Colorado Permits and First-Time Driver License

Step 1: Complete Driver Education

• Age 15 years to 15 years and 6 months: Complete a 30-hour driver education course. Click here for a list of schools.
• Age 15 years and 6 months to 16 years: Complete either a 4-hour driver awareness program OR a 30-hour driver education course. Click here for a list of schools.

Step 2: Study for the Test  
Review the Driver’s Handbook and take the Practice Quiz located on the Driver Education webpage here.

Step 3: Pre-Register Online
Complete the pre-registration to get ready for your first DMV visit. To complete pre-registration, click here.

Step 4: Pass the Written Test

• Option 1: Take the online @Home Driving Knowledge Test here. After passing, you may proceed to Step 5. You will need to bring the confirmation that you passed the online test to the DMV (paper or electronic).
• Option 2: Take the in-office test. Schedule your appointment now Appointment Scheduling. 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. Find what you need to bring in Phase 2: Permit Issuance below.
• 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 currently.

Step 5: 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. 

Required Documents:

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 temporary paper permit during your appointment. The physical card will be mailed within 30 days.

The following requirements must be met while you are practicing with your permit:

Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training Exemption 

If you live more than 30 miles from an approved full-time driving school, 12 hours of in the car driving with a driving supervisor will substitute the 6 hours of in the car driving school. This means the permit holder will need a total of 62 hours of driving logged.

Step 1: Study for the Test

Review the Driver’s Handbook and take the Practice Quiz located on the Driver Education webpage here.

Step 2: Pre-Register Online

Complete the pre-registration to get ready for your first DMV visit. To complete pre-registration, click here.

Step 3: Pass the Written Test

• Option 1: Take the online @Home Driving Knowledge Test here. After passing, proceed to Step 5. You will need to bring the confirmation that you passed the online test  to the DMV (paper or electronic).
• Option 2: Take the in-office test. Schedule your appointment now Appointment Scheduling. 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. Find what you need to bring in Phase 2: Permit Issuance below.
• 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 currently.

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. 

Required Documents:

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 temporary paper permit during your appointment. The physical card will be mailed within 30 days.

The following requirements must be met while you are practicing with your permit:

Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training Exemptions

If you live more than 30 miles from an approved full-time driving school, 12 hours of in the car driving with a driving supervisor will substitute the 6 hours of in the car driving school. This means the permit holder will need a total of 62 hours of driving logged.

If the permit holder is 16 years and 6 months old or older, the 6 hours of in the car driving with an approved 3rd party driving school is waved.

Step 1: Study for the Test

Review the Driver’s Handbook and take the Practice Quiz located on the Driver Education webpage here.

Step 2: Pre-Register Online

Complete the pre-registration to get ready for your first DMV visit. To complete pre-registration, click here.

Step 3: Pass the Written Test

• Option 1: Take the online @Home Driving Knowledge Test here. After passing, proceed to Step 5. You will need to bring the confirmation that you passed the online test  to the DMV (paper or electronic).
• Option 2: Take In-Office Schedule your appointment now Appointment Scheduling. 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 currently.

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. 

Required Documents:

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 temporary paper permit during your appointment. The physical card will be mailed within 30 days.

The following requirements must be met while you are practicing with your permit.

Complete Driver Education

• Age 15 years to 15 years and 6 months: Complete a 30-hour driver education course. Click here for a list of schools.
• Age 15 years and 6 months to 16 years: Complete either a 4-hour driver awareness program OR a 30-hour driver education course. Click here for a list of schools.
• Out-of-state credit: Colorado often accepts out-of-state driver education certificates. You may choose to bring your completion certificate from your previous state to the DMV to see if it meets Colorado requirements.

Make sure you have scheduled your appointment! Appointment Scheduling Information.

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 temporary paper permit during your appointment. The physical card will be mailed within 30 days.

To be fully compliant with Colorado law, you must have both the paper temporary permit and your previous physical out-of-state permit with you while operating a motor vehicle until your new, permanent, physical card arrives in the mail.

The following requirements must be met while you are practicing with your permit:

Behind-the-Wheel (BTW) Training Exemption 

If you live more than 30 miles from an approved full-time driving school, 12 hours of in the car driving with a driving supervisor will substitute the 6 hours of in the car driving school. This means the permit holder will need a total of 62 hours of driving logged.

The driving test and upgrading process is the same as in state permit holders. Click here to learn about the Colorado minor driver license requirements.

You are eligible to take the driving test ONE TIME with your out-of-state permit if you meet all of the following requirements:

• Permit hold: You must have held a valid permit (out-of-state or Colorado) for at least 12 months.
• Logged driving hours: You must have logged a minimum total of 50 hours of supervised driving, including 10 hours of driving at night. Driving hours logged in your previous state can be applied toward the total. The log must be signed by a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult.
• Behind-the-wheel training (BTW): Click here to view approved driving schools.
  • 16 years to 16 years and 6 months: Complete 6 hours of in the car driving with an approved 3rd party driving school.
  • 16 years and 6 months and older: Do not need to complete the 6 hours of in the car driving with an approved 3rd party driving school.
  • Distance exemption: If you live 30 miles or more from a full-time driving school, 12 hours of in the car driving with a driving supervisor will substitute for the 6 hours of in the car driving school. This means the permit holder will need a total of 62 hours of driving logged.
• Driving test locations: Driving tests are conducted by approved 3rd party testing schools. The DMV cannot book these appointments. Find a driving school or testing location near you here: Click here for a list of approved driving and motorcycle endorsement testing partners.
• Important note on retest fees: If you fail the driving skills test, 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. 

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment

An appointment is required for an in-person visits. Click here for appointment scheduling information.

Step 2: License Issuance (What to bring/expect at the appointment)

Required Documents:

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.

Step 3: Receive Your License

You will receive a temporary paper license during your appointment. The 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 license with you while operating a motor vehicle until your new, permanent physical card arrives in the mail.

Didn't get your license in the mail within the 30 days? See below Commonly Asked Questions: How do I check the delivery status of my physical permit or license?

You must purchase a Colorado permit to be able to take the driving skills test again. You can only take the driving test once per day.

You must apply for a Colorado permit within 30 days of moving. Even though you have an out-of-state permit, you still need to visit a DMV office to get a Colorado-issued one.

• Pre-register: Save time by pre-registering online before your appointment. Click here for pre-registration information.
• Appointments: You must make an appointment to visit a state driver license office. Some county offices also offer driver services. Please check to see if a county near you issues permits or licenses. Click here for appointment scheduling information.
• Parent/Guardian: You must bring a parent or a Colorado driver over 21 to sign an Affidavit of Liability and Guardianship (Form DR 2460).

Step 1: Schedule an Appointment

An appointment is required for in-person visits. Click here for appointment scheduling information.

Step 2: Permit Issuance (What to bring/expect at the appointment)

Out-of-state permit: You

Required Documents:

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.

Step 3: Receive Your Permit

You will receive a temporary paper permit during your appointment. The physical card will be mailed within 30 days.

To be fully compliant with Colorado law, ensure you have both the paper temporary permit and your previous physical out-of-state license with you while operating a motor vehicle until your new, permanent physical card arrives in the mail.

While driving with a permit, you MUST be accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 or older who is seated in the front passenger seat. The supervisor must have a valid Colorado driver license (or military ID and a valid out-of-state license).

Step 4: Pass the Driving Test

Driving test locations: Driving tests are conducted by approved third party testing schools. The DMV cannot book these appointments. You will need to go through the school. Click here for a list of approved third party testing partners.

Important note on retest fees: If you failed the driving skills 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 $14.50 and cannot be paid online currently.

Step 5: Upgrading Your Permit to a License

Option 1: Upgrade online

If you have no changes to your name or address information and you are not requesting a behind-the-wheel training exemption, you can upgrade online. 

You will need to upload a signed log sheet showing a minimum total of 50 hours, with 10 hours of those 50 hours having been driven at night. When submitting your drive logs either by using the drive logs given to you at your permit appointment or the drive logs provided through the RoadReady App, please make sure that your name is clearly legible on the top of the drive log, that the hours and total drive time are filled in correctly, and that it is signed by a parent, guardian, or other responsible adult.

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:

Step 6: Receiving Your License

I upgraded in-person: You will receive a paper temporary license. 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. Your physical card will be mailed within 30 days. 

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. 

Didn't get your license in the mail within the 30 days? See below Commonly Asked Questions: How do I check the delivery status of my physical permit or license?

You must purchase a new Colorado permit first. 

Step 1: Pre-Register Online

Complete the pre-registration to get ready for your DMV visit. To complete pre-registration, click here.

Step 2: Schedule an Appointment

An appointment is required for in-person visits. Click here for appointment scheduling information.

Step 3: Permit Issuance (What to bring/expect at the appointment)

Required Documents:

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.

Step 4: Receive Your Permit

You will receive a paper temporary license. 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. Your physical card will be mailed within 30 days. 

Step 5: Driving with a Permit

While driving with a permit, you must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 or older and is seated in the front passenger seat. The supervisor must have a valid Colorado driver license (or military ID AND a valid out-of-state license).

• Action: Make an appointment to take the driving skills test.
• Where: With an approved 3rd party testing school (The DMV does not book these appointments).
• Click here for list of approved driving testing partners.
• Important note on retest fees: If you failed the driving skills 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 or address information, you can upgrade 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:

I Upgraded In-Person: You will receive a paper temporary license. 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. Your physical card will be mailed within 30 days. 

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. 

Didn’t get your card in the mail within the 30 days? See Frequently Asked Questions, How do I check the delivery status of my physical permit or license?

You will need to visit a THIRD PARTY TESTER For:

• Driver Education
• 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.

Click here for education and testing locations.

To obtain a permit, license, or identification card, Colorado requires certain documents that prove who you are, your lawful status (US citizen, permanent resident, citizen of freely 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 requires for identification, please review the following:

• If you are a US citizen, permanent resident, citizen of freely associated states, or applying for a CDL (not including temporarily lawfully present non-domiciled CDLs), you are required to provide documentation to receive a REAL ID. You can find the full list of necessary documents on the Required Documents page here or on form DR 2300A found in the Forms Library here.
• If you are not-lawfully present (undocumented) or temporarily lawfully present, you can find a full list of acceptable documents on the Standard Licenses and IDs page here or on 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.

If you are a minor and move from another state with a permit, your permit time counts towards your Colorado license requirements. There are still specific Colorado educational and testing requirements based on age.

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.

For more information, please see the above section titled “Out of State Transfers: Moving to Colorado with a Valid Minor’s Permit or License from Another State”. 

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.

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.

If you are 18 years old or older, an Affidavit of Liability form is NOT required.

If you are under 18, a parent, guardian, or responsible adult over 21 is required to be present and sign the Affidavit of Liability. 

If a minor wants to add or remove their registration as an organ and tissue donor, a new Affidavit of Liability must be completed with the same signer, unless the signer withdraws their signature.

View the table below for requirements and information:

A parent or legal guardian will need to sign an Affidavit of Identity at the appointment if the minor (under 21) does not have a government-issued Identification, Passport, or military ID. School IDs alone are not sufficient identity proof.

The parent or legal guardian will need to bring certified documents proving guardianship (such as a birth certificate, court orders, adoption records, etc) to sign for the Affidavit of Identity. Power of Attorney is not acceptable for this purpose.

This form is not available online and will be provided at the appointment, if needed.

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.

You can check on the delivery status in several ways:

• Online: Visit the "Where's 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.

A minor permit driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver who is 21 or older, with a valid Colorado driver license (or military ID and valid out-of-state License) seated in the front passenger seat.

The restrictions of Colorado's Graduated Driver's License (GDL) program for minors are designed to gradually introduce driving privileges and are primarily focused on passenger limits and curfew hours during the first year of licensure.

Colorado GDL Passenger and Curfew Restrictions

The following chart details the main passenger and night driving restrictions during the first year you hold a minor license.

General Rules and Exceptions

Passenger Exceptions (Apply at Any Time)

• Siblings: Your siblings may ride with you at any time.
• Medical Emergency: You may carry passengers under 21 years old if you are involved in a medical emergency.

Curfew Exceptions (First Year: Midnight to 5 a.m.)

You are allowed to drive between midnight and 5 a.m. during your first year if you are:

• Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Driving to/from school or a school-authorized activity (signed statement from school is required).
• Driving to/from work (signed statement from employer is required).
• Involved in a medical emergency.
• An emancipated minor.

Safety and Legal Rules

• Cell Phones: Texting or talking on a cell phone while driving is against the law for drivers under 18 years old. The only exception is to place an emergency call to the police.
• Seat Belts: You and all passengers must wear seat belts at all times.
• Alcohol: Even a trace of alcohol is punishable by law. You can lose your driver's license if you drink under the legal age limit, even if you are not driving.

This is determined on a state-by-state basis. Always research each specific state's laws and requirements or contact the state DMV beforehand to avoid potential violations. If moving to that state, be prepared to do an out-of-state transfer if permitted by that state. Be aware that some states do not transfer driving privileges from a permit and will require you to test again.

If you are turning 21, you must apply for an adult driver license, permit, or identification card on or after your 21st birthday. Your minor license expires 20 days after your 21st birthday and can be renewed no earlier than your 21st birthday.

If none of the information on your license 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 to go in to a driver license office. Click here for information on scheduling an appointment.

Looking to get an adult permit? Click here to find out more about adult permits.

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.

Exception: Temporarily Lawfully Present license holders cannot downgrade their license to an identification card online.