Where to go for your driver's license in Lakewood

Lakewood does not have its own driver's license office. Instead, you will go to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office that serves your area. The nearest full-service DMV to Lakewood is in Golden, about 15 minutes west. You can also visit the DMV office in Denver, which is about 20 minutes east and typically has more appointment slots available.

Both offices handle new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. You do not need to go to the office where you originally got your license — any Colorado DMV office can help you. However, appointments fill up quickly, especially at the Golden location, so you may find faster service in Denver.

You can check wait times and book an appointment on the Colorado DMV website before you go. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait several hours during peak times.

Key Takeaways

  • The nearest DMV office to Lakewood is in Golden, but the Denver office often has shorter wait times and more available appointments.
  • You will need to bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (like a utility bill or lease), and proof of identity (like a passport or birth certificate).
  • A new Colorado driver's license costs $25.50 and is valid for five years; a renewal costs $25.50 and extends your license for five more years.
  • You can book an appointment online through the Colorado DMV website, which usually gets you in faster than walking in.
  • If you are renewing by mail, you must be at least 61 years old, have a valid license, and have no medical conditions that affect driving.

What documents you need to bring

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

For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a bank statement — it must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days.

If you are renewing and your name has not changed, you may be able to skip some documents. Ask when you book your appointment or call the DMV office directly.

Getting a new license versus renewing

A new license is what you need if you have never had a Colorado driver's license, or if your license has expired more than one year ago. You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test has 25 questions and you must answer at least 20 correctly. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, which is free on the DMV website.

A renewal is what you do if your current license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. You do not take any tests. You pay the fee, provide your documents, and get your new license. Most renewals are done in person, though Colorado offers mail renewal for drivers 61 and older who meet certain conditions.

If your license expired more than one year ago, the DMV treats it as a new license, not a renewal, even if you originally got it in Colorado. You will need to pass the written and driving tests again.

The cost and how long your license lasts

A new Colorado driver's license costs $25.50 and is valid for five years from the date it is issued. A renewal also costs $25.50 and extends your license for five more years. These fees cover the license itself and are the same whether you go to the Golden office or the Denver office.

If you need a replacement because your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, the cost is also $25.50. If you need to change your name or address on your license, you can do that at the same time for no extra charge.

Payment is accepted in cash, debit card, or credit card. The DMV does not accept checks.

How to book an appointment and what to expect

Go to the Colorado DMV website and select "Schedule an Appointment." Choose whether you need a new license, renewal, or replacement. Select the office you prefer — Golden or Denver — and pick a date and time that works for you. You will get a confirmation number by email.

Arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents. The DMV will verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect your fee. If you are getting a new license, you will take the written test on a computer at the office. If you pass, you will schedule your driving test for a later date at a separate testing facility.

Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive with your old license or a printed confirmation until the new one arrives.

Renewing by mail if you are 61 or older

If you are at least 61 years old, your current license is valid, and you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, you can renew by mail instead of going to the office. You will not need to take any tests or provide new documents.

To renew by mail, read the renewal form from the Colorado DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with your $25.50 fee to the address on the form. Include a copy of your current license. Your new license will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license has expired or if you have any medical conditions, you must renew in person at an office.

What to do if you fail the written or driving test

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no extra fee for retakes. You have three attempts to pass the written test within a 12-month period. If you do not pass within three attempts, you must wait one year before trying again.

If you fail the driving test, you must schedule a new test appointment. There is a $10 fee for each retake. You have three attempts to pass the driving test within a 12-month period. If you do not pass within three attempts, you must wait one year before trying again.

Between attempts, practice the skills that gave you trouble. The Colorado Driver Handbook covers all the rules tested on the written exam, and many DMV offices offer practice driving tests for a small fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No. Colorado does not offer online renewal for any driver. You must renew in person at a DMV office, or by mail if you are 61 or older with a valid license and no medical conditions. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days.

What if I moved to Lakewood from another state?

You will need a new Colorado license. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency in Colorado. You will take the written test and driving test. Your out-of-state license is valid until your Colorado license arrives in the mail.

How do I change my address without getting a new license?

You can update your address at any DMV office for $5, or online through the Colorado DMV website for $5. You do not need to take any tests. Your current license remains valid; only the address on file changes. The update takes effect when ready online and within 7 to 10 business days by mail.

What if I need my license before it arrives in the mail?

The DMV will print a temporary paper license at the office when you complete your transaction. You can drive with this temporary license until your permanent license arrives, usually within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid in Colorado and most other states.

Can I get a REAL ID license in Lakewood?

Yes. A REAL ID is a federal security standard that allows you to use your driver's license for air travel and federal building access. It costs the same as a regular license ($25.50) and you get it at the same DMV offices. You will need one additional document: a birth certificate or passport. The process is the same as a regular license, and your REAL ID will be marked with a gold star in the top right corner.