Where the Lakewood DMV office is and what it handles

The Lakewood Driver License Office is located at 7151 West Colfax Avenue, Lakewood, Colorado 80215. This is one of several Colorado Department of Revenue offices in the Denver metro area, and it issues driver licenses, ID cards, and handles renewals and replacements for residents in the Lakewood area and surrounding communities.

The office processes standard driver licenses, commercial driver licenses (CDLs), identification cards for people who don't drive, and duplicate licenses if yours is lost or stolen. You can also renew an expiring license or update your address here. The office does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those transactions happen at a separate county clerk's office.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lakewood office is at 7151 West Colfax Avenue and handles driver licenses, ID cards, renewals, and replacements for the Lakewood area.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to get a new license or ID card.
  • Hours and wait times vary by day and season, so checking the Colorado DMV website or calling ahead reduces time spent in the office.
  • You can renew your license online or by mail if it is not expired more than one year, which is faster than visiting in person.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies and digital images on your phone will not be accepted.

Documents you need to bring

Colorado requires three categories of documents for a new driver license or ID card: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The Lakewood office will not issue a license without all three, so gathering them before you go saves a trip back home.

For proof of identity, bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, passport, or visa. A photocopy or image on your phone will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or visa along with your birth certificate translated into English by a certified translator.

For proof of Colorado residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax notice in your name with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement, insurance bill, or government mail also works. You need only one document, but it must be an original or certified copy.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number). If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request an ITIN from the IRS before you visit the office.

How to prepare for your visit

Before you go to the Lakewood office, check the Colorado DMV website for current hours and estimated wait times. Wait times are longest on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and shortest on Thursdays and Fridays. Arriving early in the morning — before 10 a.m. — usually means a shorter wait than afternoon visits.

You can also take a number online through the Colorado DMV website before you visit. This reserves your place in the queue and tells you roughly when to arrive, rather than making you wait from the moment you walk in. The online reservation system is available most days and can cut your in-office time significantly.

Bring all your documents in a folder or envelope so they stay together and are straightforward to hand over. The staff will make copies of your proof of residency and identity documents, so originals are safe — you will get them back.

When to renew online or by mail instead

If your driver license or ID card is not expired yet, or expired less than one year ago, you can renew it online or by mail without visiting the Lakewood office. Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs less than an in-person visit. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

To renew online, go to the Colorado DMV website, enter your license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will need a valid email address and a payment method. Online renewal is available 24 hours a day and does not require an appointment.

If your license expired more than one year ago, or if you need to change your name or address, you must visit the office in person. The same applies if you are explore for a commercial driver license or if you have had a suspension or revocation on your record.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive at the Lakewood office, check in at the front desk and give them your documents. A staff member will review them to make sure everything is there and readable. If anything is missing or unclear, they will tell you what you need to bring back.

Once your documents are approved, you will have your photo taken for your license or ID card. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in — the photo will be on your license for several years. You will also answer questions about your address, any name changes, and whether you want to register as an organ donor.

The office will run a background check through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This usually takes a few minutes. If there are no issues, you will pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Fees and payment methods

A new Colorado driver license costs $28.50 and is valid for five years. An ID card costs $20.50 and is also valid for five years. A duplicate license (if yours is lost or stolen) costs $20.50. Renewal fees are the same as new license fees. The Lakewood office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards — check the Colorado DMV website for the most current payment methods accepted.

If you are renewing online, the fee is the same but you may see a small processing charge added by the payment processor. Military members and certain other groups may be may have access to to fee reductions — ask the staff when you arrive.

If you need a commercial driver license

A commercial driver license (CDL) is required if you drive a truck, bus, or vehicle carrying hazardous materials for work. The Lakewood office issues CDLs, but the process is more involved than a standard license. You will need to pass a written knowledge test, a skills test, and a medical examination.

Before you visit the Lakewood office for a CDL, study the Colorado CDL manual, which is free on the DMV website. You should also schedule your skills test in advance — the office does not always have an examiner available on the same day you explore. Bring all the same identity and residency documents as you would for a standard license, plus your current driver license and proof of your medical examination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No, you must visit the office in person. Licenses expired more than one year are considered invalid, and the DMV requires a new in-person process with all original documents and a new photo. Online and mail renewal are only for licenses expired less than one year.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport or visa as proof of identity instead. If you do not have any of these, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born to request a certified copy of your birth certificate. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

How long does it take to get my permanent license after my visit?

The Lakewood office gives you a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid when ready. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, call the office to check the status.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Lakewood office?

Appointments are not required, but you can reserve a time slot online through the Colorado DMV website. Reserving a slot does not may provide a specific time, but it reduces your wait. Walk-ins are also accepted, though wait times may be longer.

Can I get a Real ID at the Lakewood office?

Yes. A Real ID is a federal standard driver license that can be used for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. It costs the same as a standard license and requires the same documents. Ask for a Real ID when you explore, or check the box on the online form if you are renewing.