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

Colorado driver's licenses issued after July 1, 2020, meet the federal Real ID standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. This means they display the gold star in the upper right corner of the card and can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings without additional documents.

If your Colorado license was issued before July 1, 2020, it does not have Real ID status. You can still use it for driving and most everyday purposes, but you cannot use it alone to board a domestic flight or enter a federal courthouse or military base. You would need to bring a passport, passport card, or other federally accepted document instead.

Colorado allows you to renew your existing license and request Real ID status at the same time, or you can explore for a Real ID replacement card before your current license expires. The state does not charge extra for Real ID status — the cost is the same as a standard renewal.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado driver's licenses issued after July 1, 2020, carry Real ID status and display a gold star on the front of the card.
  • Licenses issued before that date do not have Real ID status and cannot be used alone for domestic air travel or federal building entry.
  • You can request Real ID status during a renewal or replacement without paying an extra fee.
  • You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number to obtain a Real ID license.

How to tell if your Colorado license is Real ID compliant

The easiest way to check is to look at the front of your card. If there is a gold star in the upper right corner, your license is Real ID compliant. If there is no star, your license does not meet Real ID standards.

You can also check the issue date printed on your card. Colorado began issuing Real ID licenses on July 1, 2020. If your card was issued on or after that date, it should have the gold star. If the issue date is before July 1, 2020, your card is not Real ID compliant, even if it still looks new.

Documents you need to get a Colorado Real ID license

Colorado requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You do not need to bring original documents to the DMV — copies are accepted for most items.

For proof of identity, you can bring a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate, or an unexpired foreign passport. For proof of Colorado residency, you can use a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Your name must appear on the residency document.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number. You can write it on the process form, or bring your Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can still get a standard Colorado driver's license, but not a Real ID license.

Where and how to renew or replace your license for Real ID status

You can visit any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office in person. You cannot renew for Real ID status online or by mail — the state requires an in-person visit so staff can verify your documents and take a new photo.

You can find your nearest DMV office and check wait times on the Colorado DMV website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Arriving early in the morning or on a weekday typically means shorter waits.

Bring all required documents with you. The DMV staff will review them, ask you to sign the process, take a new photo, and collect the fee. Processing usually takes a few minutes at the counter. Your new Real ID license will be mailed to your Colorado address within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens if you need to travel before your Real ID license arrives

If you have applied for a Real ID license but it has not yet arrived, you can still travel domestically by air or enter federal buildings if you bring an alternative federally accepted document. These include a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or trusted traveler card such as Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

You can also request a temporary paper receipt from the DMV when you explore. This receipt shows that you have submitted your Real ID process and may help if you need to explain the delay to airport security, though it is not an official travel document.

If you are traveling soon and your current license is not Real ID compliant, plan to bring a passport or other federal ID instead of waiting for your new license to arrive.

Real ID requirements for Colorado residents who are not U.S. citizens

Colorado issues Real ID licenses to lawful permanent residents and certain visa holders. You will need to bring your passport, visa, and proof of legal status in the United States. The specific documents required depend on your immigration status.

If you are not a U.S. citizen and not a lawful permanent resident, you can still get a standard Colorado driver's license, but you cannot get a Real ID license. You would need to bring your passport and visa, and you may be asked to provide proof of Colorado residency and your date of birth.

Contact your local DMV office or the Colorado DMV website for details about your specific situation, as requirements vary based on visa type and immigration status.

Cost and timeline for getting a Colorado Real ID license

A Colorado Real ID license costs the same as a standard driver's license renewal or replacement. As of 2024, the fee for a five-year license is $31.50, and a ten-year license is $63. These prices can change, so check the Colorado DMV website for current fees.

The entire process takes about 10 to 14 days from the time you visit the DMV. You will spend a few minutes at the counter while staff verify your documents and take your photo. Your new card will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days after that.

If you need your license sooner, Colorado does not offer expedited mail delivery for Real ID licenses. You can request a replacement card in person at a DMV office, but you will still need to wait for it to be mailed to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license online if I want Real ID status?

No. Colorado requires an in-person visit to the DMV to get Real ID status. Online renewal is available only for standard licenses. You must visit a DMV office with your documents so staff can verify them and take a new photo.

What if my Colorado license expired more than a year ago?

You can still renew it and request Real ID status. Bring your expired license along with your other required documents. The DMV will process it as a renewal rather than a new process, and you will receive a Real ID license if you meet all other requirements.

Do I need a Real ID license to drive in Colorado?

No. A standard Colorado driver's license is sufficient for driving anywhere in the state or the country. Real ID status is needed only for domestic air travel, entry to federal buildings, and access to military bases. For everyday driving, your current license works as it is.

Can I get a Real ID license if I have a name change or address change?

Yes. Bring proof of your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order) or proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease). The DMV will update your information and issue a Real ID license with the correct details.

What if I lost my Colorado license and need a Real ID replacement?

Visit a DMV office and request a replacement. Bring your required documents for Real ID status. The DMV will issue you a new Real ID license. There may be an additional fee for a replacement versus a renewal, so ask the DMV staff about the cost when you arrive.