If you’re renewing your non-commercial REAL ID license/permit/ID in person and you have a valid Colorado license/permit/ID, and you aren’t changing any of your information, all you need to bring is your license/permit/ID. You may be able to renew your license/ID online.
What to Bring
If you’re getting your first non-commercial Colorado license or ID, renewing one that is expired by more than 1 year, or changing your information (ex. name change), you must bring:
New drivers (under 18) getting a driver’s license will also need proof of completion of driver education, 50 hours of driving time logged, and having passed the driving skills test. Learn more about permit and first license requirements. Effective January 1, 2027, all new drivers under 21 will need to meet new education requirements.
International applicants may need to complete the requirements as a new driver. Learn more about getting a Colorado driver license as an international applicant.
Standard credential applicants may have additional requirements. Learn more about standard licenses for undocumented and temporarily lawfully present applicants.
Commercial applicants have different identity and lawful presence requirements. Learn more about proof documents for commercial applicants.
Acceptable Documents
The #1 reason appointments fail is when people forget to bring the right documents.
- Original or government-certified copies only, no photocopies, photos, laminated versions, or notarized copies
- Documents must be in English, or include a complete English translation with a required statement and the translator’s driver license or ID number
- Names on all documents must match, or provide proof of name changes
Check the Important Document Rules before your appointment.
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Proof of Identity and Lawful Presence or Immigration Status
Bring ONE of the following original or certified documents:
- Colorado license, permit, or ID - unexpired or expired less than 10 years
- U.S. passport or U.S. passport card - unexpired
- Unexpired ENHANCED out-of-state driver license/ID card - available only from MI, NY, MN, WA, VT
- Certificate of naturalization/citizenship - original or certified copy, issued within 20 years
- Permanent resident card (I-551) - unexpired or expired with I-797 extension
- Foreign passport with unexpired I-551 stamp
- Valid I-94 Refugee/Approved Asylee - with foreign passport, DHS attached photograph, or USCIS Travel Document
OR bring one from List A and one from list B
List A
- Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
- No abbreviated, miniature, hospital, or California abstract birth certificates.
- Consular report of birth abroad
- Certificate of naturalization/citizenship (Issued 20+ years ago)
- Certified U.S. adoption order (with birth information)
- Refugee/Approved Asylee I-94 without photo
List B
- Colorado driver license/instruction permit/ID card (Unexpired/expired less than 10 years)
- Out-of-state driver license/instruction permit/ID card (Unexpired/expired less than 10 years)
- U.S. passport or U.S. passport card (Expired less than 10 years)
- Military ID/Common Access Card (Unexpired/expired less than 10 years)
- VA card (Issued within 20 years)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs or Tribal ID with photo (Issued within 20 years)
- Federal Bureau of Prisons or State Department of Corrections ID card
- Parent or legal guardian with identity document and proof of guardianship (if under age 21)
Temporarily Lawful Residents (TLP) residents will receive a Standard credential marked "Not valid for federal identification, voting, or public benefit purposes." Your REAL ID from another state is NOT transferable to Colorado. Learn more about licenses and IDs for Temporarily Lawfully Present (TLP) and Non Lawfully Present Residents
You are required to provide proof of identity and lawful presence.
Bring ONE of the following original or certified documents:
- Employment Authorization Document (I-766) - unexpired, or expired with I-797C Notice of Action demonstrating receipt of an Application for Employment Authorization showing an applicable unexpired automatic extension
- Unexpired foreign passport with U.S. visa and printed I-94 AND, if your I-94 class of admission is:
- F or M: Your original unexpired printed I-20A/B
- J: Your original, unexpired printed DS2019
- K or V: Your certified U.S. marriage certificate and I-797 Application for Adjustment of Status
OR bring ONE from List A AND ONE from List B
List A
- I-797C Notice of Action demonstrating receipt of an application:
- To register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status issued within 5 years of the date of application
- For Asylum issued within 5 years of the date of application
- For (or Grant of) Temporary Protected Status issued within 5 years of the date of application
- For change or extension of status issued within 2 years of the date of application
- An I-797C listed above, dated outside of the specified timeframe, may be accepted with written evidence from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that the application is still pending
List B
- Colorado driver license/instruction permit/ID card (Unexpired/expired less than 10 years)
- Out-of-state driver license/instruction permit/ID card (Unexpired/expired less than 10 years)
- Foreign passport valid or expired less than 10 years
- Consular identification card valid or expired less than 10 years
- Employment Authorization Document (I-766) expired less than 10 years
Non-Lawful Residents (NLP) residents will receive a Standard credential marked "Not valid for federal identification, voting, or public benefit purposes." Learn more about licenses and IDs for Temporarily Lawfully Present (TLP) and Non Lawfully Present Residents
You are required to bring proof of identity.
Bring ONE of the following original or certified documents:
- Foreign passport
- Consular identification card
- Military identification document
- Colorado driver license, permit, or ID - for renewals only
Commercial Drivers getting a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) have different lawful presence requirements and additional education and testing requirements. Learn more about commercial driver requirements.
If you are a US 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. Learn more about exceptions processing for US citizens and permanent residents.
Exceptions processing is only available for individuals facing extenuating circumstances. This service is not available for those who have not met standard document requirements or are seeking to bypass standard processing time.
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Proof of Name Changes (If applicable)
If the name on your Proof of Identity document(s) is different from your current legal name, you must bring original or certified documents that show how your name changed.
Acceptable documents include, original or certified copies of:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court order for legal name change
- Adoption papers
Example: Your passport shows "Jane Smith," but you're now "Jane Jones" after marriage. Bring your original or certified government-issued marriage certificate linking the names.
Has your name changed multiple times? Bring documents for each change (for example, a first marriage certificate, divorce decree, and a second marriage certificate). We must be able to follow your name change step-by-step to your current legal name.
If you have a Social Security number, your name must be updated with the Social Security Administration before you can change it on your driver license or ID. Processing takes 24–48 hours.
If your Proof of Identity document doesn’t show your full name (including your middle name) or if it shows an initial, bring an additional Proof of Identity document showing your full name.
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Proof of Social Security Number (U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents Only)
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Proof of Colorado Residential Address (2 required)
Bring TWO documents, physical or electronic/digital, showing your current Colorado street address (no P.O. boxes).
Nonlawfully present/undocumented residents: You only need one proof of address. You will also need to bring or complete DR 2212A Colorado Road and Community Safety Affidavit at your appointment.
Documents must:
- Show your full name
- Show complete street address, city, and state
- Be dated within the last year with full date visible
- Be in English
Acceptable documents
- Bank statement
- Pay stub
- Phone or utility bill
- Mortgage, lease or rental contract
- Vehicle registration or title
- Homeowners, renters, or motor vehicle insurance policy
- First-class mail from a government agency
- USPS Change of Address form
- Rent receipt
- Computer generated bills
- Utilities, credit cards, doctor, hospital
- School transcripts or report cards
- DD214
NOT acceptable
- Junk mail or bulk mail
- Handwritten documents
- Documents showing only P.O. box
- Documents with labels, corrections, or alterations to name, address, or date
You can use an adult’s proof of address if they accompany you to the appointment.
The adult’s current Colorado driver license or ID can count as ONE of the two required address proofs (if the address is up to date).
You only need to bring one proof of Colorado address.
You should bring a letter from a government entity or nonprofit on letterhead showing the facility’s name, address, and phone. It must have a representative's name, signature, and date and must state they "will accept delivery of mail" for you.
You should bring a letter from your facility on letterhead with facility name, address, phone; must include representative's name, signature, and date; must state they "will accept delivery of mail" for you.
Bring a certified government document showing your name and description of residence location.
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Out-of-state license or Motor Vehicle Record (if transferring a license from another state)
You’ll need all the documentation required for any first-time license, AND your old driver license from another state.
Your out-of-state license:
- Must be valid or expired less than one year
- If expired more than one year: You'll need to take the written permit test and other applicable tests
Your Motor Vehicle Record
- If you don’t have or lost your out-of-state license, you must bring a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) from your previous state, dated within 30 days showing a valid license, plus another form of ID
Important: Even if your out-of-state license is a REAL ID, you must bring all Colorado-required documents to get a Colorado REAL ID.
Documents Must Be Original or Certified
- No photocopies, photos, or laminated versions
- Certified copies must have an official seal/stamp from the issuing government agency
- Notaries cannot certify documents
What is a "certified" document? An original or a copy with an official seal/stamp from the government agency that issued it (county clerk, state office, etc.). NOT a copy you made yourself.
Documents Not in English Must Be Translated
What to Bring to Your Appointment
If your document is not in English, you must bring:
- The original document, AND
- A complete English translation with the required affirmation typed or electronically printed on the same page as the translation
You must bring both documents.
Who Can Translate the Document
The English translation must be done by someone who can read and write both languages well. You are responsible for arranging the translation and for any translation costs. You may:
- Translate the document yourself
- Have a friend or family member translate it
- Use a professional translator
Required Affirmation for Translated Documents
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. The translation will become part of your permanent motor vehicle record.
"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."
Include the translator’s:
- Unexpired driver license, instruction permit, or identification card number
- State of issuance
Additional Options for Your License/ID
Veteran/Military Status
To add this to your license or UD, you must bring your DD214 or a Retired/Active Military ID. A VA card alone is not sufficient. Learn more about adding Veteran/Military Status to your license or ID.
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, and/or physical disability can choose to add a disability identifier symbol to their driver license or ID. Learn more about adding the disability identifier to a license, permit, or ID.
Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation
You can become an organ, eye, or tissue donor, shown by the heart symbol on your license or ID. Learn more about organ, eye, and tissue donation.