What the Aurora Driver License Office handles

The Aurora Driver License Office, located in Aurora, Colorado, is run by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles. This office issues driver licenses, ID cards, and permits; handles renewals and replacements; and processes certain commercial driver license transactions. It does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those go to a county clerk's office instead.

The office serves residents across the Aurora area and surrounding parts of Arapahoe County. If you live in or near Aurora and need a new license, a renewal, or a replacement ID, this is where you go. Walk-ins are accepted, but the office uses a ticket system during busy hours, so arriving early or during off-peak times can reduce your wait.

Key Takeaways

  • The Aurora Driver License Office issues and renews Colorado driver licenses, ID cards, and permits, but does not handle vehicle registration or title work.
  • You will need to bring a primary ID document (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN to explore for a new license.
  • The office accepts walk-ins and uses a ticket system; arriving before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. typically means shorter waits.
  • Renewal by mail or online is available for many drivers and takes longer but avoids a trip to the office.
  • The office is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and major state holidays; call ahead if you are unsure about holiday schedules.

Location and hours of operation

The Aurora Driver License Office is located at 13101 East Quincy Avenue, Aurora, CO 80015. It is open Tuesday through Saturday. Typical hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours may vary seasonally or during holidays. The office is closed Sundays and Mondays.

Because hours can shift without notice, especially around holidays or due to staffing changes, call the office directly at the Colorado DMV phone line or check the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles website before you go. This takes five minutes and saves a wasted trip.

Documents you need for a new driver license

For a first-time license or a replacement after suspension or expiration, bring one primary identity document. This can be a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, or a passport card. You will also need proof that you live in Colorado — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. Bring the original or a certified copy, not a photocopy.

You must also provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one. You will take a vision test and a written test at the office, and you will have your photo taken.

If you are under 21, bring a parent or guardian. If you are renewing a license that is still valid, you may not need all of these documents — the requirements are lighter for renewals.

Renewal by mail or online instead of in person

If your Colorado driver license is still valid and you have not had a suspension, revocation, or medical hold, you can renew by mail or online without visiting the office. Online renewal is faster — it takes a few days — and costs less than in-person renewal. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks.

To renew online, go to the Colorado DMV website, log in with your driver license number and date of birth, and follow the steps. You will need a credit or debit card. Your new license will be mailed to you. Mail renewal uses a paper form that you can request from the office or read from the website; fill it out, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form.

If your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you have a medical hold, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to the office in person and resolve the issue first.

Replacement licenses and duplicate IDs

If your license was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a replacement at the Aurora office. Bring your primary ID document and proof of residency, just as you would for a new license. You will not need to retake the written test, but you will have your photo taken again. A replacement license costs less than a new license.

If you need a duplicate — an extra copy of your current valid license — the process is even simpler and faster. Bring your current license and one form of ID. You will not need proof of residency for a duplicate. The office can usually issue a duplicate the same day.

Commercial driver license services

The Aurora office issues commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and handles some CDL transactions, but not all. You can explore for a new CDL, renew an expiring CDL, or add endorsements (such as hazmat or passenger) at this office. However, if your CDL has been suspended or revoked, or if you need a medical certificate review, you may need to contact the Colorado DMV directly to find out whether the Aurora office can handle your case.

For a CDL process, bring your primary ID, proof of residency, your Social Security number, and your current license if you have one. You will take a written test specific to the class of license you are seeking. The office can tell you which endorsement tests are available on the day you visit.

Wait times and how to reduce them

The Aurora office is busy during mid-morning and mid-afternoon, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. If you can visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or early morning on any day, you will likely wait less. The office uses a ticket system: when you arrive, take a number and wait for your turn. During peak hours, waits can be 30 minutes to over an hour.

You cannot reserve a time slot in advance at the Aurora office, but you can check the current wait time by calling the Colorado DMV phone line before you leave home. If the wait is long, come back later that day or the next day. Arriving right when the office opens (8 a.m.) or in the last hour before closing (after 4 p.m.) usually means the shortest waits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if it has been expired for more than a year?

No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license in person, not a renewal. Bring your primary ID, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. You will take the written and vision tests again.

What if I have a suspension or hold on my license?

You cannot renew or get a replacement until the suspension or hold is lifted. The Aurora office can tell you why your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it — this might be paying a fine, completing a course, or submitting medical documentation. Call ahead to ask what documents to bring.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Walk-ins are welcome. The office uses a ticket system, so you will take a number when you arrive and wait your turn. No advance appointment is needed, but calling ahead to check the current wait time can help you plan when to go.

What if I moved to Colorado from another state and still have an out-of-state license?

You can drive on your out-of-state license for a limited time after you move, but you must get a Colorado license once you establish residency. Bring your out-of-state license, your primary ID, and proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days). You will take the written and vision tests.

Can the Aurora office handle my CDL medical certificate?

The Aurora office can issue a CDL, but medical certificate reviews and renewals may need to go through a different process. Call the Colorado DMV to ask whether the Aurora office handles your specific medical certificate situation, or ask when you arrive.