to you or destroyed depending on your state's rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No. Colorado law requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. You can start that process at a local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day or schedule another appointment to try again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on the second or third attempt after studying the handbook more carefully.
Do I need to take a driving test if I already have a license from another country?
Yes. Colorado requires all new residents with a foreign license to pass the written test, vision screening, and driving test, even if you have been driving for many years. Your foreign license does not transfer to Colorado.
How much does a Colorado driver's license cost?
Fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard five-year license costs around $30 to $35, but the exact amount changes by year. Check the Colorado DMV website for current fees before your appointment.
What should I do if I lose my license after I receive it?
Report the loss to the DMV and request a replacement. You can do this online through the Colorado DMV website or by visiting an office in person. A replacement card costs less than a new license and is mailed to you within two to three weeks.