Where to go and what to bring to the Denver County office

The Colorado Department of Revenue's Denver County Driver's License Office is located at 1881 Pierce Street, Denver, CO 80204. This is the main office serving Denver residents and handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and state ID cards. You can reach them at (303) 205-5600 during business hours.

Before you go, gather the documents you'll need. Colorado requires proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number for a new license. Acceptable documents vary — a passport works for identity, a utility bill or lease works for residency, and your Social Security card or tax return works for your number. The office staff can tell you if your specific documents will work when you call ahead.

Bring your current license or ID if you have one, even if it's expired. If you're renewing, the process is faster. If you're getting your first license or replacing a lost one, expect to spend 30 to 60 minutes at the office, depending on how busy it is.

Key Takeaways

  • The Denver County office is at 1881 Pierce Street and handles all driver's license and ID services for the county.
  • You need proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number; call ahead to confirm your specific documents will be accepted.
  • Renewals are faster than new licenses, and bringing your current license or ID speeds up the process.
  • Hours and wait times vary by day and season, so checking online or calling before you go saves time.
  • You can renew online or by mail for some situations, which avoids the office visit entirely.

Hours, wait times, and how to avoid the office

The Denver County office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wait times are longest on Mondays and Fridays and during lunch hours. If you can go on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning, you'll usually wait less than 30 minutes.

You don't have to go to the office for every transaction. Colorado lets you renew your license online at dor.colorado.gov if your license is not expired and you haven't changed your address or name. The online renewal costs less and takes about 10 minutes. By mail is also an option for renewals — you'll need to fill out the form, include your current license, and mail it to the address on the Colorado Department of Revenue website.

If you need a replacement for a lost or stolen license, you can order it online as well, though you'll still need to pick it up at the office or have it mailed to you. Check the website before you go to see which services you can handle without leaving home.

What a new license costs and how long it takes

A new driver's license in Colorado costs $31.25 and is valid for five years. A state ID card costs $20 and is also valid for five years. If you're under 21, your license will be a different color and format, and it expires on your 21st birthday. Renewal costs are the same as new licenses.

You'll get a temporary paper license at the office that day, valid for 30 days while your permanent card is printed and mailed. The permanent license usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, you can pay extra for expedited mail, though this is not always available for all transaction types.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, replacement follows the same timeline and cost as a new license. The office will cancel your old license in the system, so you don't have to worry about someone else using it.

Changing your address, name, or license class

You can change your address online at dor.colorado.gov without visiting the office. Address changes are free and take effect when ready. You don't need a new card unless you want one — your current license remains valid even after you move.

Name changes require a visit to the office and proof of the legal change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring the original document or a certified copy. The office will issue a new license with your updated name at no extra charge.

If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement, upgrade to a commercial license, or change your license class, you'll need to pass the written test and vision test at the office. Some changes require a driving test as well. Call ahead to find out what tests you need and whether you should study the Colorado Driver's Handbook before you come in.

What to do if you're under 18 or a new resident

Drivers under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the process in person. Bring both your documents and your parent's or guardian's ID. The office will issue a Graduated Driver License (GDL) with restrictions that lift as you age — at 16.5 you can drive alone during the day, and at 17 most restrictions end.

If you're new to Colorado and have a valid license from another state, you can exchange it for a Colorado license at the Denver County office. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency in Colorado, and proof of your Social Security number. You don't have to take the written test, but you will take the vision test. The fee is the same as a renewal.

If your out-of-state license is expired, you'll need to take the written test and vision test as if you were getting your first license. Bring the Colorado Driver's Handbook with you or study it online before your appointment.

Making an appointment or getting help

The Denver County office does not require appointments for most services, but you can call (303) 205-5600 to ask about wait times or to get answers to specific questions about your documents. The staff can tell you whether you need to bring anything else or whether your situation requires a visit at all.

If you have questions about your driving record, violations, or suspensions, the office can help, but you may also find answers faster on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. If your license is suspended or revoked, you'll need to resolve that issue before you can renew or get a new license.

For questions about commercial licenses, motorcycle endorsements, or hazmat endorsements, call ahead — these transactions sometimes take longer and may require extra documents or tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it's expired?

Yes, but you cannot renew online if it's expired. You'll need to visit the office or renew by mail. Bring your expired license and your other required documents. There is no penalty for renewing late — your license is still valid for five years from the renewal date.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You can get a Colorado ID without a Social Security number, but you'll need to bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other proof that you don't have one. Call the office to ask what documents they'll accept in your situation.

How do I get a duplicate license if mine is lost?

You can order a replacement online at dor.colorado.gov and pick it up at the office, or have it mailed to you. You'll pay the same fee as a new license. Bring your other documents to prove your identity and residency if you're picking it up in person.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Denver County office?

No appointment is required, but you can call (303) 205-5600 to check wait times before you go. Going on a weekday morning, especially Tuesday through Thursday, usually means a shorter wait than Friday or Monday.

What happens if I fail the vision or written test?

You can retake the test the same day or come back another day. There is no extra fee for retakes. The office staff will tell you how many times you can retake before you have to wait a certain number of days. Study the Colorado Driver's Handbook before your next attempt.