Where to go for your driver's license in Longmont
The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in Longmont is located at 1515 Hover Street, Longmont, CO 80501. This is the only full-service DMV location in the city where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or handle most other driving-related transactions. You can walk in during business hours, but the office often has wait times, especially on Fridays and early in the month.
Before you go, check the current wait times and hours on the Colorado DMV website. The office is closed on Sundays and some state holidays. If you want to avoid the longest lines, mid-week mornings (Tuesday through Thursday, before 11 a.m.) typically move faster than afternoons or Fridays.
Key Takeaways
- The Longmont DMV office is at 1515 Hover Street and handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements in person.
- You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of your Social Security number to any in-person transaction.
- Colorado offers online renewal for some drivers, which you can check on the DMV website without visiting the office.
- A standard Colorado driver's license costs around $28 for a five-year license, though the exact fee depends on the type of license and your age.
- If you need your license quickly, the Longmont office can issue a temporary paper license the same day, valid for 30 days while your permanent card is mailed.
What documents you need to bring
Colorado requires three categories of documents for a new or renewed driver's license: proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need all three from the same source — you can mix and match as long as you cover each category.
For proof of identity, bring a valid passport, military ID, tribal ID, or an out-of-state driver's license. A birth certificate alone is not enough for this step. For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice with your name and current Longmont address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a tax return.
If you are renewing and your name has not changed, you may be able to skip some documents — the DMV website has a checklist for renewals specifically. Bring your current license if you have one, even if it is expired.
New license versus renewal: what is different
A renewal is for a driver whose license is still valid or expired less than five years ago. You keep the same license number and usually need fewer documents. Renewals can often be done online through the Colorado DMV website if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be suspended, you must have no medical restrictions, and your address must not have changed. Check the online renewal tool first — if you are not may be able to access, you will be told when ready and can then schedule an in-person visit or walk in.
A new license is for someone who has never held a Colorado license, whose license expired more than five years ago, or whose name has changed. You must go in person to the Longmont office. You will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test unless you are transferring from another state and meet Colorado's reciprocity rules. If you are transferring a valid out-of-state license, you may skip the written test.
Both renewals and new licenses result in a card that is mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. The DMV will issue you a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent card to arrive.
Fees and payment methods
A standard five-year Colorado driver's license costs approximately $28. The exact fee depends on whether you are getting a new license, a renewal, or a replacement, and whether you are under 21 or over 65. The DMV office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards — check the Colorado DMV website for the most current fee schedule, as rates can change.
If you need a Real ID-compliant license (required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings), the fee is higher — typically around $33 for a five-year license. A Real ID requires additional identity verification but uses the same documents listed above. Most people renewing now receive a Real ID automatically, but confirm with the DMV staff when you arrive.
What to expect during your visit
When you arrive at the Longmont DMV office, take a number from the ticket machine near the entrance. Wait for your number to be called, then approach the counter with all your documents ready. The staff member will review your documents, ask you to sign the process, and take your photo. If you are getting a new license (not a renewal), you will be directed to take a vision test and, if required, a written knowledge test on a computer terminal in the office.
The vision test checks that you can read a standard eye chart. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. The written test covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs — you can study the Colorado Driver Handbook online before you go. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.
Once everything is complete, you will receive a temporary paper license and a receipt. Keep both until your permanent card arrives in the mail. The entire process usually takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on how busy the office is and whether you need to take the written test.
If you cannot visit in person
Colorado allows some transactions by mail or online without visiting the Longmont office. If your license is still valid and you are only renewing, check the online renewal tool on the Colorado DMV website. You can renew online if you meet the may be able to access requirements — the tool will tell you when ready whether you may have access to.
If you are not may be able to access for online renewal but want to avoid the office, you can request a renewal by mail. read the process for Renewal of Driver's License form from the Colorado DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a copy of your current license and payment to the address listed on the form. Processing by mail takes longer — typically three to four weeks — and you will not receive a temporary license, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your permanent card arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I live in Longmont?
You may be able to renew online through the Colorado DMV website if your current license is valid, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. The online tool will confirm your may be able to access in seconds. If you are not may be able to access, you must visit the Longmont office in person or renew by mail.
What if my license is suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. Contact the Colorado DMV directly to find out why your license was suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it. The Longmont office staff can provide information, but you may need to complete other requirements (such as paying fines or completing a course) before you can renew.
How long does it take to get my permanent license card in the mail?
Colorado typically mails your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days of your visit. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact the Colorado DMV to check the status.
Do I need a Real ID to drive in Colorado?
A Real ID is not required to drive in Colorado. However, starting in May 2025, you will need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Most new and renewed licenses issued now are Real ID-compliant automatically. Ask the DMV staff whether your license is Real ID when you visit.
What if I fail the written knowledge test?
You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. The DMV office has study materials available, and you can ask the staff for a few minutes to review before trying again. Most people pass on the second attempt. If you fail multiple times, consider studying the Colorado Driver Handbook more thoroughly before your next attempt.