How to Get a Colorado Driver's License

What you need to do to get a Colorado license

To get a Colorado driver's license, you will visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, pass a written test and a driving test, and provide proof of identity and Colorado residency. The entire process typically takes several weeks from start to finish, though you can drive with a permit while you wait for your license to arrive by mail.

Colorado issues licenses to people aged 16 and older. If you are under 18, you must first hold a permit for at least 12 months and complete a driver education course. If you are 18 or older and new to Colorado, you can move directly to the license test without a permit stage, though you still need to pass both the written and driving portions.

Key Takeaways

You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
The written test covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the official Colorado Driver's Manual, available free on the DMV website.
After passing the written test, you schedule a separate appointment for the driving test, which is conducted by a DMV examiner at a local office.
Your license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass both tests; you receive a temporary paper license to drive when ready after passing.
If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Colorado license without retaking the driving test.

Documents you must bring to the DMV

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or state ID card as proof of identity. A photocopy or digital image is not acceptable. If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change.

For proof of Colorado residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency. If you do not have a document in your name, you can bring a notarized affidavit of residency signed by someone who lives at your address and can verify you live there.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Bring your Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form as proof. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can use an ITIN, which you will need to document with a tax return or letter from the IRS.

Taking the written test

The written test covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Colorado Driver's Manual, which is free to read from the Colorado DMV website. The manual is also available in print at any DMV office. Read through the entire manual before your test; the written exam pulls directly from its content.

The test consists of 25 multiple-choice questions. You must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You have up to one hour to complete it. The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment; there is no waiting period between attempts, though you will pay the test fee again.

After you pass the written test, the DMV will schedule your driving test appointment. This appointment is typically two to four weeks out, depending on how busy your local office is. You will receive a temporary paper permit that allows you to drive with a licensed adult in the car while you wait for your driving test.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

Your driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner at your local office. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and includes basic vehicle operation, parking, turns, and response to traffic signals and road conditions. You must use your own vehicle or borrow one; the DMV does not provide test vehicles. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the brakes, lights, wipers, and horn before you begin.

You must bring your temporary paper permit and a valid photo ID to the driving test. If you fail, you can schedule another test, though you will pay the fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. After you pass, you receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you.

Fees and processing time

The written test fee is $10. The driving test fee is $10. The license itself costs $29 for a four-year license or $58 for an eight-year license. You choose the term length when you explore. Fees are paid at the DMV office when you take each test and when you receive your license. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

Your permanent license arrives by mail within two to three weeks after you pass the driving test. The temporary paper license is valid during this time. If you do not receive your license within four weeks, contact the DMV office where you tested to confirm your mailing address is correct.

If you already have a license from another state

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state, you can exchange it for a Colorado license without taking the driving test. You still must pass the written test on Colorado traffic laws. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of identity to a DMV office. You will pay the written test fee ($10) and the license fee ($29 or $58 depending on the term you choose).

The exchange process is faster than the full licensing process because you skip the driving test. Your Colorado license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. Your out-of-state license will be returned to you or destroyed, depending on the state's agreement with Colorado.

Finding your nearest DMV office and making an appointment

Colorado DMV offices are located in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Colorado DMV website. Many offices now require appointments for the written test and driving test. You can schedule online through the DMV website or by calling the office directly. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but wait times can be several hours.

Check the office's current wait times before you go. Some offices are consistently busier than others. If your local office has a long wait, you may be able to visit a less busy office in a nearby county. All Colorado DMV offices use the same system, so your test results and records transfer between locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test online?

No. The written test must be taken in person at a Colorado DMV office. You cannot take it online or by mail. However, you can study the material online using the free Colorado Driver's Manual on the DMV website before you go to the office.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can schedule another driving test appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. You will pay the driving test fee ($10) each time you test. Most people pass within two or three attempts. Your temporary paper permit remains valid while you schedule your next test.

How long is a Colorado driver's license valid?

You choose either a four-year or eight-year license when you explore. The cost is $29 for four years or $58 for eight years. You can renew your license by mail, online, or in person before it expires. The DMV sends a renewal notice about 60 days before your license expires.

Do I need to take a driving test if I move to Colorado from another state?

If you already hold a valid driver's license from another state, you do not need to take the driving test. You only need to pass the written test on Colorado traffic laws and exchange your out-of-state license for a Colorado license.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring a tax return or letter from the IRS showing your ITIN. If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, contact your local DMV office to discuss other options.

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.