The Aurora Driver's License Office location and what it handles

The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) operates a driver's license office in Aurora at 13451 East Quincy Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011. This office issues new driver's licenses, renews licenses that are expiring, handles name changes on licenses, and processes duplicate licenses if yours is lost or stolen. It does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those transactions happen at separate county clerk offices.

The Aurora office serves residents across the metro area and is one of several DMV locations in the greater Denver region. Because it is a high-traffic location, wait times can be long during peak hours, especially early in the week and mid-month when many people renew before expiration.

Key Takeaways

  • The Aurora DMV office is located at 13451 East Quincy Avenue and handles driver's licenses only, not vehicle registration or title transfers.
  • You must bring a valid form of identification, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to renew or obtain a license.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, and you can check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website before you go.
  • If you need to renew your license before it expires, you can do so up to one year in advance, which may help you avoid a rush closer to your expiration date.
  • Vision tests are performed on-site, and you will be asked to pass a written knowledge test if you are explore for your first Colorado license or upgrading your license class.

Documents you need to bring

Colorado requires specific documents for every driver's license transaction. Bring a valid form of identification — a passport, military ID, or an out-of-state driver's license all work. You also need proof that you live in Colorado, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The name on your residency document must match the name on your ID.

You must provide your Social Security number or, if you do not have one, your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you are renewing a license that is still valid, bring the license itself. If you are explore for your first Colorado license or your license has expired, you will also need to pass a vision test and a written knowledge test at the office.

If you are changing your name — through marriage, divorce, or court order — bring the legal document that proves the change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The Aurora office will not process a name change without this documentation.

Hours, wait times, and how to prepare

The Aurora DMV office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed on weekends and state holidays. The office does not accept appointments; service is first-come, first-served. Wait times vary widely depending on the day and time. Early morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday typically has shorter waits than a Friday afternoon or the first week of the month.

Before you go, check the Colorado DMV website for current wait times at the Aurora location. The site updates this information throughout the day. You can also call the office at (720) 773-1700 to ask about current conditions, though staff may not be able to answer when ready during busy periods.

Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so they do not get separated. Arrive with at least 30 minutes before closing time if you want to be seen that day. If the wait is very long when you arrive, you can leave and return another day — the office will not hold your place.

What happens during your visit

When you arrive, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will wait until your number is called, then proceed to a service window. The staff member will review your documents, verify your information in the Colorado DMV system, and collect any fees. If you are renewing a valid license, this process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes at the window.

If you are explore for your first Colorado license or your license has expired, you will be directed to a vision station where an automated machine tests your eyesight. You will then sit for a written knowledge test on a computer terminal. The test covers road signs, right-of-way rules, and safe driving practices. You must score at least 80 percent to pass. If you fail, you can retake the test the same day at no additional cost.

Once you pass the vision and knowledge tests, you will return to a service window for your photo and final processing. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provide within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the plastic card to arrive.

Fees and payment methods

Driver's license fees in Colorado depend on the type of transaction and the length of validity you choose. A standard five-year renewal costs less than a ten-year renewal. A new license for a first-time Colorado driver costs more than a renewal. The Aurora office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. It does not accept checks or money orders.

If you are renewing early — more than 60 days before your expiration date — you will pay the standard renewal fee, and your new license will be valid for five or ten years from the date you receive it, not from your old expiration date. This means early renewal can actually extend the total time your license is valid.

When to renew before your license expires

Colorado allows you to renew your driver's license up to one year before it expires. Many people renew four to six months early to avoid the rush that happens in the final weeks before expiration. If your license expires on a weekend or holiday, you can renew it on the business day before without penalty.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at the Aurora office, but you will be required to retake the written knowledge test and vision test, even if you have held a Colorado license for years. This adds time to your visit. Renewing before expiration avoids this requirement and is usually faster.

Alternatives if you cannot visit in person

Colorado does not allow online renewal for driver's licenses, and the Aurora office does not accept mail-in applications. However, if you hold a valid Colorado license and meet certain conditions — your address has not changed, you have no medical restrictions, and you are not changing your name — you may be able to renew at a county clerk's office in some cases. Contact your county clerk to ask whether they offer this service.

If you are unable to visit the Aurora office due to a disability or medical condition, call (720) 773-1700 to ask about accommodations or whether another location might be more accessible to you. The DMV can sometimes arrange for a staff member to information you or direct you to a location with better accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

Yes, but you will have to retake the written knowledge test and vision test, even if you have held a Colorado license for many years. This makes the process longer than a standard renewal. You will also need to bring all the same documents as someone explore for a license for the first time.

What if I fail the written knowledge test?

You can retake the test when ready at the Aurora office at no additional cost. You have three attempts per visit. If you fail all three, you will need to return on another day to try again. Many people study the Colorado Driver's Handbook before their visit to avoid this.

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

Your plastic license card is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You receive a temporary paper license at the office that is valid for 60 days while you wait. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, call the Aurora office to report it.

Can I renew my license if I just moved to Aurora from another state?

Yes. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency dated within the last 60 days, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You will not have to retake the knowledge test if your out-of-state license is still valid, but you will have a vision test.

What if my name does not match my residency proof?

The Aurora office requires that your name on your ID and your name on your residency document match. If they do not, bring a legal document showing your name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — along with both documents. The staff will update your name in the system before processing your license.