How to Get or Renew Your Driver's License in Aurora, Colorado

Where to go for your driver's license in Aurora

Aurora residents get their driver's licenses through the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You cannot get a Colorado license at a city office — you must visit a DMV office. Aurora has one DMV office located at 13451 East Quincy Avenue, which handles both new licenses and renewals for people living in the Aurora area.

The DMV office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary. During peak hours (late morning and early afternoon), you may wait 30 minutes to over an hour. Early morning visits typically have shorter waits.

If you prefer not to visit in person for a renewal, Colorado offers online renewal for some drivers — but only if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions. The DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov has a tool to check whether you can renew online before you go to the office.

Key Takeaways

Aurora's DMV office is at 13451 East Quincy Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
You will need proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to get a new license.
A standard Colorado driver's license costs $28.50 and is valid for five years; a Real ID-compliant license costs $33.50.
If your license is not expired, you may be able to renew online at dmv.colorado.gov without visiting the office.
Bring the documents you need before you go — the DMV will turn you away if your paperwork is incomplete.

What documents you need to bring

Colorado requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

For proof of identity, the DMV accepts a valid passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a certified birth certificate plus one additional document from a list that includes a school ID, medical records, or a bank statement with your name on it.

For proof of Colorado residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your name and current Aurora address. Utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. Do not bring a PO box address — the DMV requires a physical street address.

If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you are getting your first Colorado license, bring your out-of-state license if you have one.

The cost and type of license to choose

A standard Colorado driver's license costs $28.50 and is valid for five years. A Real ID-compliant license costs $33.50 and is also valid for five years. The difference matters if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building — starting in 2025, the federal government requires a Real ID or passport for these activities.

If you already have a passport or military ID, you do not need a Real ID license. If you do not have either, getting a Real ID license now prevents you from having to return to the DMV later. The process is the same; you just pay the higher fee and the DMV marks your license accordingly.

Colorado also offers an Enhanced Driver's License for $63.50, which allows you to cross the land border into Canada and Mexico without a passport. Most Aurora residents do not need this unless they travel frequently to the border.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at the DMV office, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is there. If anything is missing, they will tell you what you need and you will have to come back. This is the most common reason visits take longer than expected.

If your documents are complete, you will be assigned a number and wait to be called. When you reach the counter, the DMV staff member will ask you questions about your address, driving history, and any medical conditions that might affect your driving. Answer honestly — false information on your process is a crime in Colorado.

You will then take a vision test at the office. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. You will also have your photo taken. After that, you pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is printed and mailed to your address. The plastic card usually arrives within two weeks.

If you need to take the written or driving test

If you are getting your first Colorado license and have never held a license in another state, you must pass a written test on Colorado traffic laws and a practical driving test. The written test is given at the DMV office and covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Colorado Driver's Manual, available free on the DMV website.

The practical driving test is scheduled separately and takes place at the DMV office or at a third-party testing location. You must bring your own vehicle, and it must be registered and insured. The test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills like parking, turning, and stopping.

If you are moving to Colorado from another state and already have a valid driver's license, you do not need to take either test. You can exchange your out-of-state license for a Colorado license at the DMV office.

Renewing your license before it expires

Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years. The DMV sends a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires. If you do not receive one, check the expiration date on your license and plan to renew before that date.

If your license is not expired, you can renew online at dmv.colorado.gov if you meet these conditions: your name has not changed, your address has not changed, you have no medical conditions to report, and you do not need a Real ID upgrade. The online renewal costs $28.50 and takes a few minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within two weeks.

If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you must renew in person at the DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of residency if your address changed, and any documents showing a name change if that applies.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged

If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the Aurora Police Department and get a case number. Then go to the DMV office with your case number, proof of identity, and proof of residency. The DMV will issue a replacement license on the spot for $28.50. You will receive a temporary paper license and your plastic card will be mailed within two weeks.

If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a new one at the DMV office for $28.50. Bring your damaged license, proof of identity, and proof of residency.

If your license was suspended or revoked, you cannot get a replacement until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Contact the DMV at 303-205-5600 to find out the status of your license and what steps you need to take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail?

Colorado does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online if you meet the conditions listed above, or you must visit the DMV office in person. Online renewal is faster and does not require you to leave home.

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

You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days on the day of your visit. Your plastic card is mailed to your address and usually arrives within two weeks. If it does not arrive after three weeks, contact the DMV at 303-205-5600.

What if I moved to Aurora from another state?

You have 30 days from the date you establish Colorado residency to get a Colorado driver's license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency, proof of identity, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You do not need to take a test if your out-of-state license is valid.

Do I need a Real ID license to fly within the United States?

Starting in 2025, yes. If you do not have a Real ID license or a passport, you will not be able to board a domestic flight. A Real ID license costs $5 more than a standard license and is valid for five years, so getting one now prevents a trip back to the DMV later.

What if I fail the written or driving test?

You can retake the test the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake a test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. The DMV website has practice tests you can use to study before your next attempt.

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.