The Fort Collins DMV is on Riverside Avenue, and it handles most driver's license work for Larimer County
The Colorado Department of Revenue's Fort Collins office is located at 1313 Riverside Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524. This is where you go to get a new driver's license, renew an expiring one, update your address, replace a lost or stolen license, or change your name on your license. The office serves all of Larimer County, so whether you live in Fort Collins, Loveland, Estes Park, or anywhere else in the county, this is your main stop.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. You do not need an appointment — it operates on a walk-in basis. However, wait times can run 30 minutes to over an hour during lunch and late afternoon, so arriving early in the day typically means a shorter wait.
You can also handle some driver's license tasks online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, including license renewals if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes. Online renewal is faster and costs less than going in person, so check whether your situation qualifies before you make the trip.
Key Takeaways
- The Fort Collins DMV office is at 1313 Riverside Avenue and serves all of Larimer County for driver's license services.
- Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no appointment needed but expect wait times during peak hours.
- Some driver's license renewals and updates can be done online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, which is faster than visiting in person.
- You will need to bring specific documents depending on whether you are getting a new license, renewing, or updating information — the DMV website lists requirements by transaction type.
What documents you need to bring
The documents required depend on what you are doing. For a new driver's license, you need proof of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), proof of Colorado residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing a license that is not yet expired, you typically need just your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed.
For a name change, you need your current license plus the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, bring your current ID and file a report with the Fort Collins Police Department first; the DMV will ask for the report number.
The Colorado Department of Revenue website has a full checklist organized by transaction type. Bringing the wrong documents means a wasted trip, so check the list before you go.
Fees and how long it takes
A new driver's license costs $30.50 and is valid for five years. A renewal costs $30.50 for five years. A duplicate license (for a lost or stolen card) costs $20. These fees are paid at the time you complete your transaction at the counter.
If you are renewing online, the fee is lower — $25 instead of $30.50 — and the new license arrives by mail in about two weeks. In-person renewals are issued on the spot if you are renewing the same class of license without changes. New licenses and replacements also take a few minutes at the counter, though the actual card is mailed to you within one to two weeks.
If you need a REAL ID-compliant license
A REAL ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards and is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. Colorado began issuing REAL ID licenses in 2017, and most new licenses issued today are REAL ID by default. However, you can request a non-REAL ID license if you prefer.
If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant and you need one for air travel, you can upgrade at the Fort Collins office. The process is the same as a renewal — bring your documents, pay the fee, and the new REAL ID license is mailed to you. The card itself will have a small star in the top right corner to show it is REAL ID-compliant.
Parking and location details
The Fort Collins DMV office is on Riverside Avenue near the intersection with Mulberry Street, in a commercial area with street parking and a small lot. Parking is free. The building is accessible for people with mobility needs, with a ramp entrance and accessible restrooms.
If you are using public transportation, the Transfort bus system serves the area. Check the Transfort website or call 970-221-6620 for current routes and schedules to Riverside Avenue.
What to do if you cannot visit in person
If you are out of state or unable to travel to Fort Collins, you can renew your license by mail if it is not expired and you have not had address changes. read the renewal form from the Colorado Department of Revenue website, fill it out, include a copy of your current license, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about three weeks.
For transactions that require an in-person visit — such as a new license, name change, or duplicate after a loss — you will need to come to the Fort Collins office or contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to ask about exceptions. Some situations may allow a family member or representative to explore on your behalf, but this is rare and requires written authorization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if my address changed?
No. Online renewal is only for licenses that are not expired and have no address changes. If you moved, you must renew in person at the Fort Collins office or by mail using the renewal form, which takes longer. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill or lease.
How long does a new driver's license take to arrive if I get it in person?
You receive a temporary paper license at the counter that is valid for 30 days. The actual plastic card is mailed to your address within one to two weeks. Do not throw away the paper license until the card arrives.
What if I lost my license and need to drive before the replacement arrives?
The temporary paper license issued at the counter is valid for driving during the 30-day wait for the plastic card. Keep it with you while driving. If you need to drive before you can visit the office, you can use your passport or other government-issued ID as proof of identity to a police officer, though it is not a substitute for a driver's license.
Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
The Fort Collins DMV is walk-in only — no appointments are needed or taken. Arrive early in the day to avoid peak wait times. Bring all required documents to avoid making a second trip.
Is there a DMV office anywhere else in Larimer County?
The Fort Collins office at 1313 Riverside Avenue is the main DMV location for Larimer County. Some smaller towns may have limited services through other county offices, but for most transactions, the Fort Collins office is where you need to go. Call 303-205-5600 to confirm whether your specific transaction can be handled elsewhere.