Where to Go for a Driver's License in Denver

The Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) runs the driver's license offices in Denver. You cannot get a license at a local police station or courthouse — you must visit a DMV office. Denver has two full-service locations where you can explore for a new license, renew an existing one, or get a state ID card.

The main Denver DMV office is at 405 South Cherry Street, Denver, CO 80246. The second location is at 7151 West 85th Avenue, Denver, CO 80260. Both offices handle the same services, so you can visit whichever is more convenient. Hours vary by location, but both are typically open Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday hours at some locations. Check the Colorado DMV website or call ahead before you go, because hours change seasonally and offices occasionally close for staff training.

Walk-in appointments are not may provide. Colorado's DMV uses an online appointment system where you reserve a specific time slot before arriving. You can book an appointment on the Colorado DMV website at dor.colorado.gov/dmv. If no appointments are available at your preferred location, you may see openings at other Denver-area offices, or you can join a waitlist to be notified when slots open.

Key Takeaways

  • Denver has two DMV offices: one at 405 South Cherry Street and one at 7151 West 85th Avenue, and you must visit one of these to get or renew a driver's license.
  • You must book an appointment online through the Colorado DMV website before you arrive; walk-ins are not accepted.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and any required documents for your specific transaction (new license, renewal, or state ID).
  • Processing times vary, but you will receive your license in the mail within two to three weeks after your appointment.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew by mail or online if your license is not expired and you meet other requirements.

Documents You Need to Bring

What you bring depends on whether you are getting a new license, renewing an existing one, or obtaining a state ID. For any transaction, you will need proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form), a current valid ID, and proof of your Colorado residency.

Proof of residency means a document showing your name and current Denver address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you do not have a current ID, bring a passport, military ID, or tribal ID instead.

For a new Colorado driver's license, you also need proof of your legal name (birth certificate, passport, or court order if your name has changed). If you are under 21, you will need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at your appointment. If you are 21 or older renewing a license that is not expired, you may skip the tests.

What Happens During Your Appointment

When you arrive at your appointment time, check in at the front desk. A staff member will verify your documents, take your photograph, and collect your process. The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is and whether you need to take a written test.

If you are getting a new license and are under 21, you will take a written test on a computer at the office. The test covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra charge. After you pass, you will take a vision test using a machine that checks your eyesight. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.

You will pay the license fee at the end of your appointment. The cost depends on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard driver's license costs between $30 and $40, and a state ID card costs less. Payment is by cash, check, or card. You will receive a temporary paper license to use when ready, and your permanent license will arrive by mail in two to three weeks.

Renewing Your License by Mail or Online

If your Colorado driver's license is not expired and you have not changed your address, name, or vision requirements, you may be able to renew without visiting an office. Colorado allows mail renewal for licenses that are not more than one year expired, and online renewal for some drivers whose licenses are still valid.

To renew online, visit the Colorado DMV website and look for the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online renewal is faster than mail renewal — you receive your new license in about one week. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after the DMV receives your process.

You cannot renew online if you are under 21, if your address has changed, if you need to update your photograph, or if your vision has changed. In those cases, you must visit an office in person. If you are unsure whether you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal, call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 before you send anything in.

Getting a State ID Card Instead of a Driver's License

A Colorado state ID card is a valid form of identification but does not give you permission to drive. You might get one if you do not drive, if your license has been suspended, or if you need a second form of ID. The process process is the same as for a driver's license — you book an appointment, bring the same documents, and pay a fee at the office.

A state ID card costs less than a driver's license and is valid for longer. The documents you need are identical: proof of Social Security number, current ID, proof of residency, and proof of legal name. You do not take a written test or vision test for a state ID card, so your appointment is usually shorter. Your card arrives by mail in two to three weeks.

What to Do If You Cannot Get an Appointment

If the Colorado DMV website shows no available appointments for several weeks, you have a few options. First, check other Denver-area DMV offices — sometimes one location has openings when another does not. The DMV offices in Aurora, Littleton, and Westminster are within 30 minutes of downtown Denver and may have sooner appointments.

Second, join the waitlist on the Colorado DMV website. When a cancellation opens up, you will receive an email notification and can book that slot. Third, if your license is expiring soon and you cannot get an appointment in time, your license remains valid for 30 days after the expiration date if you have a confirmed appointment scheduled. This grace period gives you time to keep driving while you wait.

If you need a license urgently for work or another reason, call the DMV at 303-205-5600 and explain your situation. Staff cannot create appointments, but they can tell you which offices have the shortest wait times and whether any emergency procedures explore to your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license the same day as my appointment?

No. You receive a temporary paper license at your appointment that you can use when ready, but your permanent license is mailed to you and arrives in two to three weeks. The paper license is valid for driving during that time.

What if I lost my Social Security card and do not have a W-2 or 1099?

You can request a replacement Social Security card from the Social Security Administration before your DMV appointment, or you can bring a different document that shows your Social Security number, such as a tax return or bank statement. Call the DMV at 303-205-5600 to ask what other documents they accept.

Do I need to take the written test if I am renewing my license?

Only if your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you are under 21. If you are 21 or older and your license is not expired, you skip the written test and vision test during renewal.

What if I moved to Denver from another state?

You must get a Colorado driver's license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Denver, and the other documents listed above. You will take a written test and vision test even if you had a valid license in your previous state.

Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot go to the appointment?

No. You must attend your appointment in person. The DMV takes your photograph and verifies your identity at that time, so a family member or friend cannot do it for you.