How to Get Your Colorado Driver's License

What you need to bring to the Colorado DMV

Colorado requires you to bring specific documents in person to a Department of Motor Vehicles office. You cannot complete this entirely by mail or online — you must appear in person for your vision test and to have your photo taken.

Bring proof of your Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate document). If your name has changed, bring the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

You will also need to bring your current out-of-state license if you have one, or a completed Form DL-44 if you do not. The form is available at any Colorado DMV office or on the Colorado Department of Revenue website.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with proof of residency, Social Security number, and identity to get your first Colorado license.
Colorado charges a fee that varies by license type and how long you want it to be valid — typically $25 to $35 for a standard five-year license.
You will take a written knowledge test, a vision test, and have your photo taken at the DMV office during your visit.
If you are moving to Colorado from another state, you have 30 days to get a Colorado license before driving with your out-of-state license becomes illegal.

The written knowledge test and what it covers

Colorado's written test has 25 questions about traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test is given on a computer at the DMV office, and you can take it the same day you bring your documents.

The test covers Colorado-specific rules — like right-of-way at four-way stops, speed limits on different road types, and what to do at a red light when turning right. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, which is free and available online at the Colorado Department of Revenue website or in print at any DMV office. Many people study the handbook for a few hours the night before and pass on their first try.

If you do not pass, you can retake the test the same day at no additional charge. If you fail twice, you must wait one day before trying again.

Vision and road tests

At your DMV visit, you will take a vision screening. You must be able to read letters and numbers on a chart from a specific distance. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them — you can wear them during the test. If you fail the vision screening, you will not be issued a license that day, and you will need to see an eye doctor and return with a vision correction form.

Colorado does not require a road test for a standard driver's license. You take only the written test and the vision screening at the DMV office. However, if you are under 18, you must complete a driver education course before you can get your license, and that course includes behind-the-wheel instruction.

Fees and how long your license lasts

A standard five-year Colorado driver's license costs $25.50. If you want a license that lasts 10 years, the cost is $35.50. These prices are current but can change — check the Colorado Department of Revenue website before your visit to confirm the exact fee.

You can pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the DMV office. Some offices accept payment online before your visit, which can speed up your appointment. Your license will be mailed to your Colorado address within 7 to 10 business days after your visit.

If you are under 18

Colorado requires anyone under 18 to complete a driver education course before getting a license. The course includes classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training with a certified instructor. You can take the course through a public school, a private driving school, or an online provider — all must be approved by the Colorado Department of Education.

After you finish the course, you will receive a completion certificate. Bring this certificate to the DMV along with your other documents. You will still take the written test and vision screening at the DMV office.

Colorado also has a graduated licensing system for drivers under 18. Your first license will be a permit that restricts when and how you can drive — for example, no driving between midnight and 4 a.m., and no passengers under 21 without a parent or guardian in the car. After six months with a permit and no violations, you can return to the DMV to upgrade to an unrestricted license.

If you are moving to Colorado from another state

You have 30 days from the date you establish Colorado residency to get a Colorado license. After 30 days, driving with an out-of-state license is not legal in Colorado, even if your out-of-state license is still valid.

Bring your current out-of-state license to the DMV along with your proof of Colorado residency and the other required documents. You will not need to retake the written test if your out-of-state license is still valid — Colorado will waive the knowledge test for drivers with a valid license from another state. You will still take the vision screening and have your photo taken.

Finding a Colorado DMV office and scheduling an appointment

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Some offices are busier than others — offices in Denver and other large cities often have longer wait times.

You can schedule an appointment online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, or you can walk in without an appointment. Appointments are free and can reduce your wait time significantly. During busy seasons, walk-in wait times can be two hours or longer, while appointments often take 30 minutes or less.

If you cannot visit an office in person, you cannot get a Colorado license — there is no mail-in or online option for first-time applicants. However, if you already have a Colorado license and only need to renew it, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport as my proof of identity?

Yes. A valid U.S. passport is one of the documents Colorado accepts as proof of identity. You can also use a birth certificate, a consulate document, or a tribal ID card. Bring whichever one you have.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Colorado requires proof of your Social Security number to issue a license. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a Colorado license. This process takes several weeks.

Do I need to take the written test if I already have a valid driver's license from another state?

No. Colorado waives the written knowledge test for drivers who have a valid license from another state. You will still need to pass the vision screening and have your photo taken at the DMV office.

How long does it take to get my license after my DMV visit?

Your physical license card is mailed to your Colorado address and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally during this time using a temporary paper license that the DMV gives you at your visit.

What if I fail the vision test?

You will not receive a license that day. You must see an eye doctor, get a vision correction form signed by the doctor, and return to the DMV with that form. Once the DMV receives the form, you can retake the vision screening.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.