Denver's Driver License Office Locations and Photo Services
The Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) operates the driver license offices in Denver where you can have your photo taken for a new license, renewal, or replacement. Denver has two main locations where you can walk in or schedule an appointment to get your photo taken and complete license transactions. Both offices have the equipment and staff to capture your photo on the same day you explore for or renew your license.
You do not need to bring a photo from elsewhere — the DMV takes your photo at the office as part of the standard process. The photo is taken digitally and becomes part of your official driver license record. You will see the photo on your license once it arrives in the mail, typically within 7 to 10 business days after your visit.
Key Takeaways
- Denver has two DMV locations where staff will take your driver license photo during your visit — you do not bring a photo from outside.
- The main Denver office is at 1881 Pierce Street, and a second location serves the metro area; both take walk-ins and appointments.
- You will need your current ID, proof of residency, and any required documents for your specific transaction (renewal, replacement, or new license).
- Your photo is captured digitally at the office and appears on your license when it arrives by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
- Scheduling an appointment online through the Colorado DMV website reduces wait times, though walk-ins are accepted during business hours.
Main Denver DMV Location and Hours
The primary driver license office in Denver is located at 1881 Pierce Street, Denver, CO 80204. This office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The office is closed on Sundays and state holidays. You can walk in during these hours, though wait times vary depending on the time of day and day of the week — mornings and early weekdays typically have shorter lines.
The Pierce Street location handles all driver license services, including new licenses, renewals, replacements, and photo updates. Staff at this office take your photo as part of the standard transaction, so you do not need to arrange a photo session separately. If you prefer not to wait, you can schedule an appointment through the Colorado DMV website, which often reduces your time in the office to 15 to 30 minutes.
What to Bring for Your Photo and License Transaction
Before you go to the DMV office, gather the documents required for your specific transaction. For any license photo, you will need a current form of ID (such as a passport, military ID, or existing Colorado driver license) and proof of Colorado residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone are usually not accepted.
If you are renewing your license, bring your current license and the documents listed above. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring your ID and residency proof plus a report number from the police or sheriff if the license was stolen. If you are getting a new license for the first time in Colorado, bring your out-of-state license (if you have one), proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or W-2 form). Staff will review your documents, take your photo, and process your transaction on the spot.
Photo Requirements and What to Expect
Colorado driver license photos must meet specific standards so they are clear and usable for identification. You should wear clothing that contrasts with your skin tone — avoid white or very light clothing if you have light skin, and avoid dark clothing if you have dark skin. Remove hats, sunglasses, and headwear unless you wear them for religious reasons (in which case staff will note this on your license). Your face must be fully visible and centered in the frame, and you should look directly at the camera with a neutral expression.
The DMV staff will position you in front of the camera and take the photo. If the photo does not meet standards — for example, if your eyes are closed or your face is not centered — staff will retake it at no extra charge. You will not see the final photo until your license arrives in the mail, so if you are unhappy with it, you can return to the office within a certain timeframe to request a new photo. Ask the staff member about the policy for photo retakes when you receive your receipt.
Scheduling an Appointment vs. Walk-In Service
You can schedule an appointment online through the Colorado DMV website (dmv.colorado.gov) by selecting your location, transaction type, and preferred date and time. Appointments are typically available within a few days to a week, depending on demand. Scheduling an appointment usually means you will be seen within 15 minutes of your appointment time, which is faster than walk-in service during busy periods.
Walk-in service is available at the Pierce Street location during all business hours. Wait times for walk-ins range from 15 minutes on quiet mornings to an hour or more during peak times (typically mid-morning and early afternoon on weekdays). If you cannot schedule an appointment or prefer to walk in, arriving early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday often means shorter waits than Friday afternoons or Saturdays.
Timeline for Receiving Your License After the Photo
After your photo is taken and your transaction is processed, the DMV will mail your new or renewed license to the address you provide. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date of your visit. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use to drive legally while you wait for your permanent license to arrive. Keep this temporary license with you — it is valid for 30 days and serves as proof of your license status.
If you do not receive your license within 10 business days, contact the Colorado DMV by phone at 303-205-5600 or through the website to check the status. Provide your driver license number or date of birth and the date you visited the office. The DMV can track your license and let you know if there was a delay in mailing or if there is an issue with your process.
Second Denver-Area DMV Location
In addition to the main Pierce Street office, the Colorado DMV operates a second location in the Denver metro area to serve residents in different parts of the region. This location also offers full driver license services, including photo capture. You can find the address and hours for this location on the Colorado DMV website by entering your zip code in the office locator tool.
Both locations have the same photo requirements and processing times, so you can choose whichever is more convenient for you. The second location follows the same walk-in and appointment procedures as the Pierce Street office, and your license will arrive by mail within the same 7 to 10 business day timeframe regardless of which office you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear glasses in my driver license photo?
Yes, you can wear glasses in your photo as long as there is no glare on the lenses and your eyes are clearly visible. Avoid tinted or dark glasses. If the camera flash causes a glare, staff may ask you to remove them for the photo. Contact lenses are always acceptable.
What if I do not like my photo after I get my license?
You can return to the DMV office and request a new photo. There is usually a grace period (often 30 to 60 days) during which you can get a retake at no charge. Ask the staff member for the exact timeframe when you receive your temporary license.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are accepted during all business hours at the Pierce Street location. Appointments are not required, but scheduling one online reduces your wait time. If you walk in, expect to wait 15 minutes to an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week.
How long does the whole process take at the office?
With an appointment, the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes from check-in to completion. Walk-ins may take longer depending on the current wait. The photo itself takes only a few minutes; most of the time is spent reviewing your documents and processing your process.
What if my address has changed since my last license?
Bring proof of your new Colorado address (such as a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). Staff will update your address during your visit, and your new license will show the updated address. You do not need to renew your license early just to change your address — you can update it at any time.