Getting a Colorado Driver License or ID: Required Documents you Need to Bring

The information below pertains to a regular, non-commercial driver license. Whether you are applying for your permit, driver license, or identification card, you will need to bring documents that prove: 

• Your Identity: Your full, legal name must be on the documents. No nicknames or initials unless they are part of your legal name on an official document like a birth certificate. (See requirements under the What to Bring section)
  • If the names on your documents differ, you must provide proof of any name changes. Examples include an original certified marriage certificate for each name change (if you haven't reverted to a maiden name) or a certified court order for a name change. Find out more here: Change Your Name on Your Credential.
• Your Colorado Address: Depending on type of license, you will need one or two proofs that you live in Colorado.(See requirements under the What to Bring section)
• Your Legal Presence: For REAL ID’s this proves you have a lawful presence in the U.S. These documents must be original, full-size, and have an official seal from a state or county (e.g., a certified birth certificate, unexpired passport, consular report of birth abroad, certificate of citizenship, certificate of naturalization or resident card). US-issued Birth Certificates must show the person listed on the certificate was born in the US.(See requirements under the What to Bring section)
• Your Social Security Number (SSN): You can provide this number verbally.
• Requirements for individuals applying for a Standard License or ID card (Undocumented/Temporarily Lawfully Present non-commercial credential) can be found here: Standard Licenses and IDs.
• CDL applicants should follow the instructions outlined here: First-Time Commercial Driver License.

• They must be the original documents. No copies, photos, or laminated versions.
• They cannot be damaged or altered in any way.
  If your name has changed (due to marriage, court order, etc.), you must bring the official documents that show the name change. Find out what documents are acceptable here.
• Documents must be in English or translated into English.
   

• Bring your old driver's license from your previous state. It can be 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.
• You will also need to provide documents that prove your identity, address, SSN and lawful presence from the What to Bring section.
• Find out more information at the New to Colorado webpage.

• For Proof of Address: You can use a parent's proof of address as long as that parent is with you. Their Colorado driver's license or ID can count as one proof of address if the address is up-to-date.
• For Proof of Identity, Lawful Presence and Social Security Requirements: You must also bring the other required documents listed below in the What to Bring section.
• These requirements also apply to obtaining your minor permit.
• If you are a new driver and getting a permit, you will also need to bring additional proof of completing your educational requirements, depending on your age. For more information about the process for getting your permit, click here.
• If you are a new driver and getting your driver license, you will need to bring additional proof of behind-the-wheel training (depending on your age) and proof of passing the driving skills road test. For more information about the process for getting your driver license, click here.

• They must be translated into English.
• You are responsible for the cost of the translation.
• You must bring both the original and the translated document.
• The person who translates the document must type or print a specific statement on the translated document on the same page as the translation. This statement must be the following:  “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.
   

Step 1: Gather Your Required Documents

• Acceptable Proof of Your Identity and Lawful Presence
• Acceptable Proof of Any Name Changes or Discrepancies in Documents
• Acceptable Proof of Your Social Security Number
• Acceptable Proof of Your Colorado Address

Step 2: Pre-Register and Make An Appointment

• Pre-register for Your Appointment: Pre-registration is for all first-time Colorado driver license, permit, or ID card applicants and will help make the appointment process smoother. Click here for our Preregistration Information page.
• Make Your Appointment and Bring the Required Documents
• SKIP THE TRIP: If you already have your driving permit and have completed your requirements for a driver’s license, you may be able to skip the trip and upgrade your permit to a driver’s license online. Click here to see if you are eligible for upgrading your permit online.

Step 3: Get Your License/Permit/ID

• You will get a paper temporary credential at the appointment. Your physical credential will be mailed to within 30 days from issuance. Check the status of your credential at: Where is my driver license/ID?
• If you don't receive your credential within 30 days:
  • 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

Check out the information below for important details about getting your Colorado credential.
 

Required Identification Documents
You will need to bring the following to your appointment:

1. Proof of Your Identity & Lawful Presence 

Certified Documents: An original document, or a certified copy of an original document. This copy must be verified as a true reproduction by an authorized person or agency. Important: A certified document is NOT a copy you make yourself. It must have an official court/county government/city government/state government seal or stamp. A notary public cannot certify documents.

2. Proof of Any Name Changes or Name Differences

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. 

• If your name is different on your documents (for example, due to marriage), you must bring a certified document to link the names.  Find out what documents are acceptable on our Change Your Name page.
• If you've had more than one name change, you'll need to provide documents that show the connection between each name.

Certified Documents: An original document, or a certified copy of an original document. This copy must be verified as a true reproduction by an authorized person or agency. Important: A certified document is NOT a copy you make yourself. It must have an official court/county government/city government/state government seal or stamp. A notary public cannot certify documents.

3. Proof of Your Social Security Number

You can provide your Social Security number verbally. You can also prove your social security number by bringing one of the following documents:

• Social Security Account number card (If the customer is 18 or over the social security card needs to be signed)
• W-2 form
• SSA-1099 form
• Non-SSA-1099 form
• Pay stub with your name and full SSN

4. Proof of Your Colorado Residential Address

You must bring TWO documents to prove you live in Colorado. Electronic documents are acceptable. The documents must:

• Show your current Colorado residential address including the street address, city, and state- (No P.O. Boxes).
• Be dated within the last year and show the full date.
• Show your full name.

Acceptable documents include:

• Bank Statement
• Pay Stub
• Phone or Utility Bill
• First-Class Mail (with postmark)
• Lease Agreement or Mortgage Statement
• Credit Card Statement
• Vehicle Registration or Title
• Rent Receipt (cannot be handwritten)
• Computer-generated bills (utilities, credit cards, doctor, hospital)
• First-class mail from a government agency or court
• Current homeowners, renters, or motor vehicle insurance policy
• Mortgage, lease, or rental contract
• School transcripts or report cards
• USPS Change of Address Form (CNL107)
• DD214

What Documents Are Not Accepted:

• Junk mail, bulk mail, and handwritten documents.
• Documents that only display a PO box number.
• Documents, letters or envelopes with labels, corrections or changes to name, address or date.
   

5. Additional Important Information

• Veteran/Military Indicators: You will need your DD214 or Retired/Active Military ID. A VA card alone will not be accepted.
• Disability Identifier: Residents who might not be able to effectively communicate with first responders due to 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. Click here to learn more.

Find a printable DR 2300A U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents Identification Checklist on the Forms in Number Order page.

1. Pre-Register for Your Appointment: Pre-registration is for all first-time Colorado driver license, permit, or ID card applicants and will help in making the appointment process smoother.
   • Check out our Pre-registration Information page to find out what you need to pre-register for your appointment. Click here for our Pre-registration Information page.
   • Pre-registering online does not take the place of making an appointment.
2. Make Your Appointment: You need to make an appointment at a driver license office to get your credential. Click here to make an appointment.

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.
 

Appointment Check-In

• You should arrive at your appointment on time.
• You can check in online or at the kiosk no earlier than 15 minutes before your appointment.
• We've created some DMV Appointment Online Check-In Frequently Asked Questions to assist you.
• We strive to have you in and out in 30 minutes or less, but that's not always possible. Your appointment time is important to us and we will do our best to be as timely as possible.

Appointment Requirements

Vision Exam: All customers getting a permit or driver license in person at a driver license office must pass a basic eye exam conducted by a Driver License Technician before issuance. You do not need to bring documentation of an eye exam. If you FAIL the eye exam, you will be given a form to fill out by your optometrist. You must bring it back on your rescheduled appointment to receive your credential.

Fingerprints: Colorado law (C.R.S. 42-2-107 and 42-2-302) requires fingerprints for all applications.

Photograph: If you are being issued a credential in the office, no matter the age of your current photo, you have to take another photograph. Photograph Guidelines:

• Customers must remove any eyeglasses. Eye patches do NOT have to be removed.
• Since the neck and shoulders are part of the captured image and must be visible, the neck and shoulders cannot be obscured by hair or clothing.
• Applicants must remove any coats, scarves, or clothing that interfere with the outline of the shoulders unless they have nothing underneath.
• Hats, headwear, scarves, “do-rags”, chapeaux, hüte, sombreros, or caps are not permitted for either men or women, except for religious reasons
• Please do not wear bulky clothing when coming to the office for the purposes of following photo guidelines.

Fees: You may be required to pay additional fees and/or take applicable tests. Click here for applicable fees.

Other Appointment Information:

Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation: During your office visit, you'll be asked about becoming an organ, eye, or tissue donor.  Click here to learn more about this life-saving program.

ASL/Translators/Interpreters

• Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Click here to request assistance.
• Language: Many state driver license offices have language translation devices available. You may also bring a friend or family member to assist you. If someone is translating for you during a test, they must show their unexpired driver's license or ID. 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.
• Document Translation: Documents must be in English or translated into English. You are responsible for paying for any translation costs. The original document and the translated document must be presented together at the office. 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. “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. The applicant’s permanent motor vehicle record will include all translated documents and information. Applicants are responsible for all translation costs.

You will get a paper temporary credential at the appointment. Your physical credential will be mailed to within 30 days from issuance. Check the status of your credential:

• Online: Visit 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)

For how to replace a lost/stolen/damaged credential click here: Lost, Stolen, or Damaged DL/Permit/ID.  

Renewals

• For information about renewal eligibility, when to renew, how to renew, and receiving you new license, click here.
• You may renew your adult driver license or ID card at any time online before the expiration date - you shouldn't wait until it expires.
• To find out more about Motorcycle endorsements and renewals, click here.
• To find out more about CDL endorsements and renewals, click here. 

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.

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

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

Undocumented Residents

• All documents must be unaltered certified originals, certified amended originals, or true copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies, notarized documents and online printouts are not accepted.
• If you are transferring driving privilege, you must also provide your driver license (valid or expired less than one year) or a motor vehicle report from your previous state/U.S. territory (dated within 30 days and showing a license that is valid or expired less than one year).
• Undocumented residents will receive a document bearing the phrase: “Not valid for federal identification, voting, or public benefit purposes.”
• All documents presented must be in English or translated into English. (1 C C R 204-30-6) 

For more information, please click here for the Undocumented Residents Document Checklist (DR2300C). (Spanish)

Temporarily Legal Residents 

• All documents must be unaltered certified originals, certified amended originals, or true copies certified by the issuing agency. Photocopies, notarized documents and online printouts are not accepted.
• If you are transferring driving privilege, you must also provide your driver license (valid or expired less than one year) or a motor vehicle report from your previous state/U.S. territory (dated within 30 days and showing a license that is valid or expired less than one year).
• Applicants for a commercial driver license and citizens of Freely Associated States will receive a Real ID-compliant document and must be verified through the USCIS SAVE system. All other temporarily legal residents will receive a document bearing the phrase: “Not valid for federal identification, voting, or public benefit purposes.”

For more information, please click here for the Temporarily Legal Residents Document Checklist (DR2300B). (Spanish)

Translated Documents: Documents must be in English or translated into English. You are responsible for paying for any translation costs.The original document and the translated document must be presented together at the office. 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.

“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. 

For More Information: Visit the Colorado DMV's Standard License Requirements and Frequently Asked Questions pages.

1. Pre-Register for Your Appointment: Pre-registration is for all first-time Colorado driver license, permit, or ID card applicants and will help in making the appointment process smoother.
   1. Check out our Pre-registration Information page to find out what you need to pre-register for your appointment. Click here for our Preregistration Information page.
   2. Pre-registering online does not take the place of making an appointment.
2. Make Your Appointment: You need to make an appointment at a driver’s license office to get your credential. Click here to make an appointment.

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.
 

Appointment Check-In

• You should arrive at your appointment on time.
• You can check in online or at the kiosk no earlier than 15 minutes before your appointment.
• We've created some DMV Appointment Online Check-In Frequently Asked Questions to assist you.
• We strive to have you in and out in 30 minutes or less, but that's not always possible. Your appointment time is important to us and we will do our best to be as timely as possible.

Appointment Requirements

Vision Exam: All customers getting a permit or driver license in person at a driver license office must pass a basic eye exam conducted by a Driver License Technician before issuance. You do not need to bring documentation of an eye exam. If you FAIL the eye exam, you will be given a form to fill out by your optometrist. You must bring it back on your rescheduled appointment to receive your credential.

Fingerprints: Colorado law (C.R.S. 42-2-107 and 42-2-302) requires fingerprints for all applications.

Photograph: If you are being issued a credential in the office, no matter the age of your current photo, you have to take another photograph. Photograph Guidelines:

• Customers must remove any eyeglasses. Eye patches do NOT have to be removed.
• Since the neck and shoulders are part of the captured image and must be visible, the neck and shoulders cannot be obscured by hair or clothing.
• Applicants must remove any coats, scarves, or clothing that interfere with the outline of the shoulders unless they have nothing underneath.
• Hats, headwear, scarves, “do-rags”, chapeaux, hüte, sombreros, or caps are not permitted for either men or women, except for religious reasons
• Please do not wear bulky clothing when coming to the office for the purposes of following photo guidelines.

Fees: You may be required to pay additional fees and/or take applicable tests. Click here for applicable fees.

Other Appointment Information:

Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation: During your office visit, you'll be asked about becoming an organ, eye, or tissue donor.  Click here to learn more about this life-saving program.

ASL/Translators/Interpreters

• Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Click here to request assistance.
• Language: Many state driver license offices have language translation devices available. You may also bring a friend or family member to assist you. If someone is translating for you during a test, they must show their unexpired driver's license or ID. 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.
• Document Translation: Documents must be in English or translated into English. You are responsible for paying for any translation costs. The original document and the translated document must be presented together at the office. 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. “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. The applicant’s permanent motor vehicle record will include all translated documents and information. Applicants are responsible for all translation costs.

You will get a paper temporary credential at the appointment. Your physical credential will be mailed to within 30 days from issuance. Check the status of your credential:

• Online: Visit 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)

For how to replace a lost/stolen/damaged credential click here: Lost, Stolen, or Damaged DL/Permit/ID.