Where to go for your driver license in Longmont

Longmont residents handle driver license matters at the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office located at 1881 Ken Pratt Boulevard, Longmont, CO 80501. This is the only full-service DMV location in Longmont where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or replace a lost or damaged license. The office handles both written tests and the vision screening required for new applicants.

You can also renew your Colorado driver license online through the DMV website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must have a valid email address on file, and you cannot have any medical or legal restrictions on your record. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about five business days to arrive by mail.

Key Takeaways

  • The Longmont DMV office at 1881 Ken Pratt Boulevard handles all driver license services, including new applications, renewals, and replacements.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to explore.
  • New applicants must pass a written test and vision screening; renewal applicants do not need to retake the test unless their license has been expired for more than one year.
  • Online renewal is available if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical or legal restrictions, and costs less than renewing in person.
  • Wait times at the Longmont office vary by time of day and day of week; calling ahead or checking the DMV website can help you plan your visit.

Documents you need to bring

Colorado requires specific documents before you can get or renew a driver license. You must bring one form of primary identification, such as a U.S. passport, passport card, or a certified birth certificate. If you do not have a primary ID, you can bring two forms of secondary identification, such as a school ID, employee ID, or military ID.

You also need proof that you live in Colorado. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. Your name on the residency document does not have to match your ID exactly, but the DMV staff will ask you to explain any differences.

Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you do not have either, you can explore for an ITIN through the IRS before your DMV visit, or you can request a waiver at the DMV office, though this may delay your process.

New driver license applicants: tests and fees

If you are getting your first Colorado driver license or your license has been expired for more than one year, you must pass a written knowledge test and a vision screening. The written test covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs; the DMV provides a study guide on its website. You can take the test on a computer at the Longmont office, and you must score at least 80 percent to pass.

The vision screening checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will be asked to see an eye care professional and return with documentation of your vision correction before your license is issued.

The fee for a new driver license in Colorado is set by state law and does not vary by location. As of 2024, a four-year license costs one amount and an eight-year license costs more. The DMV office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you are under 21, your license will expire on your 21st birthday rather than following the standard renewal schedule.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your Colorado driver license expired less than one year ago, you can renew by mail without visiting the DMV office. The DMV will mail you a renewal form; you complete it, include a new photo (which you can take at home and print), and mail it back with the renewal fee. Processing takes about two weeks after the DMV receives your form.

Online renewal is faster and costs less than mail renewal. You log into your DMV account on the Colorado DMV website, answer a series of questions about your current information, pay the renewal fee with a debit or credit card, and your new license arrives by mail in about five business days. You do not need to provide a new photo for online renewal if you renewed online within the last eight years.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at the Longmont DMV office and retake the written test and vision screening. You cannot use mail or online renewal in this situation.

What to expect during your visit

Arrive at the Longmont DMV office with all required documents and be prepared to wait. The office uses a ticket system; you take a number when you arrive, and the wait time depends on how busy the office is that day. Peak times are typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays. If you visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you may wait less time.

A DMV staff member will review your documents, ask you to confirm your information, and take a new photo for your license. If you are a new applicant, you will then take the written test on a computer terminal. After you pass the test, you will have your vision screening. If everything is in order, your temporary license will be printed on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If the DMV staff find any issues with your documents or information, they will tell you what you need to fix before you can complete your process. You may need to return on another day with corrected documents.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license

If your driver license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can get a replacement at the Longmont DMV office. Bring your ID and proof of residency as you would for a renewal. You do not need to retake the written test or vision screening for a replacement.

The replacement fee is lower than the cost of a new license but higher than a standard renewal. If your license was stolen, you may want to report the theft to local police and bring a copy of the police report to the DMV, though this is not required. The DMV will issue a temporary replacement on the spot and mail your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at the Longmont DMV office?

Colorado DMV offices do not take appointments for standard driver license services. You arrive during business hours, take a ticket, and wait your turn. However, you can check the DMV website or call the Longmont office before you go to see current wait times, which helps you choose the best time to visit.

What if I moved to Longmont 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 your ID and Social Security number. You will take the written test and vision screening as if you were a new driver, even if you held a valid license in another state.

Do I need a new photo if I renew my license?

For in-person renewal at the DMV office, yes — the DMV takes a new photo as part of the renewal process. For mail renewal, you must provide a new photo. For online renewal, you do not need a new photo if you renewed online within the last eight years.

What happens if I fail the written test?

You can retake the written test the same day at no additional cost. You have three attempts per visit. If you fail all three times, you must return on another day to try again. Many people study the DMV study guide between attempts.

How long is a Colorado driver license valid?

A standard Colorado driver license is valid for four or eight years, depending on which term you choose when you renew. If you are under 21, your license expires on your 21st birthday. Military members stationed outside Colorado can request a longer validity period.