The Boulder County Driver's License Office location and hours
The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) operates a driver's license office in Boulder at 1910 13th Street, Boulder, CO 80302. This is the main location where Boulder residents can renew licenses, take written tests, and schedule driving tests. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays.
You do not need an appointment for most transactions, but wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings and early afternoons tend to be less crowded than late afternoon. If you are renewing a license by mail or online, you do not need to visit the office at all—Colorado allows mail and online renewal for many drivers.
The office handles written knowledge tests, driving skills tests, and license renewals in person. If you are moving to Colorado or need a new license for another reason, you will also need to bring proof of residency, identity, and Social Security number. The staff can tell you exactly what documents you need before you stand in line.
Key Takeaways
- The Boulder DMV office is at 1910 13th Street and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no appointment required for most services.
- You can renew your Colorado driver's license by mail or online if you meet age and medical requirements, which avoids a trip to the office entirely.
- Bring proof of identity, residency, and your Social Security number if you are getting a new license or renewing in person.
- Written tests and driving tests are administered at the Boulder office, and you can schedule a driving test appointment online through the Colorado DMV website.
What documents to bring for a license renewal
If you are renewing your license in person, bring your current Colorado driver's license or ID card. You will also need one document that proves your identity—a passport, military ID, or certified birth certificate all work. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal change.
Proof of Colorado residency is required. Acceptable documents include a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and current address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved to Boulder, bring a signed lease or utility bill in your name.
You will also need to provide your Social Security number. Have it memorized or written down—the office will not accept a Social Security card as proof of the number itself, only as a way to verify it matches your records.
Renewing your license by mail or online instead
Colorado allows mail renewal for drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked, who are between 21 and 61 years old, and who do not need a new photo. You can request a mail renewal form from the DMV website or by calling the Boulder office. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your process.
Online renewal is available through the Colorado DMV website for drivers who meet the same requirements. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Online renewal is faster than mail—you can complete it in minutes and your new license will arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
If you are over 61, have a suspended or revoked license, or need a new photo, you must renew in person at the Boulder office. Medical conditions that affect your ability to drive also require an in-person visit so the examiner can assess whether restrictions are needed on your license.
Taking your written knowledge test at the Boulder office
The written test covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take the test in English or Spanish. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You are allowed one attempt per visit, so if you fail, you will need to schedule another appointment or come back another day.
Study materials are available free on the Colorado DMV website, including the official driver's handbook and practice tests. Many people study the handbook for a few days before taking the test. The Boulder office does not require you to schedule the written test in advance—you can walk in and take it the same day, though you may wait.
Bring your current ID and Social Security number. The test costs no additional fee beyond your license renewal or new license fee. Once you pass, you can schedule your driving skills test at the same office or at another Colorado DMV location if that is more convenient.
Scheduling and taking your driving skills test
The driving skills test is a 20-minute evaluation of your ability to operate a vehicle safely. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and backing up. They will also observe how you handle traffic, follow signs, and respond to other drivers.
You can schedule a driving test appointment online through the Colorado DMV website or by calling the Boulder office. Appointments fill up weeks in advance, especially in spring and summer, so schedule as soon as you pass your written test. If you fail the driving test, you can schedule another attempt, but there is typically a waiting period of a few days.
Bring your current ID, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and the keys to the vehicle you will be tested in. Arrive 10 minutes early. If you do not show up for your appointment, you will lose your test fee and have to reschedule.
What to do if you cannot visit the Boulder office
If you live outside Boulder but need a Colorado driver's license, you can visit any DMV office in the state. Colorado has offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and several other cities. Each office handles the same services and accepts the same documents. You do not have to use the Boulder office just because you live in Boulder County.
If you are out of state temporarily, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on your situation. Contact the Boulder DMV office by phone to ask whether your specific circumstances allow remote renewal. The phone number is on the Colorado DMV website.
If you need a replacement license because yours was lost or stolen, you can request one by mail or online in most cases. You will need to pay a replacement fee in addition to the renewal fee. The process is the same as a regular renewal—bring the same documents, or submit them by mail if you are using mail renewal.
Fees and payment methods at the Boulder office
A standard driver's license renewal costs a set amount that depends on how long the license is valid for—typically four or five years. A new license for someone moving to Colorado costs more than a renewal. A replacement license for a lost or stolen license costs an additional fee on top of the renewal fee. The exact amounts change periodically, so check the Colorado DMV website for current fees before you visit.
The Boulder office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, you can pay by check or money order. If you are renewing online, you will pay by debit or credit card. Do not send cash by mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a new license after I pass my test?
Your license is printed on site at the Boulder office and you can pick it up the same day you pass your driving test, or the office will mail it to you. If you choose to have it mailed, it arrives within one to two weeks. If you renew by mail or online, your new license arrives by mail in one to two weeks.
Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?
Yes, but you may have to take the written test again if your license has been expired for more than five years. If it has been expired for less than five years, you can usually renew without retesting. Call the Boulder office to confirm your situation before you visit.
What if I fail my driving test?
You can schedule another driving test appointment. There is usually a waiting period of a few days before you can test again. You do not have to retake the written test unless your written test result has expired. Study the areas where you struggled and practice before your next appointment.
Do I need an appointment to take the written test?
No, you can walk in and take the written test without scheduling ahead. However, you will wait in line, and the office may be busy. Calling ahead to ask about wait times can help you choose a good time to visit.
Can I take my driving test in a vehicle that is not registered in my name?
Yes, the vehicle does not have to be registered in your name, but it must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will check the registration and insurance before the test begins.