Yes, Colorado issues REAL ID driver's licenses and ID cards

Colorado's Department of Revenue issues REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and identification cards. You can tell a REAL ID by the gold star in the upper right corner of the card. If you have a standard Colorado driver's license or ID without that star, it is not REAL ID-compliant.

The difference matters because federal agencies — TSA at airports, the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security — only accept REAL ID cards, a valid passport, a passport card, or a military ID for certain transactions. If you fly domestically or enter a federal building that requires ID, you will need one of these documents.

Getting a REAL ID in Colorado means visiting a Division of Motor Vehicles office in person with specific documents. You cannot renew to REAL ID by mail, and you cannot do it online.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado REAL ID cards have a gold star in the upper right corner and are issued by the Division of Motor Vehicles.
  • You must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of Social Security number — documents like a birth certificate, utility bill, and Social Security card work.
  • REAL ID is required for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025, but a passport or military ID can substitute.
  • Processing takes about two weeks after your visit, and you will receive your card by mail.
  • The cost is the same as a standard Colorado driver's license or ID — no additional REAL ID fee.

What documents you need to bring to the DMV

Colorado's Division of Motor Vehicles requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need all of these documents — you need one from each category.

For proof of identity, bring a U.S. birth certificate, a valid passport, a passport card, a military ID, a consular report of birth abroad, or a certificate of naturalization. If your birth certificate is not certified, the DMV will not accept it.

For proof of Colorado residency, bring a utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax statement, a vehicle registration, or a bank or credit card statement. The document must show your name and current Colorado address and be dated within the last 60 days.

For proof of Social Security number, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. A document showing your full nine-digit number is best, but the DMV can also verify it through the Social Security Administration if you provide your number in person.

How to schedule and complete your DMV visit

You can schedule an appointment online through the Colorado DMV website or by calling 1-303-205-5600. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointment wait times are usually shorter. You will need to choose a Division of Motor Vehicles office location near you — Colorado has offices in most counties.

Bring your documents, your current Colorado driver's license or ID if you have one, and proof of your name change if applicable (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The DMV staff will verify your documents, take a new photo, and collect payment.

The fee for a REAL ID driver's license or ID card is the same as a standard license or ID in Colorado. As of 2024, that is $28.50 for a driver's license valid for five years, or $21.50 for an ID card valid for five years. Fees may change, so confirm the current amount when you schedule your appointment.

How long it takes to receive your REAL ID card

After your DMV visit, the Division of Revenue mails your REAL ID card to the address you provided. This usually takes about two weeks, though it can take longer during busy periods.

You will receive a temporary paper receipt at the DMV office that you can use as proof of identity until your card arrives. If you need to fly or enter a federal building before your card arrives, bring this receipt along with one of the original documents you showed the DMV — a passport, military ID, or passport card will also work.

What to do if you already have a Colorado driver's license

If you have a current Colorado driver's license or ID without the gold star, you will need to visit the DMV to upgrade it to REAL ID. You cannot convert a standard license to REAL ID by mail or online — the DMV requires an in-person visit and a new photo.

You do not have to wait for your current license to expire. You can visit the DMV at any time to request a REAL ID upgrade. The new card will have a new expiration date five years from the date you visit the DMV.

REAL ID requirements for federal use

As of May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration requires a REAL ID, passport, passport card, or military ID to board a domestic flight. A standard Colorado driver's license without the gold star will not be accepted at airport security checkpoints.

Federal buildings, military bases, and nuclear power plants also require REAL ID or an equivalent document for entry. If you do not have one of these documents, you may be denied entry or asked to use an alternative entrance.

REAL ID is not required to drive a car, vote, or use it for most state purposes. It is only required for the specific federal transactions listed above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a REAL ID if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. If you do not have a certified birth certificate, you can use a valid passport, passport card, military ID, consular report of birth abroad, or certificate of naturalization as proof of identity. You will still need proof of Colorado residency and proof of your Social Security number.

What if my name on my documents does not match?

Bring a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree showing your legal name change. The DMV will use this to verify that all your documents refer to the same person, even if the names differ slightly.

Do I need a REAL ID if I have a passport?

No. A valid passport or passport card is accepted for all federal purposes that require REAL ID, including domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. You do not need both.

How much does a REAL ID cost in Colorado?

A REAL ID driver's license costs $28.50 for five years, and a REAL ID ID card costs $21.50 for five years. There is no separate REAL ID fee — the cost is the same as a standard Colorado license or ID.

What if I lose my REAL ID card after I receive it?

Report it to the Division of Motor Vehicles and visit a DMV office to request a replacement. You will need to pay a replacement fee and provide proof of identity and Colorado residency again. The DMV can usually issue a replacement within two weeks.