Where to get your Aurora driver's license

If you live in Aurora, Colorado, you get your driver's license from the Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Aurora does not issue its own licenses — Colorado is a state-level system. You can visit a DMV office in Aurora, explore by mail, or use an online renewal if you already hold a valid license.

The main DMV office serving Aurora is located at 303 South Sable Boulevard in Aurora. There are also DMV offices in nearby areas if that location is inconvenient. You can find current office addresses and hours on the Colorado DMV website.

If you are explore for your first license or renewing an expired one, you will need to visit an office in person at least once. Mail-in and online options exist only for certain renewals of licenses that are not yet expired.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado's DMV, not Aurora city government, issues all driver's licenses in Aurora.
  • First-time applicants must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
  • You will take a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test before receiving your license.
  • Fees vary depending on license type and duration, and you should bring the exact amount or a payment card to your appointment.

Documents you need to bring

Colorado requires specific documents before you can receive a driver's license. You will need to prove your identity, your Social Security number, and your current address in Aurora.

For identity, bring a passport, military ID, or birth certificate. If you bring a birth certificate, you will also need a second form of ID such as a school ID or work badge. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. For proof of residency in Aurora, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your name and current address.

If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany you and bring their own ID. If you are explore for a Real ID (a federal standard that allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings), you will need additional documents — the DMV website lists these separately.

The testing process

Before you receive your license, you must pass three tests: a written test on Colorado traffic laws, a vision test, and a driving test. You can take the written test and vision test on the same day you visit the DMV office, but the driving test is usually scheduled for a separate appointment.

The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, which is free on the DMV website. The test is offered in multiple languages. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

The driving test takes about 30 minutes and is conducted by a DMV examiner who rides with you in your vehicle. You will demonstrate basic skills like starting, stopping, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. A licensed adult can accompany you during the test, but the examiner must be able to see and hear you clearly.

Fees and payment

Driver's license fees in Colorado depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard license valid for five years costs one amount; a license valid for ten years costs more. A Real ID costs extra. Fees also vary slightly if you are under 21 or over 61.

The DMV accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may have limits on cash amounts, so bringing a card is safer. If you pay by check, write it to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Ask the DMV staff what the exact fee is for your situation before you pay, because fees can change and depend on your age and the license type you want.

How long the process takes

The written test and vision test usually take 30 to 45 minutes at the DMV office. After you pass both, you will schedule a separate appointment for the driving test, which may be days or weeks away depending on how busy the Aurora DMV office is.

Once you pass all three tests, you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. During this time, the paper license is valid for driving. If you need to travel out of state or fly before your permanent license arrives, check whether the temporary license is accepted at your destination.

Renewing an existing license

If your Colorado driver's license is not yet expired, you can renew it online through the Colorado DMV website without visiting an office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

If your license is already expired, you must visit an office in person and retake the written and vision tests. You do not have to retake the driving test unless your license has been expired for more than one year or you are renewing after a suspension or revocation.

You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. Renewing early means you will not accidentally drive on an expired license.

What to do if you fail a test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is usually a small fee for each retake. You can take the written test as many times as you need until you pass.

If you fail the driving test, you must schedule a new appointment. There is a fee for each driving test attempt. Most people pass on their second or third try. Between attempts, practice the skills the examiner noted as weak — parking, lane changes, or stopping distance, for example.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license 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 documentation of your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. You will still need all other required documents.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

Contact the Colorado DMV to report it. You can request a replacement by mail or in person. You will need to pay a replacement fee and provide proof of identity and residency. A replacement license usually arrives within two to three weeks if ordered by mail.

Do I need an appointment to visit the DMV office in Aurora?

Many Colorado DMV offices now require appointments to manage wait times. Check the Colorado DMV website to see if the Aurora office requires an appointment and to book one online. Walk-ins may be turned away during busy times.

What happens if I move out of Aurora but keep my Colorado license?

You do not have to update your address when ready, but Colorado law requires you to notify the DMV of a change of address within 30 days. You can update your address online through the DMV website, by mail, or in person at any DMV office.

Can I get a commercial driver's license in Aurora?

Yes, the Aurora DMV office handles commercial driver's license (CDL) applications. The process is more involved than a standard license and requires additional testing and medical certification. Contact the DMV office directly for details about CDL requirements and scheduling.