Where to get a Colorado driver's license
The Colorado Department of Revenue issues driver's licenses in Colorado. You cannot get one directly from their main office in Denver — instead, you explore at a local driver's license office, also called a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Colorado has about 80 of these offices spread across the state, in cities and counties.
To find the office nearest you, go to the Colorado Department of Revenue website and search for "driver's license office locations." You can also call 303-205-5613 to ask which office serves your area. Some offices are busier than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.
You can also renew your license online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you cannot have any medical restrictions. The online renewal process is faster and costs less than renewing in person.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado driver's licenses are issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue through local DMV offices, not through a single state office.
- You can find your nearest office on the Colorado Department of Revenue website or by calling 303-205-5613.
- If your license expired less than five years ago and you have no medical restrictions, you may be able to renew online instead of visiting an office.
- You will need a Social Security number, proof of identity, and proof of Colorado residency to get or renew a license.
- A standard Colorado driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue.
What documents you need to bring
Bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Colorado residency. These are the three core requirements. The DMV office will not issue a license without all three.
For proof of identity, bring a passport, a birth certificate, or a military ID. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, a lease, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name on the residency document does not have to match your current legal name exactly, but it should be close enough that the DMV staff can connect it to you.
If you are under 21, you will also need parental consent. If you are renewing and your address has not changed, you may not need to bring residency proof again — ask the office when you call.
The cost and how long it takes
A standard five-year Colorado driver's license costs $31.25 if you are 21 or older. If you are under 21, the cost is $21.25. These prices do not include any fees for duplicate licenses, name changes, or other services.
If you renew online, the cost is lower — $18.75 for a standard renewal. Online renewal is also faster: you can complete it in minutes from home, and your new license will arrive by mail in about one to two weeks.
If you renew or get a new license in person at a DMV office, the process usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You will receive your temporary license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Do not plan to drive away with a permanent license the same day.
Getting a license if you are a new Colorado resident
If you just moved to Colorado, you have 30 days to get a Colorado driver's license. After 30 days, driving with an out-of-state license is not legal in Colorado, even if that license is still valid.
Bring your out-of-state license along with the three proof documents listed above. The DMV office will keep your old license and issue you a Colorado one. You do not have to take the written test or the driving test again unless Colorado has reason to suspect your out-of-state license was obtained fraudulently or unless you have medical restrictions that Colorado wants to evaluate.
Renewing a license that has expired
If your Colorado license expired less than five years ago, you can renew it online without visiting an office. Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue website, find the online renewal tool, and follow the steps. You will need your driver's license number and your date of birth. The fee is $18.75.
If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new license: proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. You will not have to take a test, but you will have to pay the full fee for a new license ($31.25 if you are 21 or older).
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online. You must go to a DMV office and resolve the suspension or revocation first. Call 303-205-5613 to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to any Colorado DMV office and ask for a duplicate. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency. You do not need to bring your Social Security proof again if you are just replacing the same license.
A duplicate license costs $20 and is issued on the spot as a temporary license. Your permanent duplicate will arrive by mail in one to two weeks. If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and ask for a report number — some DMV offices ask for this when you request a duplicate.
Changing your name or address on your license
If you got married, divorced, or legally changed your name, you can update your license at any DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your legal name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of identity. There is no fee for a name change.
If you moved within Colorado, you can update your address online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website if your license is not expired. If your license is expired, you must renew it in person and update your address at the same time. Updating your address online costs $0, but renewing your license in person costs the standard renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I live out of state now?
No. Colorado requires you to be a resident to hold a Colorado driver's license. If you move out of state, you should get a license from your new state. If you want to keep your Colorado license while living elsewhere temporarily, contact the DMV office to ask about your options — some situations may allow an exception, but it is not automatic.
What if I fail the written test at the DMV office?
You can take the test again the same day or come back another day. There is no fee to retake the test. Most offices allow you to take it up to three times in one visit. If you fail three times, you will have to return on a different day to try again.
Do I need an appointment to go to a Colorado DMV office?
Some offices take appointments and some do not. Call your local office or check the Colorado Department of Revenue website to see whether appointments are available in your area. Even if appointments are not required, making one can reduce your wait time.
What happens if I drive with an expired Colorado license?
Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation in Colorado. You can be stopped and cited. If your license expired recently and you are renewing it, bring proof that you have started the renewal process — some officers will not cite you if you can show you are in the middle of renewing.
Can I get a Real ID compliant license in Colorado?
Yes. A Real ID compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and federal building entry. When you renew or get a new license, ask the DMV staff if you want a Real ID license. You will need to bring additional proof of identity and residency, and the fee is slightly higher than a standard license.