What you need to do to get a new Colorado driver's license
To get a new Colorado driver's license, you must visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring required documents, pass a vision test, and pay the fee. Colorado does not issue licenses by mail or online. The process takes about 30 minutes at the office, though wait times vary by location and time of day. You will leave with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your plastic card is mailed to you.
The state distinguishes between a new license (your first Colorado license) and a renewal or replacement (you already have one). The steps and documents differ slightly. This guide covers getting a new license for the first time in Colorado.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to any DMV office.
- Colorado requires a vision test at the office; you cannot pass it beforehand or use results from an eye doctor.
- The fee for a new driver's license is $31.50 for an eight-year license or $21 for a four-year license, paid at the DMV office.
- You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and the plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- DMV offices are open Monday through Friday; some locations have extended hours on certain days, and a few offer Saturday appointments.
Documents you must bring to the DMV office
Colorado requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You cannot complete the process without all three.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport (U.S. or foreign), a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a tribal ID, or a previous driver's license or ID card from any state. The document must show your full legal name and date of birth. A photocopy is not acceptable; bring the original.
For proof of Colorado residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Colorado address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank or credit card statement, a property tax bill, or a vehicle registration. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. A hotel receipt or temporary housing document does not count.
You must also provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have either, you can request a letter from the Social Security Administration or USCIS stating you are ineligible, and bring that letter instead. Bring the original document or a certified copy.
The vision test and medical requirements
Every applicant for a new Colorado driver's license must pass a vision screening at the DMV office. You cannot bring results from an eye doctor or optometrist; the DMV administers its own test. The standard is 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction (glasses or contacts). If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, wear them to the DMV.
If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not issue a license that day. You can return after getting an eye exam and corrective lenses if needed. Some DMV offices have an optometrist on-site or nearby; ask when you call to schedule.
Colorado does not require a medical exam or doctor's note for a standard driver's license. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, you may be asked to provide documentation, but this is rare for new licenses and happens only if the DMV has reason to question your fitness to drive.
Written test and driving test requirements
Colorado requires a written knowledge test for all new driver's license applicants. The test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Colorado Driver's Handbook, available free on the DMV website or in print at any DMV office. The test has 25 questions; you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.
You must also pass a driving skills test (the road test) before your license is issued. This test is administered by a DMV examiner and lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. You drive your own vehicle or a vehicle provided by the DMV office. The examiner evaluates your ability to start, stop, turn, park, and respond to traffic. You must have a valid learner's permit or instruction permit before taking the driving test.
If you fail either test, you can retake it. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the test fee again. The written test fee is $10.50 and the driving test fee is $31.50.
Fees and payment methods
The fee for a new Colorado driver's license is $31.50 for an eight-year license or $21 for a four-year license. You pay this fee at the DMV office when you explore. The written test costs $10.50 and the driving test costs $31.50 if you need to retake either one.
Colorado DMV offices accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Some offices may accept checks, but calling ahead to confirm is wise. There is no fee reduction based on income or hardship; the price is the same for all applicants.
If you are a military member on active duty, you may be may have access to to a fee waiver or reduction. Bring your military ID and ask the DMV staff about current military discounts.
How to find a DMV office and schedule an appointment
Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check hours on the Colorado DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov. The site lists each office's address, phone number, and hours of operation.
Most DMV offices operate by appointment. You can schedule online through the DMV website or by calling the office directly. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but wait times are often longer. Appointment slots fill up quickly, especially in urban areas, so scheduling at least one week ahead is common.
Some DMV offices offer extended hours on certain weekdays or Saturday appointments. Check the website or call your local office to see what is available. Rural offices may have limited hours or be open only certain days of the week.
Timeline from process to receiving your card
When you pass the written and driving tests and pay the fee at the DMV office, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. This temporary license has the same legal status as a plastic license and can be used to drive when ready.
Your plastic driver's license card is mailed to the address you provided at the DMV. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive your card within two weeks, contact the DMV office where you applied.
If you need your license sooner, some DMV offices offer expedited printing for an additional fee, though this is not available at all locations. Call your local office to ask whether expedited service is an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Colorado driver's license if I do not have a Social Security number?
Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number or ITIN, you can request a letter from the Social Security Administration or USCIS stating you are ineligible, and bring that letter to the DMV instead. You will still need proof of identity and proof of Colorado residency.
What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?
A previous driver's license or ID card from any state counts as proof of identity. If you have none of these documents, you can obtain a certified birth certificate from the state where you were born, or explore for a passport. The DMV cannot issue a license without one of the accepted identity documents.
Do I need to take the written test if I already have a driver's license from another state?
If you are getting a new Colorado license for the first time, you must take both the written and driving tests, even if you hold a valid license from another state. If you are renewing or replacing an existing Colorado license, the rules are different.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test at any time. There is no waiting period. You must pay the test fee again ($31.50) and schedule another appointment. Most people pass on the second or third attempt.
Can I wear a hat or head covering in my license photo?
Religious head coverings are permitted in Colorado driver's license photos. Other hats and head coverings are not. Your face must be clearly visible and unobstructed. Sunglasses are not permitted in the photo.