Where to go for your driver's license in Lamar

Lamar, Colorado has a single driver's license office run by the Colorado Department of Revenue. It is located at 102 East Beech Street in Lamar and handles all new licenses, renewals, and replacements for residents in Prowers County. You cannot renew online in Colorado, so you will need to visit in person for any transaction beyond a straightforward address change.

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a one-hour lunch break from noon to 1 p.m. There is no appointment system — you walk in and take a number. Wait times vary by day and time of year, but mornings and mid-week tend to be shorter than Friday afternoons. The office closes on state holidays.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lamar driver's license office is at 102 East Beech Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no appointment needed.
  • You will need your Social Security number, proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of legal presence to get a new license.
  • A standard Colorado driver's license costs $28.50 for an eight-year renewal and $31.50 for a new license; payment is cash, check, or card.
  • Processing takes about 15 minutes at the counter, but your physical license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If your license is suspended or revoked, the Lamar office cannot lift the suspension — you must contact the Colorado Department of Revenue directly or work through the court system.

What documents you need to bring

Colorado requires four categories of documents for any new or renewed license. First, proof of identity: a passport, military ID, or previous Colorado driver's license. If you do not have one of those, you can use a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a school ID or utility bill, but the office staff will tell you on the phone whether your specific combination works.

Second, proof of Social Security number: your Social Security card, a W-2, a 1099, or a tax return. A photo of the card on your phone is not accepted — you must bring the physical document or an official copy.

Third, proof of Colorado residency: a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days, or a property tax bill. Your name must be on the document. A piece of mail addressed to you is not enough by itself.

Fourth, proof of legal presence: a U.S. birth certificate, passport, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa. If you were born outside the U.S., bring the original birth certificate or a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. A photocopy is not accepted.

Cost and payment methods

A standard eight-year Colorado driver's license costs $28.50 for a renewal and $31.50 for a new license. If you want a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025), the cost is the same — Real ID is now standard in Colorado. The office accepts cash, check, or debit and credit cards.

If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, the cost is $20. If you need a duplicate (a second copy of your current license), the cost is $10. These fees are in addition to any renewal fees if your license is also expired.

How long the process takes

At the counter, the transaction itself takes about 15 minutes. The staff will take your photo, verify your documents, and print a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days. You can drive on this temporary license while you wait for your permanent card.

Your physical license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The office does not mail licenses faster, and there is no way to pick one up early. If you need to drive before the card arrives, the temporary license is your only option. If your mail is slow or you move before the card arrives, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5600 to update your address.

Renewing an expired license

If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it at the Lamar office without retaking the written or driving test. Bring the same four document categories listed above. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must take the written test and the driving test as if you were a new driver — you cannot straightforward renew.

Colorado licenses are valid for eight years. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before expiration, but the notice is a reminder only — it does not extend your important date. You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment.

What to do if your license is suspended or revoked

The Lamar office cannot lift a suspension or revocation. These actions are handled by the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver's License Section, which maintains a separate database. If you believe your license was suspended in error, or if you want to know the reason for a suspension, call the Department of Revenue at 303-205-5600 during business hours.

If your suspension is due to unpaid traffic fines or child support, you will need to resolve those issues first. If it is due to a DUI or reckless driving conviction, you may be able to request a hearing or a work permit. The Department of Revenue website has a suspension lookup tool where you can enter your name and date of birth to see your current status.

Getting a Real ID or REAL ID-compliant license

Colorado now issues all new and renewed licenses as Real ID-compliant by default. You do not need to request it or pay extra. Your license will have a small star in the upper right corner if it is Real ID-compliant. This license is required for federal buildings, military bases, and domestic flights after May 7, 2025.

If you have an older Colorado license without the star, you can bring it to the Lamar office and renew it early to get a Real ID version. There is no fee for the upgrade if you renew before your current license expires. After expiration, you pay the standard renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online or by mail?

No. Colorado does not offer online or mail renewal for driver's licenses. You must visit the Lamar office in person. The only exception is a straightforward address change, which you can do online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website if your license is not expired.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks by mail. In the meantime, you can use a passport or permanent resident card as proof of legal presence instead.

Do I need an appointment?

No. The Lamar office operates on a walk-in basis. You take a number when you arrive and wait your turn. There is no way to schedule ahead, but calling ahead to ask about current wait times is common practice.

What if I moved to Lamar from another state?

You will need to get a new Colorado license. Bring your out-of-state license as proof of identity, plus the three other required documents (Social Security proof, residency proof, and legal presence proof). Your out-of-state license will be surrendered, so bring it even if it is not expired.

Can I get a license if I do not have a Social Security number?

No. A Social Security number is required by Colorado law. If you are a non-citizen without a Social Security number, you may be able to get an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) from the IRS, but the Lamar office staff can advise you on whether that will work in your case.