Where to go for your driver's license in Pueblo

In Pueblo, you get your driver's license at the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office located at 1401 West 23rd Street, Pueblo, CO 81003. This is the only DMV office in Pueblo County, so this is where you'll need to go whether you're getting your first license, renewing an expiring one, or replacing a lost or damaged card.

The office is open Monday through Friday. Hours vary by day, so call ahead at (719) 583-2346 or check the Colorado DMV website to confirm the current schedule before you go. Wait times can be long during peak hours, especially early in the month or on Fridays, so arriving early in the day or mid-week often means a shorter wait.

You can also handle some transactions online through the Colorado DMV website, including license renewals if you meet certain conditions. However, if you need to take a written test, vision test, or photo, you must visit the office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • The Pueblo DMV office is at 1401 West 23rd Street and is open Monday through Friday, with hours that vary by day.
  • You need to bring specific documents depending on whether you're getting your first license, renewing, or replacing one — a Real ID-compliant document like a passport or birth certificate is required.
  • The fee for a standard driver's license is $28.25 for a four-year license or $56.50 for an eight-year license in Colorado.
  • If you're under 21, you'll take a written test and vision test at the office; if you're renewing and have no violations, you may not need to retake the test.
  • Bring proof of residency such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current Pueblo address.

Documents you need to bring

What you bring depends on whether this is your first license, a renewal, or a replacement. For any transaction, you need one Real ID-compliant document — this means a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate with a raised seal, or military ID. A regular state ID or expired license alone is not enough.

You also need proof of residency showing your current Pueblo address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and address works if it's recent enough.

If you're renewing your license, bring your current or expired license card. If you're replacing a lost or stolen license, you don't need the original card, but you may be asked to sign a statement. If you're getting your first license or your license was suspended or revoked, bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you'll check in at the front desk and receive a number. You'll wait until your number is called. Bring all your documents with you — staff will review them to make sure everything is there before you move forward.

If you're getting your first license or your license has expired for more than a year, you'll take a written test on a computer at the office. The test covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs. You'll also take a vision test at a machine in the office. If you pass both, you'll move to the photo station.

At the photo station, staff will take your picture for the license card. You'll review the information on your license before it's printed. The card is printed on-site, and you'll receive it before you leave — you don't have to wait for it to arrive by mail.

Fees and payment methods

A standard four-year driver's license costs $28.25. An eight-year license costs $56.50. These are the base fees for Colorado residents. If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, the fee is the same as a renewal.

The Pueblo DMV office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks. If you're paying by card, bring the card with you — you cannot pay online at the office.

If you're under 21

Colorado issues a Instruction Permit to drivers under 16, and a Restricted License to drivers 16 and 17. You must hold an Instruction Permit for at least 12 months and pass a practical driving test before you can get a Restricted License.

To get an Instruction Permit, you need to pass the written test and vision test at the DMV office. You do not take a driving test for the permit. The permit allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat.

A Restricted License allows you to drive alone during daylight hours (5 a.m. to 8 p.m.) with some exceptions for school and work. You must pass a practical driving test administered by the DMV to move from a permit to a restricted license. After you turn 18, you can convert to a full license without another test if you've held the restricted license for at least one year.

Renewing your license by mail or online

If your license is not expired and you have no violations or suspensions, you may be able to renew online or by mail without visiting the office. You can renew online through the Colorado DMV website if you meet the requirements — the website will tell you whether you're may be able to access when you start the process.

Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs the same as renewing in person. You'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, you'll need to send in your current license, a completed process form, and payment. Mail renewals take longer and are less common than online renewals.

You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is expired, if you have an active suspension or revocation, if you need a new photo, or if you're changing your name or address. In those cases, you must visit the Pueblo DMV office in person.

What to do if you lose your license

If your license is lost or stolen, go to the Pueblo DMV office and ask for a replacement. Bring your Real ID-compliant document and proof of residency, just as you would for a renewal. You do not need to file a police report first, though you can if you want a record of the loss.

The replacement fee is the same as a renewal fee. Your new license will be printed at the office before you leave. If you later find your old license, you should destroy it or turn it in to the DMV to prevent misuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a driver's license at the Pueblo DMV?

The actual process at the office usually takes 15 to 30 minutes once you're called, but wait times can range from 30 minutes to over two hours depending on how busy the office is. Arriving early in the day or mid-week typically means a shorter wait. Your new license is printed on-site, so you leave with it the same day.

Can I take the written test online instead of at the office?

No. The written test and vision test must be taken in person at the DMV office. You cannot take these tests online or at any other location. However, if you're renewing a license that's still valid and you have no violations, you may not need to retake the test.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

You need one Real ID-compliant document. If you don't have a birth certificate, you can use a U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID instead. You can order a birth certificate from the Colorado Department of Vital Statistics if you need one, but that takes time. Check the DMV website for other acceptable documents before your visit.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Pueblo DMV?

The Pueblo DMV office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not need an appointment. However, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times before you go, which helps you plan when to visit.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

Yes, but you'll need to retake the written test and vision test at the office. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license has been expired for more than a year. You must visit the Pueblo DMV office in person to restore your license.