Out-of-Country: Getting a Colorado Driver License

Welcome to Colorado! This page is for residents moving to Colorado from another country and want a driver license.

Reciprocal Countries

Colorado has special agreements with a few countries. If you have a license from one of these countries, the process is simpler.

Reciprocal Countries:

Canada
France
Germany
The Republic of South Korea
Taiwan
- You must bring an official statement from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver. This statement must confirm your license is valid and include a translation.
Japan
- You must be a Japanese national and present an original "Verification Certificate of Driver License" (VCDL) issued by the Consul General of Japan in Denver within 3 months prior to your appointment.

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have a valid driver license from one of the countries above, you are not required to get a permit or take the written and driving skills tests. You will still need to make an appointment to visit a driver license office. Find out what you need to bring and the process for applying for your Colorado license here: Required Identification Documents and Application Process.

Important Notes:

Permits: The reciprocity agreements do not extend to residents who ONLY have an out-of-country permit.
Motorcycle and commercial licenses: Endorsements for motorcycles or commercial driver licenses from other countries do NOT transfer to a Colorado license.
- You will need to apply and test for these separately.

From a Different Country

If you are from a country that is NOT on the reciprocity list above and do NOT have a valid license, you will need to follow the Colorado graduated driving license requirements (under 21) or adult permit and licensing (over 21) requirements.