Where to get your Aurora driver license and what to bring
Your Aurora driver license comes from the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You cannot get it from Aurora city government — Colorado issues all driver licenses statewide through the same system. The nearest DMV office to Aurora is likely the Denver metro location, though you can also visit any DMV office across Colorado.
Before you go, gather these documents: proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID), proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing rather than getting your first license, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on your age and license status. First-time applicants and anyone changing address must visit in person.
You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about Colorado traffic laws. If you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course and hold a permit for a set period before taking the road test. The road test itself is scheduled separately and may have a wait depending on the season.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado's DMV issues all driver licenses, not Aurora city government, and you can visit any DMV office in the state.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency dated within 60 days, and your Social Security number to your appointment.
- First-time applicants must pass a vision test, written knowledge test, and road test; under-18 applicants must also complete driver education and hold a permit first.
- Renewal by mail or online is available for some drivers, but first-time applicants and address changes require an in-person visit.
- DMV offices in the Denver metro area serve Aurora residents, and wait times vary by season and location.
Steps to get your first Colorado driver license
Start by scheduling an appointment at your nearest DMV office. You can do this online through the Colorado DMV website or by calling the office directly. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but appointment holders are seen first, and wait times can be several hours during peak times.
At your appointment, bring all required documents and be ready to pay the fee. Colorado charges different amounts depending on your age and license type — a standard adult license costs less than a commercial license, and the fee structure changes periodically. Ask the DMV office for the current fee when you schedule.
You will take the vision test first. If you fail, you can retake it the same day. Next comes the written knowledge test, which covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Colorado Driver Handbook, available free on the DMV website. Most people study for a few days before the test. If you fail the written test, you can retake it after a waiting period — usually a few days to a week.
Once you pass the written test, you receive a permit (if you are under 18) or move directly to scheduling your road test (if you are 18 or older). The road test is conducted by a DMV examiner and tests your ability to operate the vehicle safely, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must provide your own vehicle for the test, and it must be registered and insured.
Permit requirements for drivers under 18
Colorado requires drivers under 18 to hold a permit for a minimum period before taking the road test. This waiting period is typically 12 months, though it can be shorter if you complete an approved driver education course. The permit allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.
While holding your permit, you must follow specific rules: no driving between midnight and 4 a.m., no use of cell phones (even hands-free), and no more than one passenger under 21 unless a parent or guardian is present. Violating these rules can delay your road test or result in permit suspension.
Driver education courses are offered by private schools and some high schools in the Aurora area. Completing an approved course can shorten your permit-holding period and may lower your insurance rates. Check with local driving schools for current course schedules and costs.
Renewing or replacing your Aurora driver license
If your license is expiring, you may be able to renew without visiting the DMV. Colorado allows online renewal for drivers 21 and older whose licenses are not suspended or revoked and who have not had a name change. You can also renew by mail. Both options cost less than in-person renewal and take about two weeks to arrive.
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit the DMV in person to get a replacement. Bring your proof of identity and residency, pay the replacement fee, and you will receive a temporary license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two weeks.
If you have moved to Aurora from another state, you must exchange your out-of-state license for a Colorado license within 30 days. You will need to pass the vision and written tests again, though some states have reciprocal agreements that may waive the written test. Contact the DMV to confirm whether your state qualifies.
What happens after you pass your road test
Once you pass the road test, the DMV issues your license on the spot. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed to your address. Your permanent license arrives within two weeks in most cases.
Your Colorado driver license is valid for five years from the date of issue (or until your 21st birthday if you are under 16). You can renew it before expiration by mail, online, or in person, depending on your age and circumstances. Setting a reminder on your phone or calendar a few months before expiration helps you avoid driving on an expired license.
DMV office locations and hours near Aurora
The Denver metro DMV office is the most convenient location for Aurora residents. It is located in downtown Denver and is open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. Hours and exact addresses change, so check the Colorado DMV website before you visit.
Other DMV offices in the metro area include locations in Aurora itself, though availability and hours vary. Some smaller offices have limited hours or accept appointments only. The DMV website shows all locations, hours, and whether walk-ins are accepted at each office.
If you cannot visit during standard business hours, some DMV offices offer evening or Saturday appointments. You can schedule these online or by phone. Peak times are typically mid-month and mid-week, so scheduling early morning or late afternoon appointments often means shorter waits.
Costs and payment methods for your driver license
Colorado DMV fees vary by license type and renewal method. A standard five-year driver license for an adult costs one amount; a commercial license costs more. Renewal by mail or online is cheaper than in-person renewal. Replacement licenses (for lost or stolen cards) have their own fee.
The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at in-person appointments. Online and mail renewals require a credit or debit card. Ask the DMV office for the exact current fee when you schedule your appointment, as fees are adjusted periodically by the state.
If you are a low-income Colorado resident, you may be able to get a fee waiver or reduction. Ask the DMV staff about this option when you visit — they can tell you whether you meet the income threshold and what documentation you need to provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a driver license in Aurora if I do not have a Social Security number?
Colorado allows you to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security number. Bring your ITIN documentation and proof of identity and residency. The process is otherwise the same as for applicants with a Social Security number.
What if I fail the written test or road test?
You can retake the written test after a waiting period, usually a few days to a week. For the road test, you can schedule another attempt after a similar waiting period. There is no limit to how many times you can retake either test, though you pay the fee each time.
Do I need to take the written test again if I move to Aurora from another state?
Most states require you to retake the written test when you exchange your out-of-state license for a Colorado license. A few states have reciprocal agreements with Colorado that waive this requirement. Contact the DMV to confirm whether your state qualifies before you visit.
How long does it take to get a Colorado driver license from start to finish?
For adults, the process typically takes a few weeks from your first DMV visit to receiving your permanent license in the mail. For drivers under 18, the permit-holding period adds 12 months or more. If you need to retake the written or road test, add extra time for scheduling and waiting periods.
Can I renew my license online if I have a commercial driver license?
No, commercial driver licenses must be renewed in person at the DMV. Standard driver licenses can be renewed online or by mail if you meet the may be able to access requirements, but commercial licenses require an in-person appointment every time.