How to Get Your Driver's License or ID at the Aurora Driver License Office

Where the Aurora Driver License Office is located and what it handles

The Aurora Driver License Office is a Colorado Department of Revenue facility that issues driver's licenses, identification cards, and handles related transactions for people in the Aurora area. It is not the only place in Aurora where you can conduct these transactions — Colorado also operates express offices and allows some services through mail or online — but this is the main full-service location.

The office issues standard driver's licenses, enhanced driver's licenses (which work for land border crossing to Canada and Mexico), Real ID-compliant identification cards, and replacement documents. It also handles renewals, address changes, name changes, and testing for new drivers. The specific services available on any given day depend on staffing and current state policy, so calling ahead or checking the Colorado Department of Revenue website before you go is worth the five minutes.

Key Takeaways

The Aurora Driver License Office is run by the Colorado Department of Revenue and handles driver's licenses, ID cards, renewals, and testing in one location.
You will need proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to get a new license or ID.
Wait times vary by day and time of day; calling ahead or checking online can tell you whether you need an appointment or can walk in.
If you cannot reach the Aurora office or need a faster option, Colorado offers online renewal for some licenses and express offices in other locations.

What documents you need to bring

Colorado requires three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. For proof of identity, bring a passport, passport card, birth certificate, or another government-issued ID. A school ID or employee badge does not count. If you are explore for a Real ID-compliant card (which you will need for domestic air travel starting in 2025), the rules are stricter — your birth certificate must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement showing your current Colorado address. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. The document must show your name and address and be dated within the last 60 days. A driver's license from another state does not count as proof of residency, even if you have changed your address on it.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your number — a tax return, W-2, or 1099 will do. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) documentation. You will also need to bring any existing Colorado driver's license or ID card if you are renewing or replacing one.

How to make an appointment or walk in

The Aurora Driver License Office accepts both appointments and walk-ins, but the balance between the two changes based on how busy the office is. You can schedule an appointment through the Colorado Department of Revenue website or by calling the office directly. An appointment usually means a shorter wait, but the office also reserves time for people without appointments.

If you walk in without an appointment, arrive early in the day — wait times tend to be longest in the afternoon and on Fridays. The office is closed on Sundays and Mondays. If you cannot reach the Aurora location or the appointment calendar is full, check whether an express office in another part of the metro area has availability, or look into whether your transaction can be handled online or by mail.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in and receive a number. A staff member will review your documents, ask you to verify your information, and take your photograph and signature. If you are explore for a new license (not a renewal), you will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, and then a driving test. The written test is offered in multiple languages. If you are renewing an existing license, you typically skip both tests unless your license has been expired for more than a year.

The office will scan your documents and enter your information into the state system. You will pay the fee at that time — the amount depends on the type of document and how long you want it to be valid. Your new license or ID will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper document that you can use as proof of identity until the card arrives.

Real ID requirements if you are flying domestically

Starting in 2025, a standard Colorado driver's license will not be enough to board a domestic flight — you will need a Real ID-compliant license or ID card, or a passport. The Aurora Driver License Office issues Real ID cards, but the document requirements are stricter. Your birth certificate must be an official certified copy from the vital records office, not a photocopy or a hospital birth certificate. Your proof of residency must be an original document, not a photocopy.

The Real ID card costs the same as a standard license, but the process process takes slightly longer because the office must verify your documents more carefully. If you already have a passport or passport card, you do not need a Real ID license — either one will work for domestic air travel. If you are unsure whether your current license is Real ID-compliant, the Aurora office can tell you when you call or visit.

If you cannot visit the Aurora office in person

Colorado allows online renewal for some driver's licenses — specifically, licenses that are not expired and belong to people who have no medical restrictions and no pending violations. You can renew online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website if you meet those conditions. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

If you need to replace a lost or stolen license, or if your license is expired, you must visit an office in person or mail in an process. The mail-in process is slower — it can take three to four weeks — and requires you to include certified copies of your documents. The Aurora office is usually faster if you can get there. If the Aurora location is too far or too busy, Colorado operates express offices in other parts of the metro area that handle the same transactions.

Common reasons your process might be delayed or rejected

The most common reason for delay is incomplete or unclear documents. If your proof of residency is a photocopy, or if it is dated more than 60 days ago, the office will ask you to bring a different document. If your birth certificate is not certified, or if it does not match the name on your other documents, the process will be held up while the office verifies your identity. Bring originals, not copies, and check the dates before you go.

If you have an outstanding traffic ticket, unpaid fine, or suspension on your driving record, the office may not be able to issue a new license until that is resolved. You can check your driving record online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website. If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive safely, the office may require a report from your doctor before issuing a license. These situations are not automatic rejections, but they do require extra steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a driver's license at the Aurora office?

The in-person appointment or walk-in visit usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is and whether you need to take a driving test. Your physical license card will be mailed to you within one to two weeks. You will receive a temporary paper document on the day of your visit that you can use when ready.

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the Aurora office?

You can renew online only if your license is not expired, you have no medical restrictions, and you have no pending violations. If any of those conditions explore to you, you must visit an office in person or mail in an process. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website to see whether you are may be able to access.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) documentation instead. The Aurora office accepts ITINs and will process your process the same way. You will need an official document showing your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter.

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

No. A standard Colorado driver's license is valid for driving anywhere in the state and the country. You only need a Real ID-compliant license or ID card if you plan to board a domestic flight starting in 2025, or if you want to use your ID for federal building access.

What should I do if the Aurora office is too busy or has no appointments?

Call the office to ask about wait times, or check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for express offices in other parts of the metro area. Some transactions can also be handled online or by mail if you are not able to visit in person.

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.