Where to get your Colorado driver's license in Denver

The Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues driver's licenses in Denver at the downtown office and at several satellite locations around the metro area. You cannot get a Colorado license online or by mail — you must appear in person with your documents and pass a vision test and written exam (unless you are renewing).

The main Denver DMV office is located at 405 South Ninth Street, Denver, CO 80209. There are also DMV offices in Aurora, Littleton, and Thornton. You can find the full list of locations and current hours on the Colorado DMV website. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary — the website shows real-time wait estimates for each location.

Before you go, gather your documents. You will need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must be present.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get a driver's license.
  • First-time applicants must pass a vision test and written exam; renewals do not require the exam unless your license has been expired for more than one year.
  • A Colorado driver's license costs $28.25 for a four-year license or $56.50 for an eight-year license, and you can choose which term when you explore.
  • The Denver DMV office is downtown at 405 South Ninth Street, but satellite offices in Aurora, Littleton, and Thornton often have shorter wait times.
  • Real-time wait times are posted on the Colorado DMV website, so you can check before you leave home.

What documents you need to bring

Colorado requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. For identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a permanent resident card. A photo is not required on the identity document.

For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and a Denver or Colorado address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, and insurance documents all work. A government check stub or tax return also counts. You need only one residency document.

Write down your Social Security number before you go. You will enter it on your process form at the DMV. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access.

The written exam and vision test for first-time drivers

If you are getting a Colorado license for the first time, you must pass a written knowledge test and a vision screening. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Colorado Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DMV website and also available in print at the office.

The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You get one free retake if you fail; additional retakes cost $5 each. The vision screening checks whether you can see 20/40 or better with or without glasses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them.

If you are renewing a license that is still valid or expired less than one year, you do not take the exam. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you will need to retake the test.

License types and costs in Colorado

Colorado offers a standard driver's license and a Real ID-compliant driver's license. The Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for air travel and entry to federal buildings. Both cost the same amount.

A four-year license costs $28.25. An eight-year license costs $56.50. You choose the term when you explore. Most people choose the eight-year option because it spreads the cost over more years, but you can pick whichever works for your budget.

If you are under 21, your license will have a vertical orientation (portrait) instead of horizontal (landscape), and it will expire on your 21st birthday. The cost is the same regardless of age.

How to renew your Colorado driver's license

If your license is still valid or expired less than one year, you can renew by mail, online, or in person. Online renewal is the fastest option — you can renew on the Colorado DMV website if your license is not damaged and you have not changed your address or name. The online process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Mail renewal takes longer but requires no trip to the office. You fill out the renewal form (available on the DMV website), include a check or money order, and mail everything to the address on the form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after the DMV receives it.

In-person renewal at a DMV office is fastest if you need your license when ready. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and payment. You will not take the written exam. The new license is issued on the spot, though you can request it be mailed if you prefer.

What to expect during your visit

Arrive with all your documents in hand. At the office, you will check in and receive a number. Wait times range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the location and time of day. The website shows current wait times, so check before you go.

When called, you will go to a window where a staff member reviews your documents, takes your photo, and has you sign your process. If you are a first-time applicant, you will then take the vision test and written exam in a separate area. The whole process usually takes 20 to 30 minutes once you reach the window.

Payment is cash, check, or card. If you pass everything, your temporary license is printed on the spot and is valid when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a number. You will still need proof of identity and proof of residency. The process is otherwise the same.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You can replace it at any DMV office. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency, just as if you were getting a new license. There is a $20 replacement fee in addition to the license cost. Your replacement license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need to retake the written test if I move to Colorado from another state?

Yes. Colorado treats out-of-state licenses as new applications. You must pass the written exam and vision test, even if you held a valid license in another state. Bring your out-of-state license along with your proof of identity and residency.

How long does a temporary license last?

Your temporary license is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary gives you time while you wait. If your permanent license does not arrive within 30 days, return to the DMV with your temporary license and they will issue a replacement.

Can I change my name on my driver's license without renewing it?

No. You must renew your license to change your name. Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change, along with your current license and proof of residency. The renewal fee applies.