Denver Driver License Office Locations and Hours
The Colorado Department of Revenue runs the driver license offices in Denver. The main office is located at 1881 Pierce Street, Denver, CO 80214, and it handles standard driver license services including renewals, replacements, and new licenses. This office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays.
Denver also has a second location at 2151 South Clermont Street, Denver, CO 80222, which operates the same hours. Both offices handle the same services, so you can visit whichever is more convenient. Neither office takes walk-ins without an appointment — you must schedule one in advance through the Colorado Department of Revenue website or by calling 303-205-5600.
Wait times vary by location and time of year. Mornings and early in the week tend to be less crowded than afternoons and Fridays. If you cannot reach the office by phone, you can also check appointment availability online at the state's driver license portal.
Key Takeaways
- Denver has two Department of Revenue driver license offices: one at 1881 Pierce Street and one at 2151 South Clermont Street, both open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- You must schedule an appointment before visiting — the offices do not accept walk-ins.
- You will need a valid form of identification, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or tax ID.
- Bring your current driver license if you are renewing, or a birth certificate or passport if you are getting a license for the first time.
- The office can issue a temporary paper license on the spot, but your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
Documents You Need to Bring
The specific documents required depend on whether you are renewing an existing license, replacing a lost or damaged one, or getting a license for the first time. For any transaction, bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), proof of your current Colorado address, and a valid form of identification.
If you are renewing, bring your current Colorado driver license. If you are getting a license for the first time or your license has expired for more than two years, bring either a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, or a Consular Report of Birth Abroad. You will also need to bring proof of Colorado residency — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work.
For proof of identity, the state accepts a U.S. passport, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents from a secondary list, which includes a Social Security card, a birth certificate, or a school or work ID.
How to Schedule an Appointment
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online appointment system at the state website. You will need to select your location (Pierce Street or Clermont Street), the type of service you need (renewal, replacement, or new license), and your preferred date and time. The system shows available slots up to several weeks in advance.
If you cannot use the online system, call 303-205-5600. The phone line is open during office hours, and staff can schedule you over the phone. Have your current driver license number or date of birth ready when you call.
Appointments typically fill up two to three weeks ahead, especially in the morning and early in the week. If you cannot find an available slot at your preferred location, try the other Denver office — they often have different availability.
What Happens During Your Visit
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all your documents. A staff member will verify your identity, check your documents, and ask you to sign a form confirming the information on your license. You will also take a new photo unless you are doing a mail-in renewal.
If you are renewing by mail instead of in person, you can submit your process and documents by mail to the same address. Mail-in renewals take longer — typically four to six weeks — but you avoid the office visit. You are may be able to access for mail-in renewal if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes or name changes since your last license was issued.
Before you leave, the office will give you a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent plastic card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If it does not arrive within that time, call the office to report it.
Fees and Payment Methods
A standard five-year driver license renewal costs $28.25. A replacement for a lost, stolen, or damaged license costs $20. A new license for a first-time driver costs $35.25. These fees are current as of 2024 but may change — confirm the exact amount when you schedule your appointment or check the state website.
The Denver offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks or money orders. If you pay by card, bring the card itself — they do not take card numbers over the phone.
If You Cannot Visit in Person
Colorado allows mail-in renewals for drivers whose licenses are not expired and who have not had recent changes to their address or name. To renew by mail, read the process from the state website, include a copy of your current license and proof of Colorado residency, and mail everything to the address listed on the form. Processing takes four to six weeks.
If you need to change your address, name, or class of license, you must visit an office in person — mail-in renewal does not work for these changes. If you live outside Denver but need a license, Colorado has driver license offices in most counties. You can find the nearest one on the state website.
If you are unable to visit due to a disability or medical condition, call 303-205-5600 to ask about accommodations or alternative options. The state may be able to arrange a home visit or provide other information depending on your situation.
Common Issues and How to Resolve Them
If your appointment is cancelled or you miss it, you will need to schedule a new one through the online system or by phone. Cancellations happen when the office closes unexpectedly or when the system has technical problems — check your email for notifications.
If you lose your temporary paper license before your permanent card arrives, go back to the office and request a replacement. Bring your appointment confirmation or any paperwork from your first visit. The replacement is usually issued the same day.
If your permanent license arrives damaged or with incorrect information, contact the office when ready. Bring the card and your original documents so staff can issue a corrected replacement. This usually happens at no additional charge if the error was made by the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than two years ago?
No, you cannot renew an expired license that is more than two years old. You must explore for a new license instead, which requires the same documents as a first-time applicant, including a birth certificate or passport. You will need to visit an office in person and pass a vision test.
Do I need an appointment if I am just replacing a lost license?
Yes, you need an appointment for any service at a Denver driver license office, including replacements. Schedule online or call 303-205-5600. Bring your Social Security number, proof of Colorado residency, and a valid form of identification — you do not need your lost license itself.
What if I moved to Denver from another state?
You must get a Colorado driver license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number. You will take a new photo and vision test. The process is the same as getting a new license, and you need an appointment.
How long does it take to get a license if I am a new driver?
You will receive a temporary paper license at your appointment that is valid for 30 days. Your permanent card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before the permanent card arrives, use the temporary license — it is legal to drive with it.
Can I change my address without visiting the office?
No, address changes must be done in person at a driver license office. You cannot change your address by mail or online. Schedule an appointment and bring your current license, proof of your new Colorado address, and your Social Security number.