What Colorado requires to get your first driver's license

Colorado requires you to provide proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of your Social Security number before you can get a driver's license. You must also pass a written knowledge test, a vision screening, and a driving skills test. The state does not issue licenses to people under 16, though you can get a permit to practice driving at 15 with a parent or guardian's consent.

The entire process typically takes one visit to a Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office if you have all your documents ready. If you do not have the required documents, you will need to gather them first, which can add days or weeks depending on what you are missing.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
  • Colorado charges a one-time fee of $28.25 for a driver's license that is valid for five years, plus an additional fee if you need a replacement document.
  • You must pass a written test on traffic laws, a vision test, and a behind-the-wheel driving test before the DMV issues your license.
  • If you are under 18, you must complete a driver's education course and hold a permit for at least 12 months before you can take the driving test.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity and shows your photo. A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state all work. A driver's license from another state counts as proof of identity but not proof of residency.

For proof of Colorado residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Colorado address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or insurance policy all count. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. You cannot use a PO box address; the document must show a physical street address.

Bring your original Social Security card, or bring a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form, tax return, or 1099. If you do not have your card and cannot find a document with your number, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration before you go to the DMV.

The written knowledge test and vision screening

The written test covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Colorado Driver's Handbook, which the DMV provides free online and in print at any DMV office. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You get one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you must schedule another appointment.

The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. The DMV tests your visual acuity and your ability to see to the sides (peripheral vision). If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not let you take the driving test that day, and you may need to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.

The behind-the-wheel driving test

The driving test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. A DMV examiner sits in the car with you and watches you perform basic driving tasks: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. The examiner also watches how you handle intersections, merge into traffic, and respond to road signs. You must use your own vehicle or a vehicle owned by someone else, and the vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition.

You get one attempt per appointment. If you fail, you can schedule another test, but you must wait at least one day. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. Common reasons for failing include not coming to a complete stop, hitting the curb while parking, or not checking mirrors and blind spots before turning.

Age requirements and the permit process for drivers under 18

You must be at least 16 years old to get a driver's license in Colorado. If you are 15, you can get a permit that allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old in the car with you. The permit costs $8.25 and is valid for one year.

To get a permit, you must pass the written knowledge test and the vision screening. You do not take the driving test to get a permit. Once you have a permit, you must hold it for at least 12 months before you can take the driving test for a full license. If you are under 18 when you get your license, you must also complete a driver's education course (either classroom or online) before you can take the driving test.

Colorado's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) law restricts how new drivers under 18 can use their license. For the first 12 months after you get your license, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m., and you can have no more than one passenger under 21 in the car (unless a parent or guardian is driving). These restrictions lift after 12 months or when you turn 18, whichever comes first.

Fees and how long your license lasts

A five-year driver's license costs $28.25. If you need to replace a lost or damaged license, the replacement costs $20. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights), the cost is the same, but you must bring additional documents proving your identity and residency.

Your license is valid for five years from the date the DMV issues it. When it expires, you must renew it. You can renew online if you have not changed your address, your vision has not changed, and you do not need a new photo. If you need to renew in person, bring the same documents you brought for your original license.

What to do if you cannot find all your documents

If you do not have your Social Security card and cannot find a document with your number, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov to request a replacement. This usually takes one to two weeks.

If you do not have proof of residency, ask your landlord, utility company, or bank for a statement or letter showing your name and address. If you just moved to Colorado and do not have a document dated within the last 60 days, bring a lease or purchase agreement and a piece of mail from a government agency showing your new address.

If you do not have a government-issued photo ID from another state or the federal government, you can use a certified copy of your birth certificate plus one other document that shows your name and date of birth (such as a school ID or passport card). Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what documents they will accept in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission if I learned to drive a manual?

Yes. You can take the test in either type of vehicle. If you pass in an automatic, your license will have no restrictions. If you pass in a manual, your license is also unrestricted. Colorado does not limit you based on the transmission type of the vehicle you used for the test.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the full license fee again if you schedule a new appointment. Some DMV offices let you retake the test when ready during your visit at no extra cost; call ahead to ask.

Do I need to bring my permit when I take the driving test?

Yes. You must bring your valid permit to the driving test. You also need your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number, just as you did when you got the permit. Bring the same documents you brought before.

Can I get a Colorado license if I have a suspended or revoked license from another state?

No. Colorado will not issue you a license if your license is suspended or revoked in any other state. You must resolve the suspension or revocation in that state first. Contact the DMV in the state where your license was suspended to find out what you need to do.

How do I find the DMV office nearest me and make an appointment?

Visit the Colorado DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov to find office locations and hours. You can schedule an appointment online or by phone at 303-205-5600. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but appointment holders are served first, so scheduling ahead usually saves time.