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

You must bring documents that prove: 

• Your Identity: Your full, legal name must be on the documents. No nicknames or initials unless they are part of your legal name on an official document like a birth certificate. (See requirements under the What to Bring section)
  • If the names on your documents differ, you must provide proof of any name changes. Examples include an original certified marriage certificate for each name change (if you haven't reverted to a maiden name) or a certified court order for a name change. Find out more here: Change Your Name on Your Credential.
• Your Colorado Address:  Depending on type of license, you will need one or two proofs that you live in Colorado.(See requirements under the What to Bring section)
• Your Legal Presence: For REAL ID’s this proves you have a lawful presence in the U.S. These documents must be original, full-size, and have an official seal from a state or county (e.g., a certified birth certificate, unexpired passport, consular report of birth abroad, certificate of citizenship, certificate of naturalization or resident card). US-issued Birth Certificates must show the person listed on the certificate was born in the US.(See requirements under the What to Bring section)
• Your Social Security Number (SSN): You can provide this number verbally. You will not need this if you are applying for a Standard License (Undocumented/Temporarily Lawfully Present non-commercial credential)

• They must be the original documents. No copies, photos, or laminated versions.
• They cannot be damaged or altered in any way.
  If your name has changed (due to marriage, court order, etc.), you must bring the official documents that show the name change. Find out what documents are acceptable here.
• Documents must be in English or translated into English.
   

• Bring your old driver's license from your previous state. It can be expired less than one year.
• If you lost your old license, you can bring a recent Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) from that state dated within 30 days and showing a valid license, along with another form of ID. An MVR is your driving history report.
• If your license has expired for more than one year, you will be required to take the written permit test and other applicable testing to get your Colorado license.
• You will also need to provide documents that prove your identity, address, SSN and lawful presence from the What to Bring section.
• Find out more information at the New to Colorado webpage.

• For Proof of Address: You can use a parent's proof of address as long as that parent is with you. Their Colorado driver's license or ID can count as one proof of address if the address is up-to-date.
• For Proof of Identity, Lawful Presence and Social Security Requirements: You must also bring the other required documents listed below in the What to Bring section.
• These requirements also apply to obtaining your minor permit.
• For more information on minor permits, click here.

• They must be translated into English.
• You are responsible for the cost of the translation.
• You must bring both the original and the translated document.
• The person who translates the document must type or print a specific statement on the translated document on the same page as the translation. This statement must be the following:  “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.
   

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)) 

Certified Documents: An original document, or a certified copy of an original document. This copy must be verified as a true reproduction by an authorized person or agency. Important: A certified document is NOT a copy you make yourself. It must have an official court/county government/city government/state government seal or stamp. A notary public cannot certify documents.

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 license
• People applying for a CDL

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

• For information about renewal eligibility, when to renew, how to renew, and receiving you new license, click here.
• 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.
• To find out more about Motorcycle endorsements and renewals, click here.
• To find out more about CDL endorsements and renewals, click here. 

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.

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.

You need to make an appointment to visit a driver’s license office. Pre-registering online does not take the place of making an appointment.

On the appointment scheduler page:
1. Select the First Time CO DL/ID/Permit service once you choose your appointment location.
2. Make sure you use a valid phone number and email address when making your appointment to receive a confirmation of your appointment.

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.