Where to go for a driver's license in Lakewood
Lakewood has a Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office that handles driver's licenses, renewals, and replacements. The office is located at 7380 W. 52nd Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80002. This is the main place you'll go for most driver's license transactions in the Lakewood area.
You can also renew your license online through the Colorado DMV website if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must have a valid Colorado address, and you cannot have any medical restrictions or changes to report. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about two weeks for the new license to arrive by mail.
If you need to get a license the same day, you must go to the Lakewood DMV office in person. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary. The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Check the Colorado DMV website for current hours before you go, as they sometimes change seasonally.
Key Takeaways
- The Lakewood DMV office is at 7380 W. 52nd Avenue and handles all driver's license services for the area.
- You can renew online if your license expired less than one year ago and you have no medical restrictions, which costs less and takes about two weeks.
- In-person visits at the Lakewood office are required for new licenses, replacements, and same-day service.
- You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, and your current license or ID to the office.
Documents you need to bring
For a new license or replacement, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, a form of government-issued photo ID (passport, military ID, or tribal ID), and proof of your current Colorado address. Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If you are renewing in person, bring your current driver's license and the same proof of address. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a document showing the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not accept a name change without legal documentation.
Bring your original documents, not copies. The DMV staff will verify them and return them to you. If you do not have all required documents, the office staff can tell you what alternatives they will accept, but it is faster to call ahead or check the Colorado DMV website to confirm what you have is acceptable.
What happens during your visit
When you arrive at the Lakewood DMV office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called, then go to a window where a staff member will review your documents and ask you questions about your address, any medical conditions, and whether you want to register as an organ donor.
You will take a new photo at the office — you cannot bring your own. The staff member will also give you a vision test using a machine. If you wear glasses or contacts, tell them before the test so they can note that on your license. You will then pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready while your permanent license is mailed to you.
The permanent license usually arrives within two to three weeks. If you need to drive before it arrives, the temporary paper license is valid for all purposes. Keep it with you until the permanent card arrives.
Fees and payment methods
The cost of a new driver's license in Colorado is different from the cost of a renewal. A new license costs more because it includes a new photo and background check. Renewal fees are lower. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the Colorado DMV website for current pricing before you go.
The Lakewood DMV office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept personal checks. If you are paying by card, bring the card with you — you cannot pay over the phone or online for in-person services.
If you have a medical condition or restriction
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — vision problems, hearing loss, seizure disorder, or other conditions — you must tell the DMV staff during your visit. Some conditions require a doctor's statement or a special test before the DMV will issue your license. The staff member at your window can tell you what documentation you need to bring back.
If your condition is temporary, the DMV can issue a license with an expiration date shorter than the standard five years. This means you will need to renew sooner, but it also means you do not have to wait for a permanent solution before getting a license.
Do not try to hide a medical condition. The DMV has access to your driving record and medical records through state databases. If you are in an accident and it comes out that you did not disclose a condition, your insurance may not cover the damage and you could face legal consequences.
Renewing online instead of in person
If your license expired less than one year ago, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed, you can renew online through the Colorado DMV website. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The fee for online renewal is lower than the in-person fee.
After you complete the online renewal, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. This usually takes about two weeks. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives — Colorado law allows this for online renewals. If you need a license before two weeks have passed, you must go to the Lakewood office in person and pay for an expedited replacement.
What to do if you lose your license or it is damaged
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, go to the Lakewood DMV office and ask for a replacement. Bring your Social Security card or proof of your number, proof of your current address, and a form of photo ID if you have one. If your license was stolen, you do not need to file a police report first — the DMV will issue a replacement on the spot.
A replacement license costs less than a new license because you are not going through a full background check again. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and the permanent card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If your old license is later found, you can destroy it — do not try to use both.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a driver's license at the Lakewood office?
The entire process at the window usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, but wait times in the office can be one to three hours depending on how busy it is. You will receive a temporary paper license the same day that is valid when ready. Your permanent license arrives by mail in two to three weeks.
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
No, online renewal only works if your license expired within the last year. If it expired longer ago, you must go to the Lakewood DMV office in person and explore for a new license, not a renewal. Bring all the documents required for a new license.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
The Lakewood DMV office accepts walk-ins. You do not need an appointment, but you can call ahead to ask about current wait times. Going early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays.
What if I moved to Lakewood from another state?
You will need to get a Colorado license within 30 days of moving. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of your new Colorado address, your Social Security card, and a form of government-issued photo ID. The DMV will issue you a new Colorado license and you can surrender your old one.
Can I get a REAL ID at the Lakewood DMV office?
Yes, the Lakewood office issues REAL ID licenses. A REAL ID is required for federal buildings and domestic flights. It costs more than a standard license and requires additional documentation, usually a birth certificate or passport. Ask the staff member at your window what documents you need to bring for REAL ID.