Where to go for a Denver driver's license
The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles all driver's licenses in Denver. You cannot get a license at a local city office — you must visit a DMV office or use their online services for certain transactions.
Denver has one full-service DMV office located at 405 South Kipling Street, Denver, CO 80226. This is the main location where you can take the written test, vision test, and photo for a new license or renewal. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays.
If you live in the Denver metro area but outside the city limits, you may have other DMV offices closer to you in surrounding counties. The Colorado DMV website lists all office locations and hours.
Key Takeaways
- Denver's main DMV office is at 405 South Kipling Street, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and this is where you take your tests and get your photo taken.
- You will need proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to explore.
- First-time applicants must pass a written test and vision test in person at the DMV office; you cannot take these tests online.
- Renewals can often be done online or by mail if you have no violations and meet other requirements, which saves you a trip to the office.
- Bring your current out-of-state license or ID if you have one, because the DMV will keep it when you get your Colorado license.
Documents you need to bring
Bring proof of identity first. This can be a valid passport, a current out-of-state driver's license, a military ID, or a birth certificate. If you use a birth certificate, bring a second form of ID as well — a Social Security card, school ID, or employee ID works.
You also need proof of Colorado residency. The DMV accepts a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail alone is not enough — it must show your address clearly.
Bring your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). You can write it on the process form, or bring your Social Security card or tax documents. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must bring an ITIN letter from the IRS.
If you are renewing and have a current Colorado license, bring that as well. The DMV will take your old license when you receive your new one.
Steps for a first-time driver's license
First, fill out Form DL-43 (process for a Driver's License or Identification Card) before you arrive at the office. You can read it from the Colorado DMV website or fill it out at the office. Bring it completed and signed.
At the DMV office, you will take a written test on Colorado traffic laws. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, which is free on the DMV website. The test is offered in English and Spanish.
Next, you will take a vision test. The DMV checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them.
After you pass both tests, you will have your photo taken for your license. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo stays on your license for five years.
You will pay the license fee at the end. The cost depends on your age and how long you want the license to be valid. A five-year license for someone under 21 costs less than a license for someone over 21. Ask the DMV staff for the current fee when you arrive.
Renewing your Colorado driver's license
If your license is still valid and you have no violations, you can renew online through the Colorado DMV website. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. Your new license will arrive by mail in about two weeks.
You can also renew by mail if you meet the same requirements. Fill out Form DL-43, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing takes about three weeks.
If you have had violations, your license has expired for more than one year, or you need to change information on your license, you must renew in person at the DMV office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a first-time license, plus your current license.
Getting a Real ID in Colorado
A Real ID is a driver's license that meets federal security standards. You need a Real ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. Colorado driver's licenses are Real ID-compliant by default — you do not need to request it separately or pay extra.
When you get your Colorado license, the DMV will mark it with a gold star in the upper right corner if it meets Real ID standards. This happens automatically if you bring the required documents and pass the tests.
If you already have a Colorado license without the star, you can update it to Real ID status by visiting the DMV office in person with your current license and proof of residency.
What to do if you fail the written test
If you do not pass the written test, you can retake it the same day or come back another day. There is no waiting period between attempts. Each time you retake the test, you pay the test fee again.
Before you retake the test, study the Colorado Driver Handbook more carefully. The DMV office has copies, and it is also free online. Focus on the sections about right-of-way, speed limits, and parking rules — these topics appear on most tests.
You can take the test as many times as you need until you pass. There is no limit on the number of attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test online?
No. The written test, vision test, and photo must all be done in person at a DMV office. You cannot complete these steps online or by mail, even if you are renewing a license.
How long does it take to get a license at the Denver DMV office?
Plan for one to two hours from arrival to completion. The time varies depending on how busy the office is. Arriving early in the morning or mid-week usually means shorter wait times than Friday afternoons.
What if I move to a different address in Colorado?
You must update your address within 30 days of moving. You can do this online through the Colorado DMV website, by mail, or in person at the DMV office. Updating your address online is free and takes about 5 minutes.
Do I need an appointment to visit the Denver DMV office?
The Denver DMV office operates on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not need an appointment, but you can check wait times on the Colorado DMV website before you go. Some services may have appointment options — call the office at the number on the DMV website to ask.
What happens to my out-of-state license when I get a Colorado license?
The DMV will take your out-of-state license and keep it. You will not get it back. If you need it for identification purposes, take a photo of it before you go to the DMV office.