Adult Permit
You must start with a permit if you’ve never had a license OR if your license has been expired/canceled for over 12 months, regardless of your age.
Get Your Adult Permit
Step 1: Study for the Test
Review the Driver’s Handbook and take the Practice Quiz. You can find them on the Driver Education page here.
Step 2: Pre-Register Online
Get ready for your first DMV visit! Complete the online pre-registration here.
Step 3: Pass the Written Test
Option 1: Take the online @Home Driving Knowledge Test. After passing, proceed to Step 4. You will need to bring the confirmation that you passed the test with you to the DMV (paper or electronic). There is an additional charge for taking it online.
Option 2: Take the test in-office. Schedule your appointment as a written test on the Appointment Scheduling page. Once you pass the test, you will be able to continue with the issuance of the permit at the same time as long as you bring the required documents.
Important Note on Retest Fees: If you failed the written permit test before passing, you will be required to pay an additional state fee for each retest when you come to your appointment. The retest fee is $11.50 and cannot be paid online.
Step 4: Schedule an Appointment
Make an appointment to finalize the permit issuance at a driver license office. Click here for Appointment Scheduling Information.
Make sure you have scheduled your appointment! Appointment Scheduling Information.
| Requirement | Documents Needed |
| Proof of Identity | Bring the required identification documents. Find your required document checklist:
|
| Online Written Test | If you took the permit test online, please be sure to follow the instructions in the email sent to you following the completion of the online written test. You will need to bring the certificate of completion to your appointment, either printed or digitally. |
Other Requirements:
- Vision: Bring your glasses or contacts for the eye exam. You will need to 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).
- Payment: Be prepared to pay the applicable fee. Applicable Fees.
Receive Your Permit
You will receive a paper temporary permit. The physical card will be mailed within 30 days.
Didn’t get your permit in the mail within the 30 days? See below Frequently Asked Questions, How do I check the delivery status of my physical permit or license?
The following requirements must be met while you are practicing with your permit:
| Requirements | Details |
| Minimum Permit Hold | There is no minimum time for holding an adult permit. Adults are eligable to take the driving test immediately after receiving their permit. |
| Driving Supervision | Must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 or older in the front passenger seat. The supervisor must have a valid CO driver license (or military ID and a valid out-of-state license). |
Guide to Getting Your Colorado License
- Action: Make an appointment to take the Drive Skills Test.
- Where: With an approved 3rd party testing school (The DMV does not book these appointments). Click here for a list of approved driving testing partners.
- Important Note On Retest Fees: If you failed the driving test before passing, you will be required to pay an additional state fee for each retest when you come to your appointment. The retest fee is $15.40 and cannot be paid online currently.
Option 1: Upgrade Online
If you have no changes to your name, address, or other information, you can upgrade your permit to a license online. Click here to upgrade online.
Option 2: Upgrade In-Person
Schedule your appointment here: Welcome to the Appointment Scheduling Information Page.
Bring your valid permit and the following documents:
| Requirement | Documents Needed |
| Name Changes (If applicable) | Bring documents to connect any name changes. View the Manage Your Name Changes page for acceptable documents and other requirements/information. |
| Address Changes (If applicable) | Bring TWO documents to prove you live in Colorado. Electronic versions shown on your phone are acceptable. Your address documents should:
Find the full list of acceptable documents on the Required Documents page here. |
| Fee | Pay the applicable fee. Click here to view the Fees page. |
I Upgraded In-Person:
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 both the paper temporary license and your previous physical permit with you while operating a motor vehicle until your new, permanent physical card arrives in the mail.
I Upgraded Online:
Your receipt and the expired/prior physical permit together serve as your temporary license. Your physical card will be mailed within 30 days.
Where's my license?
Didn’t get your license in the mail within the 30 days? See below Frequently Asked Questions, How do I check the delivery status of my physical permit or license?
Frequently Asked Questions
Before Your Appointment
You will need to visit a THIRD PARTY TESTER for:
- Driver Education Schools
- Drive Skills Tests
- Motorcycle Skills Tests
You cannot book an appointment for these tests through this site. Please book your appointment directly through the school or testing location.
To obtain a permit, license, or identification card, Colorado requires certain documents that prove who you are, your lawful status (for US citizens, permanent residents, citizens of free associated states, or CDL applicants), your date of birth, your social security number (when applicable), and your Colorado address. You will also be required to bring official documents to link any name changes or name differences on the documents you bring.
For a full list of what Colorado required for identification, please view the options below:
- US citizens, permanent residents, citizens of freely associated states, and CDL applicants (not including temporarily lawfully present non-domiciled CDLs) can only be issued a REAL ID. For a full list of the required documents view the Required Documents page here or form DR 2300A found in the Forms Library here.
- Non-lawfully present (undocumented) and temporarily lawfully present residents will need to provide documents to be issued a standard license or ID. For a full list of the required documents view the Standard Licenses and IDs page here or forms DR 2300B and DR 2300C found in the Forms Library here.
If you are a US Citizen, Permanent Resident, Citizen of Freely Associated States, or applying for a CDL (not including Temporarily Lawful Non-Domiciled CDLs) you can find the full list of acceptable identification documents here: Required Documents.
If you are not-lawfully present (Undocumented) or Temporarily Lawfully present, you can find a full list of acceptable documents here: Standard Licenses and IDs.
Colorado law requires that you sign a Colorado Road and Community Safety Act (CO-RCSA) Affidavit This Affidavit (DR 2212) is required by law for issuance of a Standard Credential to Non-Lawfully Present (NLP) residents. This affidavit affirms the applicant's Colorado Address. The technician at the appointment will provide you the form if you do not have one with you. You can find the printable DR 2212 form in the Forms Library here.
You must also bring proof of your identity and one proof of your Colorado address in your name. Minors can use a parent or legal guardian's proof of Colorado address. Any proof of Colorado address documents must be dated within the last year and brought with you to your appointment. We do not accept foreign driver licenses as proof of identity. Review all requirements here: Standard Licenses and IDs.
All applicants are required to provide Identification Documents to get a Colorado permit, license, or ID card. Identification documents include proof of who you are, your lawful status (when applicable), your date of birth, and your social security number (when applicable). You will also be required to bring official documents to link any name changes or name differences on the documents you bring. You must prove your Colorado address by providing 2 proofs of address, in your name or a parent/guardian’s name if you are a minor, and must be dated within the last year.
If you are a US Citizen, Permanent Resident, Citizen of Freely Associated States, or applying for a CDL (not including Temporarily Lawful Non-Domiciled CDLs) you can find the full list of acceptable identification documents here: Required Documents.
If you are a non-lawfully present (Undocumented) or Temporarily Lawfully Present Resident, you can find a full list of acceptable documents here: Standard Licenses and IDs.
If you are moving from another country and are a US citizen or permanent resident and want to see if your country has a reciprocity agreement with Colorado that waives written and drive testing for new residents with valid out-of-country licenses, click here. (Not applicable to permits) If it has been more than a year since you have had a US driver license, be prepared to take a written test, purchase a permit, take a driving test, and purchase a new driver license.
All other new residents who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents must apply for a standard credential and complete all the requirements for a Colorado permit and/or license. Click here to learn more about Colorado Standard License requirements.
For customers needing accommodations with the driving knowledge test, your options are to:
- Have the exam read by the testing station (bring plug-in headphones to your appointment).
- Have the exam verbally translated to another spoken language (test-taker must provide the translator).
- Have the exam translated to sign language (DMV provides this service, please see the information available here on ASL interpreters).
- Request other ADA accommodations.
- You can request ADA accommodations here: Americans with Disabilities Act Accommodation Request for Driver License Services.
- Take the test at home through our at-home testing webpage here.
At Your Appointment
You need to make an appointment at a driver license office or participating county to get your permit or license. Click here to make an appointment.
Fourteen counties offer driver license services- view all state and county driver license office locations here. Counties that offer limited or full service driver license services are: Baca, Cheyenne, Douglas, El Paso, Grand, Kit Carson, Kiowa, Lake, Lincoln, Phillips, Saguache, Sedgwick, Washington, and Yuma. Check the county's website for hours of operation, appointment requirements, and available services. The state does NOT book county motor vehicle appointments.
Already have an appointment and need to cancel it? 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. Click here to cancel your appointment.
If you no longer have the confirmation email or appointment number, please call 720-295-2965 for assistance.
No, an Affidavit of Liability is only required for minors to get a permit or license.
Translation devices are available at some offices, or you may bring a friend/family member to translate (interpreter must show their unexpired driver 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.
Yes, we provide testing in both English and Spanish in the office. We do not have the test in other languages at this time.
After Your Appointment
You can check on the delivery status in several ways:
- Online: Visit the "Where is my driver license/ID?" page.
- When prompted for the “issuance date of your most recent license/ID” please use the date of your appointment or online transaction.
- 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).
Didn't receive your credential within 30 days? Click here for options to get a replacement: Lost, Stolen, or Damaged DL/Permit/ID.
Driving Restrictions
An adult permit driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 or older, with a valid Colorado driver license (or military ID and a valid out-of-state license) seated in the front passenger seat.
Converting Your License
If nothing has changed, you can go online to renew your license and get an adult license. Click here to renew online.
If your name or address has changed, you will need to make an appointment. Schedule your appointment here: Appointment Scheduling Information.
You can apply to downgrade your driver license to a state ID card either online via the myDMV Colorado portal here or in-person by scheduling an appointment here. If you voluntarily surrender your DL, the resulting ID card is issued at no cost (if you are age 60 or older).
Exception: Temporarily Lawfully Present license holders cannot downgrade their license to an identification card online.
Additional Resources
- Looking for a form? You can find all forms in the Forms Library here.
- Find information about Adult Permits (21+) here.
- Find information about replacing lost, stolen or damaged credentials here.
- New to Colorado from another state and want more information? Visit the New to Colorado page here.
- This page has information about residency requirements, driver license identification requirements, and vehicle title and registration guidance.
- Find information about Colorado Identification cards here.
- Find out about Colorado’s Digital ID on Your Phone here.
- Learn about the Rehabilitation Permit Process here.