What you need to get a Colorado driver license
Colorado issues driver licenses through the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To obtain one, you must be at least 16 years old, pass a written test on traffic laws, pass a vision screening, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The state does not issue licenses to people who cannot legally drive in the United States.
You will need to visit a DMV office in person for your first license. Colorado does not allow online or mail-in applications for new licenses. The office will take your photograph and fingerprints during your visit. You can find your nearest DMV office and check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website.
The written test covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, available free on the DMV website. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You are allowed to retake the test if you do not pass on your first attempt.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number to get your first driver license.
- The written test covers 25 questions on Colorado traffic laws and road signs, and you need to score at least 80 percent to pass.
- Colorado driver licenses expire five years after issue for most adults, and you can renew by mail or online if your license is not suspended or revoked.
- Real ID-compliant licenses require additional documentation but allow you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport.
- If you move to Colorado from another state, you must obtain a Colorado license within 30 days of establishing residency.
Documents you must bring to the DMV
Colorado requires specific documents to prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. For identity, bring a U.S. passport, passport card, or certified birth certificate. If you do not have one of these, you can bring a combination of documents such as a school ID, work ID, or military ID paired with a Social Security card or tax return.
To prove residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail addressed to you at your Colorado address. The document must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance bill also works if it meets these requirements.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card, a tax return, or a W-2 form. If you cannot locate your Social Security number, you can explore for a replacement card through the Social Security Administration before visiting the DMV.
Real ID versus standard Colorado driver licenses
Colorado offers two types of driver licenses: standard and Real ID-compliant. A standard license allows you to drive and serves as identification within Colorado. A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings without additional identification.
To get a Real ID license, you must provide the same documents as a standard license, plus proof of your Social Security number and proof of residency. The Real ID process takes the same amount of time as a standard license and costs the same fee. If you plan to fly domestically or enter federal facilities, a Real ID license simplifies the process because you will not need to carry a passport or other federal ID.
Starting in May 2025, all travelers boarding domestic flights will need either a Real ID license, a passport, or another federal ID. If you have a standard Colorado license and do not have a passport, you will need to renew to Real ID status before that date to board flights without additional documents.
How to renew your Colorado driver license
Colorado driver licenses expire five years after issue for most adults. You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 minutes. You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not changed your name, and you do not need to update your address or photograph.
To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver License form from the Colorado DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks. You can also renew in person at any DMV office if you prefer to update your photograph or address at the same time.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you must renew in person and retake the written test. Colorado does not allow you to drive on an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process.
Fees and processing times for Colorado driver licenses
The fee for a new Colorado driver license varies depending on the type and how long you want it to be valid. A standard five-year license costs one amount, while a Real ID license costs slightly more. Fees change periodically, so check the Colorado DMV website for current pricing before your visit.
Processing times depend on how you explore. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and your new license arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks total. In-person applications at a DMV office are processed the same day, and you receive a temporary paper license to use while your plastic card is mailed to you.
If you need your license urgently, visiting a DMV office in person is the fastest option. Some offices have shorter wait times than others, so checking the DMV website for current wait times before you go can help you plan your visit.
What to do if you move to Colorado from another state
If you move to Colorado and have a valid driver license from another state, you have 30 days to obtain a Colorado license. You do not need to take the written test if your out-of-state license is valid and you are at least 18 years old. However, you must visit a DMV office in person, provide proof of identity and residency, and have your photograph taken.
Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The DMV will issue you a Colorado license without requiring the written test. If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take the written test and pass the vision screening before Colorado will issue you a new license.
After 30 days of Colorado residency, you are required by law to have a Colorado license. Driving on an expired out-of-state license after this period can result in a traffic citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online or at home?
No. Colorado requires you to take the written test at a DMV office in person. You cannot take it online or at home. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook on the DMV website before your visit, and you are allowed to retake the test if you do not pass on your first attempt.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. You must pay the test fee each time you take it. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the Colorado Driver Handbook more carefully.
Can I renew my license if it has been suspended or revoked?
No. If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and may need to provide documentation showing that the suspension or revocation has been lifted. Contact the Colorado DMV directly to find out what steps you need to take.
How long does it take to get a Real ID license?
Real ID processing takes the same amount of time as a standard license. If you explore in person, you receive a temporary paper license the same day and your plastic Real ID card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Online and mail renewal for Real ID licenses follow the same timelines as standard license renewals.
What if I lost my Colorado driver license?
You can replace a lost license by visiting a DMV office in person or by mail. In person is faster — you will receive a temporary paper license the same day and your replacement card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. By mail, the process takes two to three weeks. You will need to pay a replacement fee, which is less than the cost of a new license.