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 renew an expired one, you'll need to visit a DMV office in person — you cannot complete the entire process online or by mail.
Before you go, gather these documents: proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID), proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you're renewing, bring your current license. If you're a new resident, bring documents showing your move to Colorado.
You'll also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test unless you're renewing a valid license. The written test covers traffic laws and road signs specific to Colorado. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, available free on the DMV website.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado requires you to visit a DMV office in person to get or renew your license; no online or mail-only option exists for the full process.
- Bring proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number to your appointment.
- New drivers must pass a vision test and written knowledge test; renewals may not require testing if your license is still valid.
- Colorado licenses are valid for ten years for drivers 21 and older, and five years for drivers under 21.
- You can schedule an appointment online through the DMV website to reduce wait times at the office.
How to schedule a DMV appointment in Colorado
The Colorado DMV allows you to book an appointment online at dmv.colorado.gov. Scheduling ahead is strongly recommended because walk-ins may face long waits or be turned away if the office reaches capacity.
When you schedule, you'll select your nearest DMV office, choose a service (new license, renewal, or ID card), and pick an available date and time. The system will confirm your appointment and send you a confirmation number. Bring this number with you to the office.
If you cannot schedule online or need to reschedule, you can call the DMV at 303-205-5600. Some offices also accept walk-ins, but availability varies by location and time of day.
Costs and how long a Colorado license lasts
A Colorado driver's license costs $31.50 for a ten-year license (for drivers 21 and older) or $18.75 for a five-year license (for drivers under 21). Renewal fees are the same. You pay at the DMV office when you complete your process.
Your license is valid for the full term printed on it. Colorado does not require you to renew early, but you can renew up to one year before expiration. If your license expires, you can still renew it, but you may need to retake the written test if it has been expired for more than two years.
Testing requirements for new drivers
If you're getting your first Colorado license, you must pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the DMV office. The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely; if you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you.
The written test has 25 questions and covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The DMV provides the Colorado Driver Handbook for free study, and many practice tests are available online.
If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test.
Renewing your Colorado license by mail or online
Colorado allows some renewals by mail or online, but only if your license is still valid and you meet specific conditions. You must have held your current license for at least four years, have no medical restrictions, and not be changing your name or address.
To renew by mail, request a renewal process from the DMV website or by calling 303-205-5600. Fill it out, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address provided. Processing takes two to three weeks.
Online renewal is available through the DMV website for some drivers. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Not all drivers are may be able to access; the system will tell you whether you can renew online when you start the process.
What to do if your license is lost, stolen, or damaged
If your license is lost or stolen, report it to the DMV as soon as possible. You can file a report online at dmv.colorado.gov or by visiting a DMV office. A replacement license costs $31.50 (ten-year) or $18.75 (five-year) and takes about two weeks to arrive by mail.
If your license is damaged but still readable, you can exchange it for a new one at a DMV office for the same fee. Bring your damaged license with you.
While you wait for your replacement, you can request a temporary paper license at the DMV office. This temporary license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive legally while your permanent license is being made.
Changing your name or address on your Colorado license
If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must update your license. Bring your current license, proof of the name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your current address to a DMV office. There is no fee to change your name.
If you move within Colorado, you must update your address within 30 days. You can do this by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office. Updating your address by mail or online is free; in person, it costs $0 if done during a renewal or $20 if done separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license before it expires?
Yes. Colorado allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. You can renew in person at a DMV office, by mail if you meet the may be able to access requirements, or online if the system determines you're may be able to access. Renewing early does not change the expiration date of your new license — it will still be valid for ten years (or five years if you're under 21) from the renewal date.
What happens if I drive with an expired Colorado license?
Driving with an expired license is illegal in Colorado and can result in a traffic citation and fine. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you may need to retake the written test when you renew. If you're unsure whether your license is expired, check the expiration date printed on the front of your card.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew my Colorado license?
If you renew in person at a DMV office, you will have a new photo taken. If you renew by mail or online, your current photo will be used. A new photo is required if you renew in person, regardless of how recently your last photo was taken.
Can I get a Colorado license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Colorado issues licenses to non-citizens who can prove legal presence in the United States. You'll need to bring your passport or consulate ID, proof of legal presence (such as a visa or work authorization document), proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Contact your local DMV office for a complete list of acceptable documents.
How do I know which DMV office is closest to me?
The Colorado DMV website has a location finder that shows all DMV offices, their hours, and services offered. You can search by city or zip code. Some offices offer limited services, so check before you visit to make sure your office handles the service you need.