Where to go for a driver's license in Aurora
The Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver's License Division runs the office that issues licenses and ID cards in Aurora. The main location is at 13101 East Colfax Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011. This is the office that handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes for Aurora residents and people who work in the area.
You can also visit other Colorado DMV offices if the Aurora location doesn't work for your schedule, but the Colfax Avenue office is the one physically located in Aurora. Hours vary by season and staffing, so check the Colorado DMV website or call ahead before you go — wait times can run long during peak hours, especially early morning and mid-month.
Some services, like renewing a license by mail or online, don't require a visit to the office at all. The Colorado DMV website lets you check which services you can complete without going in person, based on your license type and how long it's been since your last renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Aurora's main driver's license office is at 13101 East Colfax Avenue, run by the Colorado Department of Revenue.
- You'll need to bring specific documents depending on whether you're getting a new license, renewing, or replacing one — the Colorado DMV website lists requirements by transaction type.
- Some renewals and address changes can be done online or by mail, which saves a trip to the office.
- Wait times are typically shorter on weekday afternoons and later in the month, and calling ahead can tell you current wait estimates.
What documents you need to bring
The documents required depend on what you're doing. For a new Colorado driver's license, you'll need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or out-of-state license), proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and your Social Security number or proof of it. You'll also need to pass a vision test and written exam at the office.
For a renewal, the requirements are simpler if your license hasn't expired by more than a year. You typically just need your current license and proof of residency if your address has changed. If your license expired more than a year ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision exam, and bring the same documents as a new applicant.
If you're replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license, bring a police report (if it was stolen) and proof of residency. The Colorado DMV website has a full checklist organized by transaction type — print it or screenshot it before you go so you don't make a second trip.
Fees and payment methods
A five-year Colorado driver's license costs $26.50. A renewal is $21.50. A replacement for a lost or damaged license is $20. These prices are set by the state and don't vary by location. The Aurora office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards — call ahead if you want to confirm they're not temporarily card-only.
If you're under 21, the license costs more and has different rules about what you can do. If you're over 65, renewal costs less. Military members on active duty may have different fees. The Colorado DMV website breaks down the full fee schedule by age and license type.
How to prepare before you go
Gather your documents at least a day before your visit and check them against the Colorado DMV's checklist for your specific transaction. Proof of residency documents must show your current address and be dated within the last 60 days for most types — a recent utility bill or bank statement works, but an old lease won't. If you've moved recently and don't have a document in your name yet, call the office to ask what they'll accept.
If you're taking the written test, study the Colorado Driver's Handbook, which is free on the DMV website. You can take a practice test online to see which topics you need to review. The test is 25 questions, and you need to get at least 20 right to pass.
Bring a completed process form if you have one — the office has them, but filling it out ahead of time moves you through the line faster. The form is available on the Colorado DMV website as a PDF you can print and fill in by hand.
What to expect during your visit
When you arrive, you'll check in and get a number. Wait times vary widely depending on the day and time — early morning and mid-month are busiest. The office staff will verify your documents, take your photo, and collect your fee. If you're getting a new license or your old one expired more than a year ago, you'll take a vision test and written exam before you leave.
Your new license is printed on site and you'll get it before you leave the office. If there's an issue with your documents or process, staff will tell you what's missing and whether you can fix it that day or need to come back. If you need to come back, ask for a written list of what you need so you don't guess.
Alternatives to visiting the office in person
Colorado lets you renew your license online if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must have a valid Social Security number on file, and you can't have any medical or legal holds on your license. The online renewal costs the same as in-person and takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in about two weeks.
You can also renew by mail if you prefer. read the renewal process from the Colorado DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with your current license and payment to the address on the form. Mail renewals take longer — usually three to four weeks — but you don't have to take time off work or wait in line.
Address changes can be done online if your license is current. You'll need your license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The change takes effect when ready for online transactions, though your physical license still shows the old address until you renew.
If you can't find what you need
The Colorado DMV website has a live chat feature during business hours, and you can also call the Driver's License Division directly. The phone line can be slow during peak hours, but staff can answer questions about documents, fees, and whether a specific service can be done online or by mail. Have your license number or Social Security number ready when you call.
If you're a new Colorado resident and need to transfer a license from another state, the process is similar to getting a new license — bring your out-of-state license as proof of identity, plus Colorado residency proof. You won't have to retake the written test if your out-of-state license is current, but you will take a vision test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a license after my visit?
Your license is printed at the office and you get it before you leave, unless there's a problem with your process. If staff find an issue, they'll tell you whether it can be fixed that day or if you need to return with different documents.
Can I renew my license online if it's already expired?
Online renewal is only for licenses expired one year or less. If yours expired more than a year ago, you'll need to visit the office or renew by mail and retake the written and vision tests. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks.
What if I don't have a Social Security number?
You can get a Colorado driver's license without a Social Security number, but you'll need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you're not may be able to access. Bring whichever document applies when you visit the office.
Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in?
The Aurora office operates on a first-come, first-served basis — no appointments needed. You check in when you arrive and get a number. Call ahead to ask about current wait times, which change throughout the day and by season.
What happens if I fail the written test?
You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. If you fail again, you'll need to come back another day to try a third time. After three failures, you have to wait 30 days before you can test again.