Where to get a driver's license in Loveland

Larimer County does not operate a dedicated driver's license office in Loveland itself. The nearest Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR) office that issues driver's licenses is in Fort Collins, about 15 miles north. You can visit the Fort Collins Driver's License Office at 1717 South College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80525, during their posted business hours.

If you live in or near Loveland and need a driver's license, you have two main routes: travel to Fort Collins in person, or use the mail-in renewal process if you already hold a valid Colorado license. The mail option works only for renewals, not for first-time licenses or major changes like address updates or license class upgrades.

Larimer County also operates several other service locations that handle some driver's license transactions, though not all. The Loveland Larimer County Sheriff's Office and the Loveland Police Department do not issue licenses, but they can direct you to the correct location or provide information about what documents you need before you make the trip to Fort Collins.

Key Takeaways

  • The only Colorado Department of Revenue driver's license office in Larimer County is in Fort Collins at 1717 South College Avenue, about 15 miles from Loveland.
  • You will need a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to obtain a new license.
  • Mail-in renewal is an option only if your current license is still valid and you are not changing your address or license class.
  • The Fort Collins office operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times vary by time of day and day of week; arriving early typically means shorter waits.
  • You can check the Colorado DMV website for current hours, required documents, and any temporary closures before you travel.

Documents you need for a new license in Larimer County

Colorado requires a Real ID-compliant primary document to prove your identity and citizenship. This means a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. A regular state ID from another state does not count. If you do not have one of these, you will need to obtain it before you can get a Colorado driver's license.

You also need proof of residency in Larimer County. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address. A bank statement or insurance policy can work if it shows your address and is dated within the last 90 days. Bring the original or a certified copy — photocopies alone are usually not accepted.

Bring your Social Security number or ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). You will need to provide this in person at the Fort Collins office. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a license with an ITIN, but the process may take longer because the office will need to verify your status.

If you are renewing a license that has expired, you will also need to bring the expired license itself. If you are upgrading to a Real ID-compliant license from an older non-compliant license, bring both the old license and your primary identity document.

How to renew your license by mail from Loveland

Mail-in renewal is the fastest option if your current Colorado driver's license is still valid and you do not need to change your address, name, or license class. You can renew up to one year before your license expires or up to two years after it expires, depending on your age and license type.

To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-44R) from the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Fill it out completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and the renewal fee (currently $28.75 for a four-year license, though this amount can change). Mail everything to the address listed on the form — typically the Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver's License Section, in Denver.

Processing by mail usually takes two to three weeks from the time CDOR receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail at the address on your process. If you need your license sooner, you must visit the Fort Collins office in person.

Do not use mail renewal if you have moved, changed your name, or want to upgrade to a Real ID-compliant license. Those changes require an in-person visit to the Fort Collins office.

What to expect at the Fort Collins driver's license office

The Fort Collins office operates on a walk-in basis — you do not need an appointment. Arrive with all required documents and be prepared to wait. Wait times vary widely depending on the time of day and day of week. Early mornings on weekdays typically have shorter waits than afternoons or weekends. The office does not publish real-time wait times, so you may want to call ahead at the main CDOR number to ask about current conditions.

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. A staff member will call your number and take you to a window. They will review your documents, ask you questions about your address and driving history, and take your photograph and signature. The entire process usually takes 15 to 45 minutes once you reach the window, not counting wait time.

You will pay the license fee at the window. A standard four-year driver's license costs $28.75 (as of the most recent update, though fees can change). You can pay by cash, check, or card. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the window that you can use to drive while you wait for the permanent card.

Real ID requirements and what they mean for Loveland residents

A Real ID-compliant driver's license is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building (like a courthouse or military base) as of May 2025. Colorado has been issuing Real ID licenses since 2017, but not all Colorado licenses are Real ID-compliant — it depends on when you got yours and what documents you provided.

If your current license does not have a gold star or gold circle in the upper right corner, it is not Real ID-compliant. To upgrade, you must visit the Fort Collins office in person and bring a Real ID-compliant primary document (passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card). You cannot upgrade by mail.

The fee for a Real ID-compliant license is the same as a standard license ($28.75 for four years). The main difference is that the office will verify your identity and residency more thoroughly, which can add a few minutes to your visit. If you already have a Real ID license and are straightforward renewing it, you can renew by mail as long as your address has not changed.

Larimer County offices and resources in Loveland

While the Loveland Police Department and Larimer County Sheriff's Office do not issue driver's licenses, they can answer questions about what you need to bring and direct you to the Fort Collins office. The Loveland Police Department is located at 300 East 7th Street, Loveland, CO 80537. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office has a non-emergency line you can call for general information.

The Colorado Department of Revenue website (dor.colorado.gov) has a Driver's License Services section with forms, fee schedules, office hours, and a list of all CDOR offices statewide. You can also call the CDOR Driver's License Section directly at 303-205-5600 to ask about hours, required documents, or current wait times at the Fort Collins location.

If you need to change your address after you get your license, you can do so by mail using Form DL-43 (Address Change) if you do not need a new photo. If you do need a new photo or are making other changes, you must visit the Fort Collins office in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a driver's license in Loveland without going to Fort Collins?

No. The only Colorado Department of Revenue office in Larimer County that issues driver's licenses is in Fort Collins. Loveland does not have a CDOR office. If you need a new license or major changes, you must travel to Fort Collins. Mail renewal is an option only if your current license is valid and your address has not changed.

How long does it take to get a driver's license from the Fort Collins office?

Once you reach the window, the process takes 15 to 45 minutes. Wait time before that varies — it can be 15 minutes on a quiet morning or over an hour during busy times. Your permanent license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the window to use while you wait.

What if I moved to Loveland from another state?

You will need a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card), proof of your Loveland address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number or ITIN. Your out-of-state license does not count as proof of identity for Colorado. Visit the Fort Collins office in person with all documents.

Can I renew my license online from Loveland?

Colorado does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail if your license is still valid and your address has not changed. Otherwise, you must visit the Fort Collins office in person. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal gives you a temporary license when ready and a permanent one in 7 to 10 days.

What is the difference between a standard license and a Real ID license?

A Real ID license has a gold star or circle in the upper right corner and is required for domestic flights and federal building entry as of May 2025. Both cost the same ($28.75 for four years). To get a Real ID license, you must bring a Real ID-compliant primary document (passport, birth certificate, or permanent resident card) to the Fort Collins office in person.