What you need to know about Denver driver licenses
A Denver driver license is issued by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), not by the city itself. You can get your first license, renew an expiring one, or replace a lost or damaged license at any DMV office in Colorado, including the Denver locations. The process and documents you need depend on whether you are getting your first license, renewing one you already have, or replacing one that is lost or damaged.
Colorado driver licenses are valid for five years for most adults under 65, and eight years for adults 65 and older. You can renew by mail, online, or in person, depending on your situation. If you are getting your first license or your license was suspended or revoked, you must go to a DMV office in person.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado driver licenses are issued by the state DMV, with offices in Denver and throughout the state, and are valid for five or eight years depending on your age.
- First-time applicants must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number or a statement that you do not have one.
- Renewals can often be done by mail or online if your license is not suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year.
- The fee for a five-year license is $28.25 and for an eight-year license is $45.25, though you may pay more if you add endorsements like a motorcycle rating.
- Denver DMV offices are located at 1881 Pierce Street and 777 West 57th Avenue, and you can check wait times online before you go.
Getting your first Colorado driver license in Denver
If you have never had a driver license in Colorado, you must visit a DMV office in person. You will need to bring proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Colorado residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number or a signed statement that you do not have one. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about traffic laws.
The written test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, which is free on the DMV website. Many people take the test on their first visit, but you can also schedule a separate appointment just for the test if you want more time to prepare. You will also need to have your photo taken for your license.
After you pass the test and submit your documents, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your plastic card is being made. Your permanent license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.
Renewing your driver license by mail or online
If your license is not suspended or revoked and has not been expired for more than one year, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a DMV office. To renew online, go to the Colorado DMV website, create an account, and follow the steps to pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks.
To renew by mail, read the process for Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-44) from the DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Include a copy of your current license or another form of identification. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically four to six weeks — so plan ahead if your license is expiring soon.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DMV office in person. The same applies if your license was suspended or revoked for any reason.
Renewing in person at a Denver DMV office
You may choose to renew in person even if you are allowed to renew by mail or online. This is useful if you want to change your address, add an endorsement (such as a motorcycle rating), or get your new license the same day instead of waiting for mail delivery. Bring your current license, proof of residency if you have moved, and payment for the renewal fee.
The two Denver DMV offices are located at 1881 Pierce Street and 777 West 57th Avenue. Both offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce your wait time. The DMV website shows current wait times at each location, updated throughout the day. In-person renewals usually take 30 to 45 minutes from check-in to receiving your new license.
Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it by mail, online, or in person. The replacement fee is $20 if you are replacing a lost or damaged license, or $25 if you are replacing a stolen license (the extra fee covers a fraud alert). You do not need to take a new photo or pass any tests — the DMV will use the photo from your current license.
To replace by mail, read Form DL-44, check the box for "Replacement," and mail it with payment and a copy of your current license if you have one. If your license was stolen, include a police report number if you have one. To replace online, go to the DMV website and select the replacement option. In-person replacement at a Denver DMV office takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
Documents and fees you will need
The documents and fees vary depending on whether you are getting your first license, renewing, or replacing one. First-time applicants need proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, and pay $28.25 for a five-year license or $45.25 for an eight-year license. Renewals by mail or online require your current license number and last four digits of your Social Security number, and cost the same as first-time licenses. In-person renewals require your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed.
Replacements for lost or damaged licenses cost $20, while replacements for stolen licenses cost $25. You do not need to provide proof of residency or Social Security number for a replacement — the DMV uses the information from your existing license. Processing times range from 15 to 30 minutes in person, to two to three weeks by mail, to two to three weeks online.
| Situation | Documents Needed | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time license | Proof of identity, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number | $28.25 (5-year) or $45.25 (8-year) | In person same day; card arrives in 2–3 weeks |
| Renewal by mail | Completed Form DL-44, copy of current license, payment | $28.25 (5-year) or $45.25 (8-year) | 4–6 weeks |
| Renewal online | Current license number, last four digits of Social Security number | $28.25 (5-year) or $45.25 (8-year) | 2–3 weeks |
| Renewal in person | Current license, proof of residency if address changed, payment | $28.25 (5-year) or $45.25 (8-year) | 30–45 minutes |
| Replacement (lost or damaged) | Completed Form DL-44, copy of current license if available, payment | $20 | 2–3 weeks by mail; 15–30 minutes in person |
| Replacement (stolen) | Completed Form DL-44, police report number if available, payment | $25 | 2–3 weeks by mail; 15–30 minutes in person |
What counts as proof of residency in Colorado
Proof of residency must show your current Colorado address and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease or rental agreement, a mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a vehicle registration. A government-issued ID with your Colorado address also works. You cannot use a post office box address — the document must show a physical street address.
If you have just moved to Colorado and do not yet have a document in your name at your new address, you can use a signed statement from your landlord or a family member who lives with you, along with a utility bill or lease in their name. Bring both documents to the DMV office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if it expired more than a year ago?
No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must visit a DMV office in person and may need to retake the written test and vision test. Bring your expired license and proof of residency.
How long does it take to get a Colorado driver license in the mail?
Your new license usually arrives within two to three weeks of approval, whether you renewed online, by mail, or in person. If you renewed in person at a DMV office, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is being made.
What should I do if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew by mail or online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must visit a DMV office in person. The DMV will tell you whether you can renew or whether you must complete other steps first, such as paying a fine or completing a driver improvement course.
Do I need an appointment at a Denver DMV office?
You can walk in without an appointment, but scheduling one online reduces your wait time. The DMV website shows current wait times at each Denver location and allows you to book a time slot that works for you.
What if I moved to Denver from another state?
You must get a Colorado driver license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of Social Security number to a DMV office. You will need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test about Colorado traffic laws.