Where to renew your Aurora driver's license in person
The Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver License Section operates a Service Center in Aurora located at 303 South Sable Boulevard, Aurora, CO 80012. This is the primary location where Aurora residents can renew their license face-to-face. The center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays.
You do not need an appointment to visit, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings and mid-week visits typically have shorter lines than afternoons and Fridays. The center handles standard renewals, REAL ID upgrades, and replacement licenses all at the same location.
If you cannot reach the Aurora center, the Colorado Department of Revenue also operates a Service Center in Denver at 1881 Pierce Street, Denver, CO 80204, which is about 10 miles away. Both centers process the same types of transactions and accept the same documents.
Key Takeaways
- The Aurora Service Center at 303 South Sable Boulevard is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and does not require appointments.
- You will need your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of identity to renew in person.
- REAL ID-compliant licenses require an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport, in addition to standard renewal documents.
- Standard renewals are processed on the spot, and you receive your new license when ready if you pass the vision test.
- If you renew online or by mail, you do not visit a center, but online renewal is only available if your license is not expired and you meet other conditions.
What documents you need to bring
For a standard in-person renewal at the Aurora Service Center, bring your current driver's license, one form of proof of Colorado residency, and one form of proof of identity. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice dated within the last 60 days. Proof of identity can be a passport, military ID, or birth certificate.
If you are renewing for a REAL ID-compliant license (the kind required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025), you must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or a valid passport, in addition to the documents listed above. A photocopy of your birth certificate is not accepted; it must be the original or an official certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born.
Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that reflects the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
The difference between standard and REAL ID renewal
A standard Colorado driver's license remains valid for federal purposes until May 7, 2025. After that date, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Both types are renewed at the same location and cost the same amount, but REAL ID requires the original or certified birth certificate or passport.
If your current license is already REAL ID-compliant (it will have a gold star in the upper right corner), your renewal will automatically be REAL ID-compliant as long as you bring the required documents. If your current license does not have the star and you want REAL ID compliance, you must bring the birth certificate or passport to the Aurora Service Center.
The processing time is the same for both types: you receive your license when ready after passing the vision test. The main difference is the document requirement at the time of renewal.
Online and mail renewal options for Aurora residents
Colorado allows online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website if your license is not expired, you have not had a name change, and you do not need to update your address or other information. Online renewal takes about 7 to 10 business days, and your new license is mailed to your address on file.
Mail renewal is also available under the same conditions. You submit your current license, a completed process form, and the required fee by mail to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Mail renewal typically takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the department receives your materials.
If your license has expired, you have changed your name, or you need to update your address, you must renew in person at the Aurora Service Center. Online and mail options do not work for these situations.
Vision test and photo requirements
When you renew in person at the Aurora Service Center, you will take a vision screening as part of the renewal process. You must be able to read the eye chart at the standard distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be able to renew until you pass.
A new photo is taken at the time of renewal. Wear clothing that contrasts with your skin tone, avoid hats and sunglasses, and make sure your face is clearly visible. The photo is used on your new license and cannot be changed until your next renewal.
Fees and payment methods
The cost of a standard driver's license renewal in Colorado varies based on the length of validity. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The Colorado Department of Revenue website lists the current fee amounts, which change periodically.
The Aurora Service Center accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you renew by mail, you can pay by check or money order. Online renewal requires a credit or debit card.
What to do if your license is expired
If your Colorado driver's license has expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit the Aurora Service Center in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard renewal: your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of identity.
An expired license does not affect the renewal process itself, but you cannot legally drive until your new license is issued. The Aurora Service Center processes expired license renewals on the same day, so you will receive your new license when ready after passing the vision test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Aurora driver's license before it expires?
Yes. Colorado allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not shorten the validity of your new license — your new license will still be valid for the full term (four or eight years, depending on which you choose).
How long does an in-person renewal take at the Aurora Service Center?
The actual transaction usually takes 10 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter, but wait times vary. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week typically means shorter waits. You receive your new license when ready after passing the vision test.
What if I need to change my address during renewal?
If you have moved within Colorado, you can update your address during an in-person renewal at the Aurora Service Center. Bring proof of your new Colorado residency. If you moved out of state, you must renew in person and may need to provide additional documentation depending on your new state of residence.
Do I need to bring my Social Security card to renew?
You need to bring proof of your Social Security number, which can be your Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2, or a 1099 form. The card itself is not required, but the number must be verified.
What happens if I fail the vision test at the Aurora Service Center?
If you fail the vision screening, you will not be able to renew that day. You must see an eye care professional, obtain a vision correction certificate if needed, and return to the Service Center with the certificate to complete your renewal.