How to Get and Renew Your Colorado Springs Driver's License

Where to get your Colorado Springs driver's license

Colorado driver's licenses are issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In Colorado Springs, you can visit the local DMV office to explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or update your information. The Colorado Springs DMV office is located at 3747 North Academy Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80917.

You can also renew your license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must not have any medical restrictions, and your address must not have changed. The online renewal option is available through the Colorado DMV website, and the mail option requires you to submit your current license along with the renewal form and fee.

If you need to take a written test, vision test, or photo, you must visit the office in person. First-time applicants, drivers with expired licenses older than five years, and anyone with a suspended or revoked license must also appear at the office.

Key Takeaways

The Colorado Springs DMV office is at 3747 North Academy Boulevard and handles new licenses, renewals, and updates in person.
You can renew online or by mail only if your license expired within the last five years, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed.
You must visit the office in person for your first license, to take any required tests, or if your license has been expired for more than five years.
Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years for most drivers, and renewal fees vary depending on the type of license you hold.

Documents you need to bring

Colorado requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number before issuing a driver's license. Acceptable forms of identification include a passport, military ID, or an existing Colorado ID. If you do not have one of these, you can use a combination of documents such as a birth certificate and a school ID.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have recently moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord can work.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized and cannot bring one of these documents, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration before your DMV visit.

The in-person process process

When you arrive at the Colorado Springs DMV office, take a number from the ticket machine and wait to be called. Bring all required documents and your current license if you are renewing. The staff will review your documents, ask you to sign the process, and collect your fee.

You will then take a vision test at a machine in the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. After the vision test, you will sit for a photo. The photo is taken by DMV staff and becomes your official license photo, so dress as you normally would.

If you are a first-time driver or your license has been expired for more than five years, you will also take a written test on a computer. The test covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, which is free on the DMV website. Most people pass on their first attempt if they study the handbook.

Online and mail renewal options

Colorado's online renewal system is available at the DMV website. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver License form from the DMV website or pick one up at the office. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license, a check or money order for the renewal fee, and a photocopy of your proof of residency. Mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes about two weeks after the DMV receives your packet.

Both online and mail renewal are less expensive than in-person renewal because you do not pay for a new photo. However, you cannot change your address, add medical restrictions, or update your name through these methods — you must visit the office in person for those changes.

Fees and license validity

Colorado driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard five-year license costs one amount, while a REAL ID-compliant license costs more. Military members and their spouses may be able to renew for free or at a reduced rate if they meet certain conditions.

Your license is valid for five years from the date it is issued. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can continue to drive until the expiration date, but you cannot renew more than six months before it expires. If your license expires, you can still renew it for up to five years after expiration, but you may face penalties or fines if you are caught driving with an expired license.

REAL ID requirements for Colorado Springs drivers

A REAL ID is a federal standard that makes your driver's license acceptable for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Colorado offers REAL ID-compliant licenses, but they cost more than a standard license and require additional documentation at the time of issue.

To get a REAL ID license in Colorado, you must bring the same documents as a regular license, plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. You must also bring proof of your current address and Social Security number. The REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is valid for five years, just like a standard license.

If you do not have a REAL ID license, you can still drive within Colorado and to neighboring states. However, starting in May 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you travel by air regularly, getting a REAL ID license now can save you time at the airport later.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

A suspended license means you cannot drive for a set period of time, usually because of unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, or a DUI conviction. A revoked license means your driving privileges have been taken away, usually for more serious violations. The Colorado DMV will send you a notice in the mail if your license is suspended or revoked.

If your license is suspended, you may be able to reinstate it by paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or DMV. Contact the Colorado Springs DMV office or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do. You cannot drive until your license is reinstated, even if the suspension period has ended.

If your license is revoked, you will need to wait the required time before you can reapply. Some revocations are permanent, while others allow you to reapply after a set number of years. The DMV notice will tell you when you are able to reapply and what documents you will need to bring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Colorado driver's license at the Colorado Springs office?

In-person processing usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. Your new license is printed on-site and you can take it home the same day. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes to complete, and your license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes about two weeks after the DMV receives your packet.

Can I renew my license if I moved out of Colorado Springs but still live in Colorado?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail as long as your license has not been expired for more than five years. If you need to change your address, you must visit a DMV office in person. You can visit any Colorado DMV office, not just the one in Colorado Springs.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can take the test again the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test. Most people pass on their second attempt after reviewing the areas where they struggled. The Colorado Driver Handbook covers all the material on the test.

Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Colorado?

No. A standard Colorado driver's license is valid for driving anywhere in the state and to neighboring states. You only need a REAL ID license if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building. Starting in May 2025, a REAL ID license or passport will be required for domestic air travel.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my permanent one?

No. Colorado does not issue temporary licenses. Your permanent license is printed at the office and you receive it the same day you explore in person. If you renew by mail or online, you will receive your license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.