Where to get your Aurora driver's license
In Aurora, you get your driver's license through the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Aurora does not have its own separate licensing system — you work with the state DMV, which has an office in Aurora and also accepts applications at other locations across the metro area.
The Aurora DMV office is located at 13451 East Quincy Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011. This is the office closest to most Aurora residents, though you can also visit any other Colorado DMV office if that is more convenient. You can check the full list of Colorado DMV locations on the state's website.
You do not need an appointment at most DMV offices, but wait times vary. The DMV website shows current wait times for each location, updated throughout the day. Going early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
Key Takeaways
- Aurora residents get their driver's license from the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, with an office at 13451 East Quincy Avenue.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, your Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence to get a standard driver's license.
- A new driver's license costs a set fee that varies depending on whether you are getting a standard license, a REAL ID, or a commercial license.
- The DMV office does not require appointments, but you can check wait times on the state website before you go.
- If you are renewing by mail or online, you must have a valid license and meet specific requirements — not all renewals can be done remotely.
Documents you need to bring
The Colorado DMV requires specific documents before you can get a driver's license. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually are not accepted. You will need proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Colorado residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number.
You also must show proof of lawful presence in the United States. This can be a U.S. passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa. If you are a non-citizen, bring your immigration documents. The DMV staff can tell you which documents they accept for your specific situation.
If you are renewing a license that is still valid, you may need fewer documents — sometimes just your current license and proof of residency. If your license has expired or been suspended, you will need the full set of documents as if you were explore new.
What a Colorado driver's license costs
A standard Colorado driver's license costs a set fee that the state sets. The exact amount depends on how long you want the license to be valid — typically four or five years — and whether you choose a REAL ID or a standard license. REAL ID licenses cost more but are required for federal purposes like boarding domestic flights or entering federal buildings.
The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Fees do not vary by location, so the Aurora office charges the same as any other Colorado DMV office. If you are renewing, the fee is usually lower than getting a new license for the first time.
Getting a REAL ID versus a standard license
A REAL ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards. You need it to board a domestic airplane or enter a federal building. A standard Colorado driver's license does not meet these standards, so you cannot use it for those purposes — you would need a passport instead.
Getting a REAL ID takes the same time as a standard license and requires the same documents. The main difference is the fee and what the card looks like — a REAL ID has a gold star in the upper right corner. Most people choose REAL ID when they renew because the extra cost is small and it covers both state ID and federal purposes.
If you are not sure which one you need, ask the DMV staff when you arrive. They can explain the difference and help you decide based on what you plan to use the license for.
How long it takes to get your license
If you explore in person at the Aurora DMV office, you usually get your license the same day or within a few days. The DMV takes your photo and information on the spot, then mails the physical card to your address. You should receive it within one to two weeks of your visit.
If you are renewing by mail or online, the process takes longer — usually two to four weeks from when the DMV receives your process. Not all renewals can be done by mail or online; you must have a valid license that has not been suspended, and you cannot have changed your address or name.
If you need a license urgently, ask the DMV staff whether they can issue a temporary paper license while you wait for the card. Some situations allow this, though it depends on your specific circumstances.
Renewing your license by mail or online
Colorado allows some drivers to renew their license without going to the DMV office. You can renew by mail if your current license is still valid, you have not changed your address or name, and your license is not suspended or revoked. You will need to mail in your current license, a completed renewal form, and the renewal fee.
Online renewal is also available for some drivers through the Colorado DMV website. The same restrictions explore — your license must be valid and current, and you cannot have had a suspension or address change. Online renewal is faster than mail renewal because you get confirmation when ready and your new card arrives sooner.
If you do not meet the requirements for mail or online renewal, you must visit the DMV office in person. The staff can tell you whether your situation qualifies for remote renewal when you call or visit.
What to do if your license is suspended or expired
If your Colorado driver's license has been suspended, you cannot straightforward renew it — you must resolve the reason for the suspension first. Suspensions usually happen because of unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction. Contact the Colorado DMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do to lift it.
If your license has expired, you can still renew it, but you will need to go to the DMV office in person rather than renewing by mail or online. Bring all the same documents you would bring for a new license. The process is the same as a standard renewal, just with more paperwork because your license is no longer current.
If your license expired more than a year ago, some states require you to take the written test again. Check with the Colorado DMV to see whether this applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
No, Colorado requires a Social Security number to issue a driver's license. If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you may be able to get an ID card instead of a driver's license. Contact the Aurora DMV office to discuss your options.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
You can get a replacement license at the DMV office. Bring your proof of identity and residency as you would for a renewal. There is a replacement fee, which is usually less than the cost of a new license. The DMV can issue a temporary paper license while you wait for the card.
Do I need an appointment at the Aurora DMV office?
Appointments are not required at most Colorado DMV offices, including Aurora. You can walk in during business hours. However, you can check wait times on the state website before you go, and going during off-peak hours (early morning or mid-week) usually means a shorter wait.
Can I renew my license online if I changed my address?
No, you cannot renew online or by mail if you have changed your address. You must visit the DMV office in person so they can update your address in the system and verify your new residency with a current utility bill or lease.
How do I know if my license qualifies for mail or online renewal?
Your license qualifies for mail or online renewal if it is currently valid, you have not changed your name or address, and it has not been suspended or revoked. The Colorado DMV website has a tool where you can check your renewal options, or you can call the Aurora office to ask.