What you need to know about Colorado driver's licenses
A Colorado driver's license is issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You need one to drive legally in the state, and it also serves as a valid form of identification for other purposes. Colorado offers different types of licenses depending on what you drive and your age, and the process to get one involves visiting a DMV office in person, bringing specific documents, and passing a written test and driving test.
The state has moved toward Real ID-compliant licenses, which meet federal standards for air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you already have a Colorado license, you can keep using it for driving, but you may need to upgrade it if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal facility after May 2025.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get a driver's license.
- Colorado offers standard driver's licenses, enhanced licenses (for federal building access), and Real ID licenses (for domestic air travel), each with different document requirements.
- You must pass a written knowledge test and a driving skills test before the DMV issues your license.
- Renewing a Colorado driver's license can be done by mail, online, or in person, depending on your situation and how long it has been since your last renewal.
- A standard Colorado driver's license is valid for five years; Real ID and enhanced licenses are valid for ten years.
Documents you need to bring to the DMV
Colorado requires you to bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. For proof of identity, you can use a U.S. passport, a passport card, a birth certificate, a military ID, or a tribal ID. If you are explore for a Real ID license, your birth certificate must be an original or certified copy.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, a property tax bill, or a government document showing your Colorado address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can explore for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS, and you will need to bring documentation of that instead.
If you are renewing your license and your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document proving the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Types of Colorado driver's licenses and what they cost
Colorado offers three main types of driver's licenses. A standard driver's license costs $28.75 and is valid for five years. It allows you to drive in Colorado and other states, but you cannot use it for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building.
A Real ID license costs $33.75 and is valid for ten years. It meets federal standards and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal facilities. To get a Real ID license, you must provide an original or certified birth certificate, not just a photocopy.
An enhanced driver's license costs $38.75 and is also valid for ten years. It serves the same federal purposes as a Real ID license and can also be used to enter Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries by land or sea without a passport. The enhanced license requires the same documents as a Real ID license.
Steps to get your first Colorado driver's license
First, gather your documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. Then visit the Colorado DMV website to find the office nearest you and check its hours. Some offices take appointments, and some operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You can make an appointment online if your local office offers them.
At the DMV office, you will complete an process form (Form DL-43 for a driver's license). A staff member will review your documents, take your photograph, and collect your fee. You will then take a written knowledge test on Colorado traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.
After you pass the written test, you will schedule a driving skills test. This test is usually scheduled for a later date at the same DMV office or at a separate testing facility. During the driving test, an examiner will observe you driving to check that you can control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions safely. Once you pass the driving test, the DMV will issue your license.
Renewing your Colorado driver's license
If your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you may be able to renew by mail or online without visiting the DMV office. To renew online, visit the Colorado DMV website, enter your license number and other identifying information, and pay the renewal fee. Online renewal is available if your address has not changed and you do not need to update your photograph.
To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the Colorado DMV or read it from their website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail usually takes two to three weeks.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a new photograph, or if you want to change your address or name, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The process is similar to getting a new license: you bring your documents, complete an process, have your photograph taken, and pay the renewal fee. You do not need to retake the written or driving tests unless the DMV requires it based on your age or driving record.
What happens after you pass the driving test
Once you pass your driving test, the DMV will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on the office. Your license will show your name, date of birth, address, license number, and the type of license you received. It will also show an expiration date: five years from the issue date for a standard license, or ten years for a Real ID or enhanced license.
You are required to carry your license whenever you drive. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you must show your license along with proof of vehicle registration and proof of insurance. If your license is lost or stolen, you can request a replacement at any DMV office or online through the Colorado DMV website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Colorado with an out-of-state license?
Yes, you can drive with a valid out-of-state license. However, if you become a Colorado resident, you are required to get a Colorado license within 30 days of establishing residency. Residency is established when you register a vehicle in Colorado, enroll in school, or obtain employment in the state.
What is the difference between a Real ID and an enhanced license?
Both are valid for federal purposes like domestic air travel and federal building access. The enhanced license also allows you to cross land and sea borders into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean countries without a passport. Both cost more than a standard license and require an original or certified birth certificate.
How long does it take to get a Colorado driver's license after I pass the driving test?
The DMV usually issues your license the same day you pass the driving test, or it will be mailed to you within a few days. Check with your local DMV office for their specific process. You can drive with a temporary permit while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail.
Can I renew my Colorado license if I am out of state?
If your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you can renew by mail or online without being in Colorado. If your license has been expired for more than one year or you need a new photograph, you must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office.
What do I do if I fail the written or driving test?
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on the office's availability. There is a fee each time you retake a test.