Required Identification Documents to Get Your Permit, Driver License, or Identification Card

• Originals Only: No copies, photos, or laminated versions and no abbreviated, miniature, hospital or California abstract birth certificates.
• Certified Documents: Must be original or certified copies with an official court/county/city/state government seal or stamp (A notary public cannot certify).
• Content: Documents must contain full legal name, date of birth, date of issuance, country of issuance, and a photograph.
• Validity Period: Must be currently valid or meet the expiration dates for that particular document.
• English Only: If not in English, a complete, certified translation with a specific affirmation and the translator's unexpired driver’s license/ID number must be presented with the original document.
  • The documents must include this 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.
• Names Must Match: Different names on documents (for example: due to marriage, divorce, or a court order) are not accepted. See below section "Connect Any Name Changes" for details on what is acceptable proof of name changes or differences.

You must provide one or two documents to prove who you are, depending on which documents you choose to bring. The document(s) must be an original or a certified copy. 

What’s a certified copy? This is not a photocopy you make yourself. It's a copy with an official seal or stamp from the government agency that issued the original (e.g., a county court or state office). A notary public cannot certify documents.

OR

For a printable version of the checklist, download DR 2300A US Citizens and Permanent Residents Identification Checklist from the Forms Library page here.

This step is only required if your current full name is different from the name on your identity document (e.g., due to marriage, divorce, or a court order). 

• Do your documents show different names?  If the document(s) you bring for proof of identity and lawful presence do not show your full name (including middle name) or show an initial, you must present an additional document from the Proof of Identity list above to prove your full name.
• Have you had multiple name changes? You must bring a document for each change to show the connection from your original name to your current name.
• Acceptable "linking" documents include:
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Divorce Decree
  • Court Order for Name Change

Find out more: Manage Your Name on Your Driver License, Permit, or ID Card page.

You have two options:

• Simply provide your number verbally at the time of your appointment. (No document needed).
• Bring one of the following documents to prove your number:
  • Social Security Card (must be signed if you are 18 or older)
  • W-2 Form
  • Pay stub showing your full name and Social Security Number
  • SSA-1099 or other 1099 form

You must bring TWO different documents to prove you live in Colorado. Electronic versions shown on your phone are acceptable.

Your address documents must meet these requirements:

• Show your full name.
• Show your current physical Colorado address (No P.O. Boxes).
• Be dated within the last year.
• Under 21: An adult's proof of address can be used for a minor as long as the adult is present and the adult's name is on the proof of address document. Their Colorado driver's license or ID can count as one proof of address if the address is up-to-date.
   

You must also bring your driver license from your previous state that is either currently valid or 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.

Find out more information about new residents requirements (from another state or country) here: New to Colorado webpage.

If you are a U.S. citizen who has proof of lawful presence but are unable to provide an identification document to establish identity or date of birth, you may go through Exceptions Processing and provide documents from the Exceptions Processing Document List. Click here for more information: Applicants who are U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents.

Rural Route Addresses 

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

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.

Homeless Applicants 

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

Veteran/Military Status

To add this to your card, bring your DD214 or a Retired/Active Military ID. (A VA card alone is not sufficient). For more information on Veteran and Militiary Statuses, view the Active Duty Military and Veterans page here.

Disability Identifier 

Coloradans who might not be able to effectively communicate with first responders due to a cognitive, neurological, mental health, sensory needs, chronic illness, chronic pain and/or physical disability can choose to add a disability symbol identifier to their driver license or identification card. Find out how to add this to your license or ID here: Disability Identifier for Driver License/Permit/Identification Card.

Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation

You can become an organ, eye, or tissue donor. Click here to learn more about this life-saving program.

For a printable version of this list, download the U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents Identification Checklist (DR 2300A) from our Forms Library webpage. 

All first-time applicants should pre-register online. 

Pre-register here

Schedule an appointment at a STATE driver license office. Schedule your appointment and learn more about the appointment process:

Schedule an appointment

Note: Fourteen counties also offer driver license services regardless of whether you reside in that county. Check the county website for hours, costs, and services. You cannot book an appointment with a county on this site. Some counties offer walk-in services, check with the specific county first. Counties offering driver license services are: Baca, Cheyenne, Douglas, El Paso, Grand, Kit Carson, Kiowa, Lake, Lincoln, Phillips, Saguache, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma. For hours of operation and more information, view driver license office locations here.

Arrive shortly before your appointment and check in online or at a kiosk no earlier than 15 minutes prior. For more information, view the Appointment FAQ page here.

To cancel your appointment, you must have the appointment number (located above the bar code in your confirmation email) and the phone number associated with the appointment:

Cancel an appointment

If you no longer have the confirmation email or appointment number, please call 720-295-2965 for assistance.

Make sure you bring all of the required documents AND that they meet the key document requirements.

Step 1: Required Documents - What to Bring to Your Appointment

• Pass a basic Vision Exam given by the technician.
• Submit Fingerprints (C.R.S. 42-2-107 and 42-2-302) .
• A Photograph will be taken (must remove eyeglasses, bulky clothing, hats/headwear except for religious reasons).

Be prepared to pay the applicable fees. Click here for applicable fees.

• Translators/interpreters: Translation devices are available at some offices, or you may bring a friend/family member to translate (interpreter must show unexpired driver’s license or ID card).The interpreter's name and driver license/ID card number will be recorded and will be included with the applicant’s permanent motor vehicle record. Depending on the service, additional restrictions may apply.
• ASL interpreter: Click here to request assistance.
• ADA accommodations: Click here to request an ADA accommodation: Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodation Request for Driver License Services.

• A temporary paper credential will be issued at the appointment.
  • The temporary credential is valid immediately.
• The permanent physical card will be mailed to your address within 30 days.
• Check Delivery Status:
  • Online via the “Where is my driver license/ID?” page
  • Email the Returned Credential Office at dor_dmv_dl_returned_credentials@state.co.us
  • Call 303-205-5600 (press 1, then press 3.)
  • Return to the office that issued your credential (You do not need an appointment for this)

Card lost, stolen, or not received within 30 days? Visit this page for options: Lost, Stolen, or Damaged DL/Permit/ID.  

You will receive a paper temporary license if you upgrade in person. Your physical card will be mailed within 30 days.

To be fully compliant with Colorado law, ensure you have the paper temporary license with you while operating a motor vehicle until your new, permanent physical card arrives in the mail.