Where to get a Denver County driver's license
In Denver County, you obtain and renew your driver's license through the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The state runs all licensing, not individual counties, so "Denver County driver's license" means a Colorado license issued while you live in Denver County. You can visit a DMV office in person, renew by mail for certain renewals, or use the online renewal system for standard renewals that don't require a new photo or address change.
The main DMV office serving Denver is located at 405 South Cherry Street in Denver. There are also DMV offices in nearby areas like Aurora and Littleton if the downtown location is inconvenient. Each office handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. Wait times vary by location and time of day; the DMV website shows current wait times before you visit.
You do not need to visit in person for every transaction. If you are renewing a standard license that expired less than five years ago, you can renew online through the Colorado DMV website without visiting an office. Mail-in renewal is also an option for certain renewals, though it takes longer than in-person service.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado's DMV issues all driver's licenses; you cannot get one through Denver County government directly.
- The main Denver DMV office is at 405 South Cherry Street, with additional offices in Aurora and Littleton.
- Standard renewals can be completed online or by mail without visiting an office in person.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to obtain a new license.
- Real ID-compliant licenses require additional documentation and cost more than standard licenses.
Documents you need to bring
For a new Colorado driver's license, bring one document proving your identity and one proving your current Denver County address. A valid passport, military ID, or state ID counts as identity proof. For address proof, a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. If you don't have a document in your name, you can bring a bill in a spouse's name plus a marriage certificate, or a bill in a parent's name plus a birth certificate showing the relationship.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you are renewing and your information has not changed, you may not need to bring documents again—the DMV will tell you what is required when you start the renewal process online or when you call ahead.
If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025), bring the same identity and address documents plus one additional document proving citizenship or legal residency: a birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or visa. Real ID licenses cost more and take longer to process than standard licenses.
Steps to get a new license in person
Visit the DMV office with your documents. Check the wait time on the Colorado DMV website before you go. When you arrive, take a number and wait to be called. Tell the staff member whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost or damaged one.
The staff will verify your documents, check your driving record, and take your photo and signature. You will take a written test covering traffic laws and road signs unless you are renewing without changes. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or return later. You will also take a vision test at the office.
Once you pass the tests and your documents are verified, you pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. Keep the paper license with you while you drive until the plastic one arrives.
Renewal by mail or online
If your Colorado license expired less than five years ago and you have not changed your address, you can renew online through the Colorado DMV website without visiting an office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes, costs less than in-person renewal, and your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You do not need to take a new photo or vision test for online renewal.
Mail-in renewal is also available for certain renewals. You request a renewal form from the DMV, fill it out, and mail it back with payment. Mail-in renewal takes longer than online renewal—typically four to six weeks—because the form has to travel both ways. Use mail-in renewal only if you cannot access the online system or prefer not to use it.
If your address has changed, you have moved out of Colorado and back, or your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. The same applies if you want to change your name, add or remove endorsements (like motorcycle or commercial), or switch to a Real ID license.
Costs and payment methods
A standard five-year driver's license costs $26.50 in Colorado. A Real ID-compliant license costs $31.50. Replacement of a lost or damaged license costs $20. Renewal fees are the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. The DMV accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card at offices. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only.
If you are under 21, your license costs less and expires sooner. Military members on active duty can renew for free if they provide military ID. Senior citizens (age 61 and older) pay a reduced renewal fee. Ask the DMV staff about discounts when you visit or call ahead.
What to do if your license is lost or damaged
Report a lost license to the DMV as soon as you notice it is gone. You can report it online through the Colorado DMV website or call the DMV. Reporting it prevents someone else from using it fraudulently. You do not have to file a police report unless you believe it was stolen rather than lost.
To replace a lost or damaged license, visit a DMV office in person with your identity and address documents. The replacement process is the same as renewal: you provide documents, take a photo, and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks. A replacement costs $20.
If your license was damaged in a way that makes it unreadable (water damage, torn, faded), you can also request a replacement by mail. Contact the DMV to ask whether mail replacement is an option for your situation.
Address changes and name changes
If you move within Colorado, you must update your address with the DMV within 30 days. You can change your address online through the Colorado DMV website if you have a valid Colorado license. Online address changes take effect when ready and cost nothing. You do not receive a new physical license; your current license remains valid with the old address printed on it, but the DMV's records show your new address.
If you want the new address printed on your physical license, you must renew your license in person. You can do this at any time; you do not have to wait for your license to expire. Bring your identity document and a proof of your new address dated within 60 days.
To change your name on your license, you must visit a DMV office in person and bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing the name change. The DMV will issue a new license with your new name. Name changes cost the same as a replacement ($20) unless your license is also expiring soon, in which case you may renew instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired Colorado license?
No. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Colorado and can result in a traffic citation. If your license has expired, you must renew it before driving. If you are in the process of renewing and have a temporary paper license, that is valid for 30 days and counts as proof you are licensed.
How long does it take to get a Colorado driver's license?
If you visit in person, you receive a temporary paper license the same day and your permanent plastic license arrives by mail in two to three weeks. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes to complete, and your new license arrives by mail in two to three weeks. Mail-in renewal takes four to six weeks total because the form travels both ways.
What if I moved to Denver from another state?
You must obtain a Colorado license within 30 days of moving to the state. Visit a DMV office with your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of your Denver address, and your Social Security number. You will take the written and vision tests. Your out-of-state license is not valid in Colorado after 30 days, even if it has not expired.
Do I need a Real ID license to fly domestically?
Starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID-compliant license or passport is required to board a domestic flight. A standard Colorado driver's license will not be accepted at airport security after that date. You can renew to a Real ID license in person at any DMV office by bringing an additional citizenship or residency document.
What if I fail the written test?
You can retake the written test the same day at the DMV office at no extra cost. If you fail again, you can return another day to retake it. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pass before the DMV will issue your license.