Where to go for your Weld County driver's license
The Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all driver's licenses in Weld County. You cannot get a Weld County license from a county office — you must go to a DMV office. Weld County has two DMV locations: one in Greeley and one in Fort Collins. Both offices handle new licenses, renewals, replacements, and changes to your existing license.
You can visit either location regardless of where you live in the county. The Greeley office is at 1313 35th Avenue, and the Fort Collins office is at 215 North College Avenue. Both are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though hours vary by location and season. Before you go, check the Colorado DMV website or call ahead to confirm current hours, because they sometimes change.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado DMV offices in Greeley and Fort Collins are the only places to get a Weld County driver's license; county government offices cannot issue them.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to explore.
- A standard driver's license costs a fee that depends on how long the license is valid; Real ID licenses cost more but are required for federal buildings and domestic flights.
- Renewals by mail are available if your license is not suspended or revoked and you meet other requirements, which saves a trip to the office.
- Wait times at DMV offices vary; calling ahead or checking online can tell you which location has shorter lines on a given day.
Documents you need to bring
Colorado requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN. For identity, bring your passport, military ID, or a certified birth certificate. A school or work ID alone is not enough. If you do not have a passport or military ID, you will need the birth certificate plus one additional document like a marriage certificate or divorce decree.
For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current address in Weld County. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you cannot provide a residency document, you can bring an affidavit of residency signed by someone who lives with you and has a valid ID.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number, such as a tax return or W-2. If you have an ITIN instead, bring documentation of that. You will also need to bring your current license if you are renewing, or a learner's permit if you are upgrading to a full license.
The difference between a standard license and a Real ID
Colorado offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID-compliant license. Both are valid for driving in Colorado. The difference is that a Real ID license meets federal security standards and is accepted at federal buildings, military bases, and for domestic airplane flights. A standard license is not accepted for those purposes — you would need a passport or other federal ID instead.
Real ID licenses cost more than standard licenses. The exact fee depends on how long the license is valid, but expect to pay roughly $10 to $15 more for Real ID. If you fly domestically or visit federal buildings regularly, Real ID is worth the extra cost. If you rarely do either, a standard license is sufficient. You can choose which type when you explore or renew.
How to renew by mail instead of visiting an office
If your license is not suspended or revoked, you may be able to renew by mail without going to a DMV office. You are may be able to access if your license is still valid or expired for less than one year, you have not changed your name, and you do not need to update your address or other information. You must also have held your current license for at least four years.
To renew by mail, contact the Colorado DMV to request a renewal form. Fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about two to three weeks. You will receive your new license by mail. If you need to change your address, name, or other details, you must visit an office in person instead.
What happens at your appointment
When you arrive at the DMV office, you will check in and wait for your number to be called. Bring all your documents and be prepared to answer questions about your driving history and any medical conditions that might affect your ability to drive. You will have your photo taken for the license, so dress as you normally would.
The staff will verify your documents, enter your information into the system, and collect the fee. If everything is in order, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid when ready while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license usually arrives within one to two weeks. If there is a problem with your documents, staff will tell you what is missing and you may need to return another day.
Fees and how long the license lasts
Colorado driver's licenses are valid for different lengths of time depending on your age and the type of license. A standard license for someone under 21 is valid for four years. For someone 21 and older, it is valid for ten years. Real ID licenses follow the same timeline but cost more. Fees change periodically, so check the Colorado DMV website for the current price before you go.
You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license rather than renew, which may require taking a written test and vision test again. Renewing before expiration keeps you from having to retake tests.
If you have a suspended or revoked license
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail and you cannot straightforward walk into a DMV office to get a new one. You must first contact the Colorado DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, unpaid child support, medical conditions, or DUI convictions. Each reason has different requirements for reinstatement.
Once you have met the requirements — such as paying fines, completing a course, or waiting out a suspension period — you can contact the DMV to request reinstatement. Only after your license is reinstated can you renew or replace it. This process takes longer than a standard renewal, so plan ahead if you know your license is suspended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online?
Colorado does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail if you meet the requirements, or you can visit a DMV office in person. The mail option is the closest to online, but it still requires mailing documents and a check.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
You can replace a lost or stolen license at either Weld County DMV office. Bring your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number just as you would for a renewal. You will pay a replacement fee, which is usually less than a renewal fee. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within one to two weeks.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
Both DMV offices accept walk-ins, but you can also make an appointment online through the Colorado DMV website. Making an appointment usually means a shorter wait. If you walk in, arrive early in the day or mid-week, as mornings and Mondays tend to be busier.
What if I moved to Weld County from another state?
You must get a Colorado driver's license within 30 days of moving to the state. Bring your out-of-state license along with your proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. You may need to take a written test and vision test depending on your age and how long your out-of-state license was valid. The DMV staff will tell you what tests are required when you arrive.
How much does a Weld County driver's license cost?
Fees depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard license for someone 21 and older costs less than a Real ID license. Fees also differ for renewals versus replacements versus new licenses. Check the Colorado DMV website for the exact current fee before you visit, as prices change periodically.