How to Transfer Your Driver License to Colorado

What you need to do to transfer your license to Colorado

To transfer your driver license to Colorado, you visit your local Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person with your current out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of identity. Colorado will not mail you a new license or let you renew by mail if you are moving from another state — you must appear at a DMV office. The process takes about 30 minutes, and you walk out with a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while the physical card is mailed to you.

You do not need to take a written test or vision test unless your current license is expired or Colorado has reason to question your vision. If your out-of-state license is still valid, the transfer is straightforward. If it expired more than one year ago, you will need to retake the written exam and vision screening.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with your valid out-of-state license, proof you live in Colorado, and a government-issued ID.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days — it must show your name and Colorado address.
If your out-of-state license expired more than one year ago, you will retake the written test and vision exam before receiving your Colorado license.
You receive a temporary paper license when ready and the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
The fee is $31.50 for a standard five-year license, or $66.50 for a REAL ID-compliant license that works for federal travel.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Bring your current out-of-state driver license, even if it is expired within the last year. You also need one document proving you live in Colorado. The DMV accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank or credit card statements, property tax notices, and homeowner or renter insurance documents — any of these dated within the last 60 days with your name and Colorado address on it.

You also need a government-issued photo ID if your out-of-state license does not have a photo, though most do. A passport, military ID, or tribal ID all work. If you do not have a photo ID, bring two documents that together prove your identity — a Social Security card plus a birth certificate, for example.

If you changed your name since your out-of-state license was issued, bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will not process your transfer without it.

When you need to retake the written test

If your out-of-state license expired less than one year ago, Colorado honors it and you skip the written test. If it expired more than one year ago, you must pass the Colorado written exam before the DMV issues your new license. The test covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs and is offered in English and Spanish. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, available free on the DMV website.

You will also take a vision screening at the DMV office. This is not a full eye exam — the DMV checks that you can read the eye chart at the standard distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them to the DMV.

Finding your nearest Colorado DMV office

Colorado DMV offices are run by the county, so the location and hours depend on where you live. Go to the Colorado DMV website and use the office locator tool, or call 303-205-5600 to find the office nearest you. Many offices require you to book an appointment online before you arrive, though some still accept walk-ins. Check your specific office's page to see whether appointments are required.

Appointment slots fill up quickly in Denver and other large cities, especially at the end of the month. If your local office is booked, you can drive to a less busy county office — there is no rule that you must use the office in your county. Rural offices often have same-day or next-day availability.

What happens after you submit your transfer

The DMV prints a temporary paper license on the spot and hands it to you. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and works for driving and as ID. Your physical Colorado driver license is mailed to the address you provided and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If it does not arrive within two weeks, contact the DMV office where you applied.

Your Colorado license is valid for five years from the date you receive it. You can renew by mail or online before it expires, so you will not need to visit the DMV again unless you move, change your name, or want to upgrade to a REAL ID.

REAL ID versus standard Colorado license

Colorado offers two types of driver licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The difference matters only if you fly domestically or enter a federal building. Starting in May 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight — a standard driver license will not work.

A REAL ID license costs $66.50 instead of $31.50 and requires one extra document: proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card or a tax return) plus proof of your legal presence in the United States (your birth certificate, passport, or visa). If you plan to fly domestically, get the REAL ID version during your transfer. You can always upgrade to REAL ID later, but you will pay the full fee again.

If your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked

Colorado will not issue you a license if your out-of-state license is suspended or revoked. Before you go to the DMV, contact your previous state's DMV to check the status of your license. If it is suspended, you must clear the suspension in that state first — Colorado will not override it.

Suspensions are often due to unpaid traffic fines, unpaid child support, or unpaid court costs. Once you resolve the issue in your previous state, contact that state's DMV to confirm the suspension is lifted, then you can transfer to Colorado. This process can take weeks, so do not wait until you need to drive to start it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to transfer my license right away when I move to Colorado?

Colorado law requires you to transfer your license within 30 days of establishing residency. Establishing residency means you have a job, lease, or mortgage in Colorado — not just visiting. If you are caught driving with an out-of-state license after 30 days, you can be cited, though enforcement varies.

Can I transfer my license by mail or online?

No. Colorado requires you to appear in person at a DMV office. You cannot mail in your process or complete the transfer online. You must bring your documents and take the vision screening in person.

What if I do not have proof of residency yet?

You need a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and Colorado address. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, ask your landlord for a signed letter on their letterhead confirming your move-in date and address. Some DMV offices accept this, though policies vary by county — call ahead to confirm.

Will my out-of-state license still work while I wait for my Colorado license?

Your out-of-state license stops being valid once you transfer it to Colorado, even though you receive a temporary paper Colorado license when ready. The temporary license is what you carry and show to police. Your old license is kept by the DMV.

How much does it cost to transfer my license?

A standard five-year Colorado driver license costs $31.50. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $66.50. These are the only fees — there is no process fee or processing fee on top of the license fee.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.