New to Colorado from another country?

To get a Colorado Driver License, you need to get a driver permit (including passing the written test, pass a drive skills test, and apply for your license.
 
Colorado has reciprocal agreements with the following countries. 

• Canada

• France

• Germany

• The Republic of South Korea

• Taiwan

  • Applicants from the Republic of China (Taiwan) must present an official statement from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver that the driver license is a valid license and the statement contains the translation of the Taiwan Class B license.

• Japan

  • Must be a Japanese national.

  • Must present an original “Verification Certificate of Driver License” (VCDL) issued by Consul General of Japan in Denver less than 3 months prior to the date of application.

For adults with licenses from these countries, no permit or testing is required. Simply Schedule an Appointment to get a new driver license.

International driver license holders from other countries are required to successfully pass both the written exam and drive skills tests prior to applying for a Colorado driver license. 

Obtain a Driver Permit

• Schedule an Appointment to get a permit

• The written test can be taken in office or online.

• During your appointment, expect the following:

  • Present your required identification documents for review

  • Take the written exam (if not taken online)

  • Take an eye test

  • Pay applicable fee

Take the Drive Skills Test

Drive Skills tests are given at approved driving schools. Schedule your drive test directly with one of these on the list.

Apply for your License

After passing your driving skills test, you may:

• Schedule an Appointment to upgrade your permit to a license.

• Apply online to upgrade your permit to a license at mydmv.colorado.gov.  Click on "Upgrade from a permit to a license" on the "Driver/ID Services" tab.

• An additional fee applies.

Adult Drivers (18 and older)

For information on getting a permit as an adult, see the  Adult Permit page.

Minor Driver (Younger than 18)

For information on getting a permit as a minor see the Minor Permit page.

Motorcycle and Commercial Drivers

Motorcycle and Commercial Driver License (CDL) endorsements from other countries will not transfer to a Colorado Driver License.