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

Where to go for your driver's license in Larimer County

In Larimer County, the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all driver's licenses. You cannot get one from the county government itself — you go to a DMV office. The main office is in Fort Collins at 3656 South College Avenue, and there is also a smaller office in Loveland at 810 East 14th Street. Both locations handle new licenses, renewals, and replacements.

The Fort Collins location is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Loveland office has shorter hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed Saturdays. Hours can change, so check the Colorado DMV website before you go. You do not need an appointment at either location — they work on a first-come, first-served basis, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.

Key Takeaways

The Colorado DMV, not Larimer County, issues driver's licenses; the Fort Collins office is at 3656 South College Avenue and the Loveland office is at 810 East 14th Street.
You will need your Social Security number, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or previous license) at your appointment.
A new license costs $28.50 and is valid for five years; a renewal costs $28.50 and extends your license for another five years.
If you are renewing by mail, you can do so if your license is not expired by more than one year and you have no medical restrictions.

What documents you need to bring

Colorado requires two forms of identification to get a new driver's license: one to prove who you are, and one to prove where you live. For proof of identity, bring your passport, birth certificate, or a previous driver's license. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a military ID, tribal ID, or a foreign passport.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved to Larimer County and do not have a utility bill yet, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord works. You will also need your Social Security number — have it memorized or written down before you arrive.

The cost and how long a license lasts

A new Colorado driver's license costs $28.50 and is valid for five years from the date it is issued. If you are renewing an existing license, the cost is also $28.50 and extends your license for another five years. These prices do not include any additional fees if you need a duplicate or a replacement due to loss or damage.

If you are over 65, your license is valid for only four years instead of five, and the cost is lower — currently $8.50. If you have a medical condition that requires restrictions on your license (such as corrective lenses or hearing aids), you will pay the standard fee but your license will have those restrictions printed on it.

Renewing by mail instead of in person

You can renew your Colorado driver's license by mail if your current license is not expired by more than one year and you have no medical restrictions. To do this, complete the process for Renewal of Driver's License form (available on the Colorado DMV website), include a check or money order for $28.50, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your current license.

Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks. You will receive your new license in the mail. This option is useful if you cannot visit an office in person, but it only works if your license is still relatively current. If your license has been expired for more than a year, you must go to an office in person and take the written test and vision test again.

What to expect during your visit

When you arrive at the DMV office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called. At the window, the staff member will review your documents, ask you questions to verify your identity and address, and take your photograph. You will also take a vision test — if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

If you are getting a new license (not a renewal), you will also take a written test covering Colorado traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. Study materials are available on the Colorado DMV website. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is. Your temporary license is printed on the spot, and your permanent license arrives in the mail within one to two weeks.

If you have a commercial driver's license or special endorsements

If you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) for work, or if you want to add endorsements such as motorcycle or hazmat, the process is more involved. You must pass additional written tests and a skills test. The Fort Collins DMV office handles CDL testing, but you may need to schedule an appointment in advance. Check the Colorado DMV website or call the Fort Collins office at (970) 416-2000 to find out current wait times and appointment availability.

Endorsements for motorcycles, hazmat, or passenger transport require extra fees and additional testing. If you already hold a license and want to add an endorsement, you can do so at either Larimer County DMV office, though the written test and vision test are required again.

What to do if your license is lost or stolen

If your license is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at either DMV office. Bring your proof of identity and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. A replacement license costs $28.50 and is valid for the remainder of your current license term — you do not get a full five years. Your temporary license is printed when ready, and your permanent license arrives in the mail within one to two weeks.

If your license was stolen, you may also want to report it to local police. Some people file a report to protect themselves in case someone uses the stolen license fraudulently. This is not required by the DMV, but it creates a record in case questions arise later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online?

No, Colorado does not offer online renewal. You can renew by mail if your license is not expired by more than one year and you have no medical restrictions. Otherwise, you must visit a DMV office in person.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day or return another day. There is no additional fee to retake the test. Most people study the Colorado Driver's Handbook (available free on the DMV website) and pass on the second attempt.

How do I change my name or address on my license?

Visit either Larimer County DMV office with your proof of identity and proof of residency showing your new name or address. There is no fee to update your address. A name change requires a court order or marriage certificate. Your updated license arrives in the mail within one to two weeks.

Can I get a REAL ID compliant license in Larimer County?

Yes. A REAL ID compliant license costs the same as a standard license ($28.50) and is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings. Bring the same documents as you would for a standard license, plus proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). Ask for a REAL ID license when you visit the office.

What if I move out of Larimer County?

Your Colorado license remains valid even if you move to another county. If you move to another state, you will need to get a driver's license from that state. Colorado does not require you to surrender your old license when you move.

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.