Pre-registration: Get Ready For Your First DMV Visit

Pre-registration is for first-time Colorado applicants for:

• Drivers license
• Permit, or
• ID Card
• Commercial License Permits or Commercial Driver's License
• Out-of-State Applicants applying for any of the above

You do not need to pre-register if you already have a Colorado credential.

You will need to provide the following personal details:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Physical Address
• Emergency Contacts
• Other basic information
• Email Address: You'll need a valid email to receive your confirmation.

Go to myDMV Online Pre-Registration and click on "Next."

After you finish, you'll receive an email confirmation and a PDF confirmation attachment. 

Important: Print or save the PDF confirmation attachment - you'll need to show it at the DMV. You still need to make an appointment at one of our Driver License Offices. The pre-registration confirmation letter does not replace the need to make an appointment at a Driver License Office to complete your issuance transaction.

Please review the information provided carefully to help ensure a smooth visit. You can find a list of documents and other important information about DMV requirements here.

You need to make an appointment at a driver’s license office to get your credential. Click here for the Appointment Scheduling Information page.

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: Cancel Your Appointment.

If you no longer have the confirmation email or appointment number, please call 720-295-2965 for assistance.

Come prepared! Bring the Pre-Registration PDF Confirmation (Electronic or Paper). The DMV technician will scan the barcode on your confirmation. This will automatically fill in the information you provided online, speeding up your visit.

Make sure you also bring the required acceptable proof documents for the following:

• Your identity
• Your Colorado residential address
• Your lawful presence (where applicable)
• Your Social Security Number (may be provided verbally) - Not required for Standard Licenses.

Please review the required acceptable proof documents carefully and make sure the documents meet the following criteria:

• Unaltered from the original (no lamination, no copies, not damaged).
• Documents must have your full legal name - first name(s), middle name(s), and last name(s), without the use of initials or nicknames unless you have certified legal name change documents, US birth certificate, or adoption order displaying an initial as your legal name.
• Documents proving your lawful presence must be original, full-size documents containing the seal or certification from a state or county. This includes Certified Original US 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. An "abbreviated" or "abstract" birth certificate is not an acceptable form of identification.
• Bring documents that show any name changes or different names on the documents provided. (For instance, an original certified marriage certificate for each name change if you never went back to a maiden name, or a certified court order name change.)
   

For a full list of documents you will need to bring with you to your appointment and additional requirements, visit our Getting a Colorado Driver's License or ID: Required Documents you Need to Bring page.

When you arrive at the DMV, you’ll check in with the front desk and show them your PDF confirmation. You’ll be given a ticket. From that point forward, you can expect the following:

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.
 

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 in your last eye exam documentation.

• If you FAIL the eye exam, you will be given a form (DR 2402) for your optometrist to fill out. You must bring it back on your rescheduled appointment to receive your credential.

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

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.

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.

Translation/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.