What you need to get a Colorado driver's license
Colorado issues driver's licenses through the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To get your first license or replace an expired one, you'll need to visit a DMV office in person with specific documents and pass a written test and driving test.
The documents you must bring are proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID), proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you're under 18, a parent or guardian must sign your process.
You'll also need to pass the written knowledge test, which covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly. After passing the written test, you'll take a driving test with a DMV examiner, who will watch you operate a vehicle and follow traffic laws for about 20 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number to get a driver's license.
- The written test covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs, with 25 questions; you need 20 correct answers to pass.
- After passing the written test, you take a driving test with a DMV examiner in your own vehicle or the DMV's test vehicle.
- Colorado driver's licenses expire on your birthday five years after issue, and you can renew online if you meet certain conditions.
- Real ID-compliant licenses cost more but are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 2025.
Costs and types of Colorado licenses
A standard Colorado driver's license costs $28.25 and is valid for five years from your birthday. A Real ID-compliant license costs $33.25 and meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID or a passport to board a domestic flight in the United States.
Colorado also issues enhanced driver's licenses, which cost $58.25 and allow you to enter Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean by land or sea without a passport. Choose the type that matches your travel and federal building access needs.
How to renew your Colorado driver's license online
If your license expired fewer than five years ago and you have no medical conditions or violations on your record, you can renew online through the Colorado DMV website. You'll need your current or expired license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as an in-person renewal.
Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if you've had a name change, need to update your address, are under 21, or have certain medical conditions that require a vision or medical exam.
Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office
If you don't meet the requirements for online renewal, you'll need to visit a DMV office. Bring your current or expired license, proof of residency if your address has changed, and payment. If you're over 61, you may need to pass a vision test. The in-person renewal usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is.
You can find your nearest DMV office and check wait times on the Colorado DMV website. Many offices now offer online appointment scheduling, which can reduce your wait time significantly. If you're renewing an expired license, bring it with you; if it's lost or stolen, bring a government-issued ID instead.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
Report a lost or stolen license to the Colorado DMV as soon as possible. You can report it online through the DMV website or by calling the DMV at 303-205-5600. Reporting it prevents someone else from using your license number for traffic violations or other purposes.
To replace a lost, stolen, or damaged license, visit a DMV office with proof of identity and residency. The replacement costs $28.25 for a standard license and takes about 30 minutes. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your new plastic license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Changing your name or address on your Colorado license
If you've changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit a DMV office to update your license. Bring your current license, a document proving your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residency. The update costs $28.25 and takes about 30 minutes.
To change your address, you can update it online through the Colorado DMV website if you're only moving within Colorado. If you're moving out of state or need to update other information, visit a DMV office. Address changes are free and take about 15 minutes.
Colorado's Real ID requirements and timeline
Real ID is a federal standard that Colorado driver's licenses can meet. A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and costs $5 more than a standard license. Starting May 7, 2025, you'll need a Real ID, passport, military ID, or other federally approved ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.
When you renew your license, you can choose to upgrade to Real ID by bringing an original or certified copy of your birth certificate along with your other documents. If you already have a Real ID license, you don't need to do anything; it will remain valid for federal purposes after May 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a Colorado driver's license after passing the driving test?
Your temporary paper license is issued when ready after you pass the driving test. Your plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally with the temporary paper license until the plastic one arrives.
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The Colorado DMV offers the written test in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and several other languages. Tell the DMV staff which language you need when you arrive at the office.
What happens if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. The DMV examiner will tell you which skills to practice before you return.
Do I need to take the written test again if I'm renewing my license?
No. If you're renewing a valid or recently expired license, you don't need to retake the written or driving test. You only take these tests when you get your first license or if your license has been suspended or revoked.
What is the difference between a standard license and a Real ID license?
A Real ID license meets federal standards and has a gold star. It costs $5 more and allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings after May 2025. A standard license does not meet these federal requirements but is still valid for driving in Colorado.