What you need to do to get a Colorado driver's license

To get a Colorado driver's license, you visit a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. The whole process takes several weeks from start to finish because you cannot take the driving test on the same day as your written test — Colorado requires at least one business day between them. You will also pay a fee, which varies depending on whether you are getting your first license or renewing an expired one.

The state does not mail licenses to your home. You pick it up at the DMV office where you passed your driving test, usually within two to three weeks after you pass.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with specific documents proving your identity, residency, and Social Security number before you can schedule any tests.
  • The written knowledge test and the driving test must happen on different days, with at least one business day between them.
  • You need a vehicle registered in Colorado and a person with a valid license to supervise your driving test.
  • Your new license is ready for pickup at the DMV office two to three weeks after you pass the driving test, not mailed to you.
  • Fees depend on your age and license type; a standard adult license costs less than a license for someone under 21.

Documents you must bring to the DMV office

Bring one document that proves your identity and one that proves you live in Colorado. A passport works for identity. A utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement works for residency — it must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number, such as a W-2 or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian with you. They must sign consent forms and provide their own identity and residency documents. If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone with you, but you do need to bring proof that you have taken a driver education course if you are under 21 — this can be a certificate from a driving school or a completion form from your high school.

Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one. If you are renewing a Colorado license, bring the old one. Bring any court documents if you have had a license suspended or revoked in any state.

The written knowledge test and what it covers

The written test has 25 questions about Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. The test is offered in English and in several other languages; ask at the DMV office which languages are available at your location. You can take the test on the same day you visit the office with your documents, or you can schedule it for another day.

Study materials are free on the Colorado DMV website. The official driver's handbook covers everything on the test. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare. You are allowed to take the written test up to three times in a 12-month period; if you fail, you must wait at least one business day before you can take it again.

Scheduling and taking the driving test

You can schedule your driving test online through the Colorado DMV website or by calling the office where you passed your written test. You must schedule at least one business day after you pass the written test. The driving test itself lasts about 30 to 40 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe driving decisions.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered in Colorado, has valid insurance, and has working lights, brakes, and wipers. You must also bring a person who is at least 21 years old and has a valid driver's license to supervise the test — this person sits in the passenger seat but does not help you drive. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you must wait at least one business day and pay the test fee again.

Fees and how long the process takes

A standard five-year driver's license for someone 21 or older costs $31.50. A four-year license for someone under 21 costs $21.50. These are the fees for a new license; renewal fees are different. You pay when you pass your driving test, not when you pick up your license.

From the day you walk into the DMV office to the day you pick up your license usually takes three to four weeks. The written test can happen the same day or later. The driving test must happen at least one business day after you pass the written test. After you pass the driving test, the license is printed and ready for pickup in two to three weeks. Some DMV offices are busier than others, so wait times can vary.

If you are moving to Colorado from another state

If you already have a valid driver's license from another state, you do not have to take the written test again — you only take the driving test. You still need to bring all the identity and residency documents listed above, plus your out-of-state license. You still must wait at least one business day between scheduling the driving test and taking it.

If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take both the written test and the driving test. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) from another state and want to keep it in Colorado, the rules are different — contact the Colorado DMV directly about CDL transfers.

What happens if you fail or need to retake a test

If you fail the written test, you can take it again after one business day has passed. You can take it up to three times in 12 months. If you fail the driving test, you can retake it after one business day, but you must pay the test fee again each time. There is no limit on how many times you can take the driving test, but each attempt costs money.

If you do not pick up your license within 30 days of passing the driving test, you will need to retake the driving test. The test results expire after 30 days, so plan to visit the DMV office to pick up your license as soon as you are notified it is ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the written test and driving test on the same day?

No. Colorado requires at least one business day between the written test and the driving test. You can take the written test on a Monday and the driving test on a Wednesday, but not on the same day.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. You can request this letter online or by calling the Social Security Administration. Without it or a Social Security card, you cannot get a Colorado driver's license.

Do I need a Colorado vehicle to take the driving test?

Yes, the vehicle must be registered in Colorado. It must also have valid insurance, working lights, brakes, and wipers. If you do not own a vehicle, you can borrow one from someone else as long as it meets these requirements.

What if my out-of-state license is expired?

You will need to take both the written test and the driving test, just as if you were getting your first license. An expired license does not count as a valid license for the purpose of skipping the written test.

How do I know when my license is ready for pickup?

The DMV office will contact you by phone, email, or mail — whichever contact method you provided when you took your driving test. Check your email and voicemail regularly. You have 30 days to pick it up before the test results expire and you have to retake the driving test.