The two main locations to renew or replace your Colorado driver's license

Colorado's Department of Revenue runs the driver's license system, and in the Denver metro area you have two primary in-person offices: one in Denver itself and one in Lakewood, about 10 miles west. Both issue new licenses, handle renewals, and process replacements. The Lakewood office is often less crowded than the Denver location, though wait times vary by time of day and season.

You do not have to visit in person for every transaction. Colorado allows online renewal for some drivers, mail-in renewal for others, and third-party renewal at certain King Soopers and Walmart locations. Understanding which route works for your situation can save you a trip to either office.

Key Takeaways

  • The Denver Driver's License Office is at 1881 Pierce Street, Denver, CO 80202, and the Lakewood office is at 7151 West 85th Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80260.
  • You can renew online if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or medical information since your last renewal.
  • Expired licenses and first-time licenses require an in-person visit with proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
  • The Lakewood office typically has shorter wait times than the Denver location, especially on weekday mornings.
  • King Soopers and Walmart locations in Colorado can handle some transactions, but not all — call ahead to confirm what services your nearest store offers.

Denver Driver's License Office location and hours

The main Denver office is located at 1881 Pierce Street, Denver, CO 80202. It is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays. This office handles all license types and services, including commercial driver's licenses.

Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots, though street parking fills quickly during midday hours. The office does not take appointments — service is first-come, first-served. Arriving before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. typically means shorter waits than midday.

Lakewood Driver's License Office location and hours

The Lakewood office is at 7151 West 85th Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80260. It is also open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the same holiday closures as the Denver location. This office handles standard driver's licenses, renewals, and replacements, though some specialty services may require a trip to Denver.

The Lakewood location has a larger parking lot and generally shorter wait times than Pierce Street. If you live on the west side of the metro area, this office is often the faster choice. Call ahead at the main Colorado DMV line to confirm current wait times before you drive over.

What documents you need to bring

For a new license or replacement, bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you are renewing and your information has not changed, you may not need all of these — check the Colorado DMV website before you go.

If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring a police report if you have one, though it is not always required. If you are changing your name, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. Bring your current license if you still have it.

When you can renew online instead of visiting an office

Colorado allows online renewal through the state DMV website if all of these are true: your license is not expired, you have not changed your address, you have not changed your name, and you have no medical conditions to report or update. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than an in-person renewal.

If your license is already expired, you cannot renew online — you must visit an office in person. The same applies if you have moved, changed your name, or need to update medical information. Online renewal is not available for commercial driver's licenses or for drivers under 21.

Third-party renewal at King Soopers and Walmart

Some King Soopers and Walmart locations in the Denver area offer limited driver's license services through a third-party vendor. These locations can handle renewals for drivers whose licenses are not expired and whose information has not changed. Not every store offers this service, and the hours vary by location.

Call the King Soopers or Walmart customer service desk before you visit to confirm they offer license services that day. You will still need to bring the same documents as you would to a state office. This option works well if you are already shopping and your renewal is straightforward, but it is not faster than online renewal and may have longer waits than the Lakewood office.

How to check wait times before you go

The Colorado Department of Revenue publishes current wait times on its website for both the Denver and Lakewood offices. You can also call the main DMV customer service line to ask about wait times at either location. Wait times are usually shortest on weekday mornings between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., and longest between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

If you are planning a trip to either office, check the wait time the morning you plan to go. Rainy days and days right before a holiday often see longer lines. If the wait is over 90 minutes, consider coming back another day or using online renewal if you are may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail in Colorado?

Colorado does not offer mail-in renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew online, at an office in person, or at a third-party location like King Soopers. If you cannot visit an office, online renewal is your fastest option if you are may be able to access.

Do I need an appointment at either the Denver or Lakewood office?

No. Both offices operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no appointments. Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon usually means a shorter wait than midday.

What if I have a commercial driver's license?

Commercial driver's licenses must be renewed in person at the Denver office on Pierce Street. The Lakewood location does not handle commercial licenses. Bring the same documents as for a standard license, plus your current CDL.

How long does it take to get a new license after I visit the office?

You receive a temporary paper license on the day you visit. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until the plastic card arrives.

What if I moved to Colorado from another state?

You must visit an office in person to get a Colorado license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of identity. You do not need to surrender your old license, but you should stop using it once you have the Colorado license.