Getting a Colorado Driver License or ID: Required Documents you Need to Bring

Things to know about the documents you must bring:

• Original Documents Only: All documents must be original (no copies, lamination, or alterations).
   
• Name Changes: If your documents have different names, you must provide extra documents showing the name change. See the Colorado DMV's Change Your Name webpage for acceptable documents. (For instance, a marriage certificate for each name change if  you never went back to a maiden name.)
   
• Transferring Driver License from Another State/U.S. Territory - What you will need to bring: 
  • Your driver license from your previous state/U.S. territory, valid or expired less than one year, or a motor vehicle report from your state licensing agency dated within 30 days and showing a license that is valid or expired less than one year (with an alternative form of identification, if your license is lost or stolen, chosen from the list below). A Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), or driving record, is a document that details your driving history, including license status, traffic violations, accidents, and more, and is maintained by a state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a similar agency.
  • The required documents listed under Gather Your Documents or the Document Requirements tab for Undocumented or Temporarily Legal Residents.
  • Find out more information at the New to Colorado webpage.
     

Translated Documents: Documents must be in English or translated into English. You are responsible for paying for any translation costs.The original document and the translated document must be presented together at the office. To be accepted, the translated document must have the below affirmation typed or electronically printed on the same page as the translation, not on separate pieces of paper.

“I, [insert translator’s full name], affirm that the foregoing is a complete and accurate translation from [insert foreign language] to the English language to the best of my ability. I further affirm that I am fully competent to translate from [insert foreign language] to the English language and that I am proficient in both languages;”  

The translated document must also include the number and state of issuance of the translator’s unexpired driver’s license, instruction permit, or identification card. All translated documents and information will be included in the applicant’s permanent motor vehicle record. Applicants are responsible for all costs of translation. 

Step 1: Proof of Identity and Lawful Presence 
For more information, please click here for the U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents Identification Checklist (DR2300A). (Spanish(opens in new window)(opens in new window)(opens in new window)) 

Name Changes: If your documents have different names, you must provide extra documents showing the name change. See the Colorado DMV's Change Your Name webpage for acceptable documents. (For instance, a marriage certificate for each name change if you never went back to a maiden name.)

For more information, please click here for the U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents Identification Checklist (DR2300A). (Spanish)

Step 2: Proof of Social Security Number

Who needs to prove their Social Security Number?

• All U.S. citizens and permanently lawful residents.
• Commercial Driver License (CDL) applicants (whether permanent or temporary residents)
• Freely Associated States applicants

What Documents are Accepted?

• Social Security Account number card (If the customer is 18 or over the social security card needs to be signed)
• W-2 form
• SSA-1099 form
• Non-SSA-1099 form
• Pay stub with your name and full SSN

Note: You can provide your Social Security number verbally.

Step 3: Proof of Colorado Residency/Address

You'll need two (2) documents to prove your physical Colorado address. Bring more than you think you'll need, just in case!

Who Needs Two Proofs of Address?

• First-time applicants
• People with an expired Colorado license, permit, or ID (expired for more than one year)
• People changing their address
• People reinstating their driving privilege and needing to take tests
• People who are doing a class change from an ID to permit or permit to driver's license.

Note: U.S. citizens or permanent residents renewing a valid or recently expired (less than one year) Colorado license, permit, or ID can use that document if the address is correct.

What Documents Are Accepted?

Documents must have your Name, Date, and Address and must be dated within one year of your application.

Electronic documents are accepted with a full physical/residential address with your name.

Here are some examples:

• Computer-generated bills (utilities, credit cards, doctor, hospital)
• Bank statements
• Pre-printed pay stubs
• First-class mail from a government agency or court
• Current homeowners, renters, or motor vehicle insurance policy
• Mortgage, lease, or rental contract
• School transcripts or report cards
• Motor vehicle registration
• USPS Change of Address Form (CNL107)
• DD214
• Postmarked first-class mail

What Documents Are Not Accepted:

• Junk mail, bulk mail, and handwritten documents
• Documents that only display a PO box number
• Documents, letters or envelopes with labels, corrections or changes to name, address or date. 

Step 4: Get your License or Identification Card

Get your License or Identification Card

• Make an appointment to visit a driver license office
• For first-time Colorado license or ID applicants (including transfers from other states): please pre-register online at myDMV and select “Apply for a driver’s license/ID”  before your appointment to streamline the appointment process.  
  • Important - Applying online is a pre-registration process, not an appointment. You will still need to make an appointment with the Appointment Scheduler.

Renewals

• You may renew your adult driver license or ID card at any time online before the expiration date - you shouldn't wait until it expires. 
• Online renewals aren't possible if your license has expired for over one year. 
• To learn more, click here to visit dmv.colorado.gov/renewals. 

Halfway House/Treatment Facility Residents: A letter from the facility on letterhead showing the facility’s name, address and telephone number; must include the facility representative’s name, signature and date; must indicate they “will accept delivery of mail” for the applicant.

Rural Route Addresses: A certified government document showing your name and a description of the residence’s location.

Homeless Applicants: A letter from a government entity or non-profit organization on its letterhead showing the facility’s name, address and telephone number; must have the legal representative’s name, signature and signature date; must state they "will accept delivery of mail” for the applicant.

Minors Under 21: Are able to use their parent's proof of address, if that parent is present. (A Colorado driver license or ID will count as one proof of address if the address is current).

Exceptions Processing: If you cannot provide the required documents due to circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible for Exceptions Processing. Learn more at dmv.colorado.gov/exceptions-processing.

Undocumented Residents

• All documents must be unaltered certified originals, certified amended originals, or true copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies, notarized documents and online printouts are not accepted.
• If you are transferring driving privilege, you must also provide your driver license (valid or expired less than one year) or a motor vehicle report from your previous state/U.S. territory (dated within 30 days and showing a license that is valid or expired less than one year).
• Undocumented residents will receive a document bearing the phrase: “Not valid for federal identification, voting, or public benefit purposes.”
• All documents presented must be in English or translated into English. (1 C C R 204-30-6) 

For more information, please click here for the Undocumented Residents Document Checklist (DR2300C). (Spanish)

Temporarily Legal Residents 

• All documents must be unaltered certified originals, certified amended originals, or true copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies, notarized documents and online printouts are not accepted.
• If you are transferring driving privilege, you must also provide your driver license (valid or expired less than one year) or a motor vehicle report from your previous state/U.S. territory (dated within 30 days and showing a license that is valid or expired less than one year).
• Applicants for a commercial driver license and citizens of Freely Associated States will receive a Real ID-compliant document and must be verified through the USCIS SAVE system. All other temporarily legal residents will receive a document bearing the phrase: “Not valid for federal identification, voting, or public benefit purposes.”

For more information, please click here for the Temporarily Legal Residents Document Checklist (DR2300B). (Spanish)

Translated Documents: Documents must be in English or translated into English. You are responsible for paying for any translation costs.The original document and the translated document must be presented together at the office. To be accepted, the translated document must have the below affirmation typed or electronically printed on the same page as the translation, not on separate pieces of paper.

“I, [insert translator’s full name], affirm that the foregoing is a complete and accurate translation from [insert foreign language] to the English language to the best of my ability. I further affirm that I am fully competent to translate from [insert foreign language] to the English language and that I am proficient in both languages;”  

The translated document must also include the number and state of issuance of the translator’s unexpired driver’s license, instruction permit, or identification card. All translated documents and information will be included in the applicant’s permanent motor vehicle record. Applicants are responsible for all costs of translation. 

For More Information: Visit the Colorado DMV's Standard License Requirements and Frequently Asked Questions pages.