How to Get or Renew Your Driver's License in Adams County

Where to get your driver's license in Adams County

Adams County residents get their driver's licenses through the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You cannot get a Colorado license at a county office — the DMV handles all issuance, renewal, and replacement. The nearest DMV office to you depends on which part of Adams County you live in, since the county borders multiple regions.

The main DMV office serving Adams County is located in Commerce City, at 7151 Colorado Boulevard. This office handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and most other transactions. If you live in the northern part of the county, the Westminster DMV office (at 10655 Westminster Boulevard) may be closer. Both offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

Before you go to either office, check the DMV's website for current hours and any temporary closures. You can also schedule an appointment online, which reserves your place in line and typically reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes instead of an hour or more.

Key Takeaways

Colorado's DMV, not Adams County government, issues all driver's licenses; the Commerce City office is the primary location for Adams County residents.
You will need your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a valid form of ID to explore for a new license.
A new Colorado driver's license costs $28.75 and is valid for five years; renewal costs $28.75 and can be done online if you are not changing your address or name.
The DMV offers appointments online to reduce wait times, and you can renew by mail or online if you meet certain conditions.

Documents you need to bring

The DMV requires specific documents depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or replacing a lost one. For a new Colorado license, bring your Social Security number (written down or memorized), a valid form of ID (such as a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license), and proof of your current address in Adams County.

Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you do not have any of these, you can bring two documents that together prove your name and address — for example, a lease plus a credit card statement.

If you are renewing an existing Colorado license and your address and name have not changed, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If either has changed, you must go in person and bring the same documents as a new applicant.

The cost and how long it takes

A Colorado driver's license costs $28.75 and is valid for five years from the date of issue. If you renew before your current license expires, the new one is valid for five years from the expiration date of the old one, not from the renewal date. Renewal costs the same $28.75.

If you lose your license and need a replacement, the cost is also $28.75. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards at the office. Online and mail renewals cost the same amount and are processed through your credit or debit card.

A new license or replacement is typically ready the same day if you explore in person at the DMV office. Mail-in renewals take 7 to 10 business days from the date the DMV receives your process. Online renewals are processed when ready, and you can print a temporary license to use while you wait for the physical card to arrive by mail.

Renewing online or by mail instead of visiting the office

If your current Colorado license is not expired and your name and address have not changed, you can renew online through the DMV website without going to an office. The online process takes about 10 minutes, costs $28.75, and your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can print a temporary license when ready after completing the online renewal.

Mail-in renewal is also an option if you meet the same conditions. You will need to read the renewal form from the DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address listed on the form. Mail-in renewals take longer than online renewals — typically 10 to 14 business days from the date the DMV receives your envelope — so online is faster if you have internet access.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has already expired, if you are changing your address or legal name, if you want to change your gender marker, or if you are upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license. In those cases, you must visit a DMV office in person.

Getting a REAL ID-compliant license

A standard Colorado driver's license is not a REAL ID. A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license does not have this star, you can upgrade to one at any DMV office.

Upgrading to REAL ID costs $28.75 (the same as a regular renewal) and requires the same documents as a new license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You must explore in person; you cannot upgrade online or by mail. The new license is ready the same day.

If you are getting a new Colorado license for the first time, you can request REAL ID at the same time. It does not cost extra — you pay the standard $28.75 license fee. The DMV will ask during your process whether you want the REAL ID version.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If you lose your Colorado driver's license or it is stolen, go to the Commerce City DMV office or the Westminster office and ask for a replacement. Bring the same documents you would bring for a new license: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The replacement costs $28.75 and is ready the same day.

You do not need to file a police report to get a replacement, though you may want to if your license was stolen rather than lost. Some people file a report for their records, but the DMV does not require it. If your license was stolen and you are concerned about identity theft, contact your bank and credit card companies to let them know.

If you need to use a driver's license before your replacement is ready, the DMV can print a temporary paper license on the spot. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and can be used for most purposes, including driving and boarding flights.

Changing your name or address on your license

If you change your legal name (through marriage, divorce, or court order) or move to a new address in Adams County, you must update your driver's license. You cannot do this online or by mail — you must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your current license, proof of your new name or address, and your Social Security number.

For a name change, bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. For an address change, bring a utility bill, lease, or other proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. The DMV will issue a new license with the updated information, valid for five years from the date of issue, and it costs $28.75.

If you move out of Adams County but stay in Colorado, you can update your address at any DMV office in the state. If you move out of Colorado, you will need to get a license from your new state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has already expired?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired. You must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The office will issue a new license on the spot for $28.75. If your license has been expired for more than five years, the DMV may require additional documentation.

Do I need an appointment to visit the DMV office?

Appointments are not required, but they are strongly recommended. You can schedule one online through the DMV website, and it typically reduces your wait time to 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be an hour or longer depending on the time of day and day of week.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or another form of federal identification instead. Bring documentation of your ITIN or federal ID to the DMV office along with your other required documents. The DMV staff can tell you which documents are acceptable when you call or visit.

How do I know if my license is REAL ID-compliant?

Look at the upper right corner of your license. If there is a gold star, your license is REAL ID-compliant. If there is no star, your license is a standard Colorado license and will not be accepted for domestic flights or federal building entry after May 2025. You can upgrade at any DMV office for $28.75.

Can I get a temporary license while I wait for my new one?

Yes. If you explore in person at a DMV office, the staff will print a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days. If you renew online, you can print a temporary license when ready after completing your process. The temporary license can be used for driving and most other purposes while you wait for your permanent card to arrive by mail.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.