Colorado driver's licenses are Real ID compliant as of 2020

Colorado began issuing Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards in January 2020. If you received your Colorado license after that date, it already meets federal Real ID standards. The state uses a gold star in the upper right corner of the card to mark Real ID compliance — if your license has that star, you can use it for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings without additional documents.

If your Colorado license was issued before January 2020, it is not Real ID compliant. You can still use it for driving and most everyday purposes, but you will need a passport, passport card, or other federal document to board a domestic flight or enter a federal facility after May 7, 2025. The important date has been extended multiple times, but the current enforcement date remains May 7, 2025.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado licenses issued after January 2020 carry a gold star and are Real ID compliant; older licenses are not.
  • You can renew an older Colorado license to get a Real ID version, or you can obtain a Real ID identification card if you do not drive.
  • The documents you need to bring depend on whether you are renewing an existing license or getting a new one for the first time.
  • After May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license, passport, or other federal document to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings.

How to tell if your Colorado license is Real ID compliant

The easiest way to check is to look at the upper right corner of your card. A gold star in that location means your license is Real ID compliant. If there is no star, or if you see a marking that says "Not for Federal Purposes," your license does not meet Real ID standards.

You can also check the issue date printed on your license. Colorado began issuing Real ID licenses in January 2020, so any license issued on or after January 1, 2020 should be compliant. However, the gold star is the official marker, so if you are unsure, look for that first.

What documents you need to renew to Real ID

If you are renewing an existing Colorado driver's license to upgrade it to Real ID, you will need to bring proof of identity, proof of Social Security number, and proof of Colorado residency. The Colorado Department of Revenue publishes a list of acceptable documents for each category on its website.

For proof of identity, you can use a passport, passport card, military ID, or certified birth certificate. For Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

You do not need to bring your old license, but bringing it can speed up the process. If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.

Getting a Real ID identification card instead of a driver's license

If you do not drive or prefer not to renew your driver's license, Colorado offers a Real ID identification card. The process and document requirements are the same as renewing a driver's license. You can obtain one at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office.

A Real ID identification card costs less than a driver's license and serves the same purpose for federal purposes — you can use it to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings. It does not allow you to drive, but it is a valid form of federal identification.

Where to renew your Colorado license to Real ID

You can renew your Colorado driver's license or obtain a Real ID identification card at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office. The state also offers online renewal for some transactions, but Real ID upgrades require an in-person visit because the state must verify your identity and documents.

You can find the nearest DMV office and check wait times on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your time in the office. Walk-ins are also accepted, but wait times vary by location and time of day.

What happens if you do not get Real ID before May 7, 2025

After May 7, 2025, you will not be able to use a non-Real ID Colorado driver's license for domestic air travel or to enter federal buildings. You will still be able to drive and use the license for most everyday purposes, but you will need to bring a passport, passport card, military ID, or other federal document if you want to fly domestically or visit a federal facility.

The important date has been extended several times since it was originally set for 2018, but the Department of Homeland Security has indicated that May 7, 2025 is the final extension. If you travel frequently or visit federal buildings, renewing to Real ID sooner rather than later will avoid last-minute delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license online to get Real ID?

No. Real ID renewals require an in-person visit to a Colorado DMV office so the state can verify your identity and documents. Online renewal is available only for standard (non-Real ID) license renewals.

How long does it take to renew to Real ID in Colorado?

The in-office process typically takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is and whether your documents are in order. Your new card is usually mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, some offices offer expedited service for an additional fee.

Do I need to renew my entire license or can I just upgrade to Real ID?

You cannot upgrade a non-Real ID license without renewing it. When you renew, you will receive a Real ID license if you bring the required documents and your license has not expired. If your license is still valid, you can wait until the renewal date to upgrade.

What if my Colorado license expired before January 2020?

You will need to renew it to get a Real ID license. Bring the same documents you would bring for any renewal, plus proof that your name has not changed since the old license was issued (or documentation of the change if it has).

Is a Colorado Real ID license the same as a REAL ID card?

A Colorado Real ID driver's license and a Colorado Real ID identification card both meet federal Real ID standards and have the gold star. The main difference is that a driver's license allows you to drive, while an identification card does not. Both work for federal purposes like domestic air travel.