How to Get and Renew a Colorado Driver License

What you need to know about Colorado driver licenses

A Colorado driver license is issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You need one to drive legally in Colorado, and the state recognizes several types depending on what you drive and your age. The process differs depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing an expired one, or switching from another state.

Colorado offers a standard driver license for regular vehicles, a commercial driver license (CDL) for trucks and buses, and a motorcycle endorsement. You can also get an ID card that looks like a driver license but does not let you drive — useful if you do not drive but need state-issued identification.

Key Takeaways

You must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test to get your first Colorado driver license, and you must be at least 16 years old.
Colorado requires proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) before you can take any test.
You can renew your license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office, and renewals are valid for five or ten years depending on your age.
If you move to Colorado from another state, you have 30 days to get a Colorado license, and you may not need to retake the driving test.
The cost varies by license type and length — a standard five-year license costs less than a ten-year license.

Getting your first Colorado driver license

To get your first license, you must be at least 16 years old. Colorado has a graduated licensing system, which means younger drivers start with a permit and move to a full license in stages. If you are 16 or 17, you first get a permit by passing a written test about traffic laws and road signs. You then must hold the permit for at least 12 months and practice driving with a licensed adult before you can take the driving test.

If you are 18 or older and have never had a Colorado license, you can skip the permit step and go straight to the full license. You will still need to pass the written test, vision test, and driving test. The written test covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. The driving test shows that you can handle a vehicle in real traffic.

Before you can take any test, you must bring documents to a DMV office. You need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or document from another state), proof that you live in Colorado (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN from the IRS.

Documents you need for a Colorado license

Colorado requires specific documents at your DMV visit. For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a valid passport, a passport card, a consular report of birth, or a driver license or ID card from another state. A photocopy does not work — the document must be an original.

For proof of Colorado residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current Colorado address. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail all work. If you live with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, you can bring a notarized letter from the person whose name is on the bill, plus a copy of that bill.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process. Bring their ID as well.

Renewing your Colorado driver license

Colorado driver licenses expire after five or ten years, depending on which length you chose when you got the license. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are renewing a license that is not yet expired and you have not had any address changes.

To renew online, go to the Colorado DMV website and follow the renewal portal. You will need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The fee is charged to a credit or debit card. Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

If you cannot renew online — for example, if your license is already expired or you changed your address — you can renew by mail or in person. By mail, you fill out an process form, include a check or money order for the fee, and mail everything to the address on the form. In person, you go to a DMV office with your current license and proof of any address change. Bring the same residency documents you would bring for a new license if your address has changed.

Moving to Colorado from another state

If you move to Colorado and already have a valid driver license from another state, you have 30 days to get a Colorado license. You do not have to retake the written or driving test — Colorado recognizes licenses from other states. You do have to go to a DMV office in person and bring your out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of identity if your out-of-state license does not have your current address on it.

The fee for switching your license is less than getting a new one from scratch. Your new Colorado license will be issued on the spot or mailed to you, depending on the DMV office and how busy they are.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you will need to retake the written test and driving test before Colorado will issue you a license. Bring the same documents as someone getting a first license.

Commercial driver licenses and endorsements

A commercial driver license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck, bus, or other large vehicle for work. The requirements are stricter than for a standard license. You must be at least 18 years old (21 if you want to drive across state lines), pass a medical exam, and pass written tests specific to the type of vehicle you drive. You also must pass a driving test in the actual vehicle you will be driving.

If you want to ride a motorcycle, you can add a motorcycle endorsement to your standard license. You must pass a written test about motorcycle safety and a riding test on a motorcycle. Some people take a motorcycle safety course, which may waive the riding test depending on the course.

Fees and processing times

The cost of a Colorado driver license depends on the type and how long it is valid. A standard five-year license costs less than a ten-year license. A commercial driver license costs more. An ID card (without driving privileges) costs less than a driver license. The exact fee changes periodically, so check the Colorado DMV website for current prices.

Processing times vary by method. Online renewal takes about two weeks for your license to arrive by mail. Mail-in renewal takes three to four weeks. In-person visits are usually processed the same day, though busy offices may take longer. If you need your license urgently, going in person is fastest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if my Colorado license is lost or stolen?

Go to a DMV office and report it. Bring your ID and proof of residency. You can get a replacement license the same day. There is a fee for a replacement, which is less than the cost of a new license.

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person and retake the written test and driving test, just as if you were getting a first license. Bring all the documents required for a new license.

Do I need a Real ID compliant license to fly on a plane?

Yes. Starting in 2025, you need a Real ID compliant license or passport to fly domestically in the United States. Colorado offers Real ID licenses at DMV offices. You will need an original birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. The fee is slightly higher than a standard license.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can take the driving test again. There is a fee each time you take it. Most DMV offices let you schedule another test within a few days. You do not have to retake the written or vision test — only the driving test.

Can I get a Colorado license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from the IRS instead. Bring your ITIN documentation to the DMV office along with all other required documents.

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.