What a Colorado temporary driver license is and who can get one
A Colorado temporary driver license is a paper document issued by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) that lets you drive legally while your permanent plastic card is being processed. It is valid for 60 days from the date of issue and serves as proof of your driving privilege during that window.
You receive a temporary license automatically when you pass your written and driving tests at a Colorado DMV office. You do not request it separately — the examiner hands it to you before you leave. If you are renewing your license or replacing a lost one, you may also receive a temporary license if your permanent card cannot be issued the same day.
The temporary license is printed on standard paper and includes your name, date of birth, license number, and expiration date. It is not laminated and will wear quickly if you carry it in your wallet, so many people keep it in a safe place at home and carry their old license until the permanent one arrives.
Key Takeaways
- You receive a temporary Colorado driver license automatically after passing your driving test; you do not need to request one.
- The temporary license is valid for 60 days and is printed on paper, not plastic, so it can tear or fade if carried daily.
- You can drive legally on the temporary license, but you must carry it with you — it is your only proof of licensure until your permanent card arrives.
- If your temporary license is lost or damaged before your permanent card arrives, contact the Colorado DMV to request a replacement or expedited permanent card.
When you receive your temporary license at the DMV office
The temporary license is issued at the moment you complete your road test. After the examiner scores your test and confirms you passed, they print the temporary license on the spot and hand it to you along with your test results. This happens regardless of whether you are a first-time driver, renewing an expired license, or upgrading your license class.
If you are renewing your license by mail or online, you will not receive a temporary license unless you request one. The Colorado DMV typically mails permanent renewal cards within 7 to 10 business days, so most people do not need a temporary document for renewals. However, if you need to drive before your permanent card arrives, you can contact the DMV to request a temporary license be mailed to you.
For replacements (lost, stolen, or damaged licenses), the DMV will issue a temporary license if you cannot receive your permanent replacement the same day. This is common during busy periods or if you order a replacement online.
How to use your temporary license while driving
Your temporary Colorado driver license has the same legal weight as your permanent card. Law enforcement will accept it as proof of your driving privilege, and you are required to carry it whenever you drive. If you are stopped and cannot produce it, you face the same penalties as driving without a license.
The temporary license works at rental car agencies, insurance companies, and anywhere else that requires proof of a valid license. Some businesses may be unfamiliar with the paper format and ask questions, but it is a legitimate DMV document and they are legally required to accept it.
Because the paper is fragile, many drivers keep the temporary license at home in a safe place and carry their old expired license as a backup form of ID. This is not required by law, but it protects the temporary license from wear and tear. If you choose this approach, be aware that an expired license is not proof of driving privilege — it is only a backup form of identification.
What happens when your permanent card arrives
The Colorado DMV mails your permanent plastic driver license to the address you provided at the DMV office. Standard processing takes 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, your temporary license expires when ready and is no longer valid for driving, even if the 60-day expiration date has not passed.
You should destroy the temporary license once your permanent card arrives. Do not carry both — if you are stopped and the officer sees an expired temporary license, it may cause confusion, though you are not breaking the law by keeping it.
If your permanent card does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the Colorado DMV to check the status. Delays can occur due to mail delivery issues or processing backlogs. The DMV can reprint and expedite a replacement if needed, though expedited processing may have a fee.
If your temporary license is lost or damaged
If your temporary license is damaged or lost before your permanent card arrives, you have two options. First, you can contact the Colorado DMV and request a replacement temporary license be mailed to you. This typically takes 5 to 7 business days and may have a small fee.
Second, you can request that the DMV expedite your permanent card instead of waiting for a replacement temporary license. This is often faster if your permanent card is not yet in the mail. Expedited processing usually costs more than a standard replacement but gets your permanent card to you in 3 to 5 business days.
If you need to drive when ready and cannot wait for either option, contact the Colorado DMV office where you took your test. Some offices can issue a same-day temporary license if you visit in person and explain the situation, though this is not may provide and depends on office availability.
Differences between temporary and permanent Colorado licenses
The temporary license and permanent license carry identical legal authority — both prove you are licensed to drive in Colorado. The only differences are physical format and durability. The temporary is printed on paper and expires after 60 days or when your permanent card arrives, whichever comes first. The permanent card is plastic, laminated, and valid for the full term printed on it (typically 5 to 10 years depending on your age).
Some businesses or rental agencies may hesitate to accept a paper temporary license because they are unfamiliar with it, but they have no legal grounds to refuse it. If a business refuses to accept your temporary license as proof of driving privilege, you can ask to speak with a manager or contact the Colorado DMV for guidance on your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive out of state on my Colorado temporary license?
Yes. Your temporary Colorado license is valid in all 50 states and is recognized by law enforcement nationwide. However, some rental car agencies may be reluctant to rent to you on a paper temporary license — call ahead to confirm before you book.
What if I move before my permanent card arrives?
Contact the Colorado DMV when ready with your new address. They can redirect your permanent card to your new location or reissue it to the new address. Your temporary license remains valid until your permanent card arrives, regardless of address changes.
Is the temporary license valid if I have a learner's permit restriction?
No. If you are still on a learner's permit, you cannot take the driving test yet. Once you pass the test, your temporary license removes all learner's permit restrictions and is a full driver license.
Can I get a temporary license if I renew online or by mail?
Not automatically. Online and mail renewals do not issue temporary licenses because your permanent card is mailed within 7 to 10 days. If you need to drive before it arrives, contact the Colorado DMV and request a temporary license be mailed to you.
What should I do if my temporary license expires before my permanent card arrives?
Contact the Colorado DMV when ready. This is unusual but can happen if mail is delayed. The DMV can expedite your permanent card or issue a second temporary license to cover the gap. Do not drive without a valid license.