Where the Boulder Driver License Office Is Located

The Boulder Driver License Office is at 1655 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80302. This is the main office serving Boulder County residents who need to renew, replace, or obtain a driver license or state ID card. The office is located on Broadway in downtown Boulder, and parking is available on the street and in nearby lots.

If you are coming from outside Boulder, the office is accessible by car from US-36 and from Colorado Highway 7. Public transit is also available through the local bus system if you prefer not to drive.

Key Takeaways

  • The Boulder Driver License Office is located at 1655 Broadway and handles renewals, replacements, and new driver licenses and state ID cards.
  • Hours vary by day of the week, and the office is closed on Sundays and some state holidays, so check before you go.
  • You will need proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to get a license or ID card.
  • The office accepts walk-ins, but wait times can be long during peak hours, so arriving early or calling ahead is worth your time.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to renew by mail or online depending on your license type and how long it has been since you last renewed.

Office Hours and When to Visit

The Boulder Driver License Office is open Monday through Friday, with hours that typically run from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Hours may shift during holidays or for maintenance, so calling ahead at the office phone number or checking the Colorado Department of Revenue website before your visit is a smart step.

Wait times are usually shortest in the early morning, between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., and later in the afternoon after 3:00 p.m. Mid-morning and early afternoon tend to be busier. If you have a flexible schedule, visiting on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday often means shorter lines than Mondays or Fridays.

What Documents You Need to Bring

To get a new driver license or state ID card at the Boulder office, you will need to bring three types of documents: proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

For proof of identity, the office accepts a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or a previous Colorado driver license or ID card. If you do not have any of these, you can bring a birth certificate plus one additional document like a school ID or employee ID.

For proof of residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and Colorado address on it. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail from a government agency also works. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can use a shelter address or the address of someone who has agreed to receive mail for you.

Services Available at This Office

The Boulder Driver License Office handles the full range of driver license and state ID services. You can get a new license if you are a first-time driver, renew an expired or expiring license, replace a lost or stolen license, and update your address or name on your current license. The office also issues state ID cards for people who do not drive but need a government-issued photo ID.

The office can also process commercial driver license (CDL) applications and renewals, though some CDL services may require an appointment. If you need to add an endorsement to your license — such as a motorcycle endorsement — you can do that here as well. The office does not handle vehicle registration or title services; those are handled at county clerk offices.

How to Renew Without Visiting in Person

If your license is not expired and you have not had any address or name changes, you may be able to renew by mail or online without going to the Boulder office. Colorado allows online renewal for licenses that are not expired and do not require a new photo. You can renew online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website if your license is still valid and you meet the requirements.

Mail renewal is also an option for some drivers. You will need to send your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee to the address provided by the state. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person renewal — usually two to three weeks — so plan ahead if you need your new license by a specific date.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, or if you need a new photo, you must renew in person at the Boulder office or another Colorado driver license office.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive at the Boulder Driver License Office, you will check in at the front desk and receive a number. You will then wait for your number to be called. Bring all your documents with you, including proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. Have your documents organized and ready to hand over when you reach the counter.

The staff will verify your documents, take a new photo if you are getting a new license, and process your process. You will also take a vision test at the office. If you are getting a driver license for the first time or renewing after a long gap, you may need to pass a written knowledge test and a driving test; ask the staff when you check in if this applies to you.

Once your process is processed, you will receive a temporary paper license that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed to you. The permanent license usually arrives within two to three weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make an appointment at the Boulder Driver License Office?

The Boulder office accepts walk-ins, but you can also call ahead to ask about wait times or to schedule an appointment if one is available. Some Colorado driver license offices offer appointment slots during certain hours. Calling before you go helps you plan your visit and may save you time waiting in line.

What if I need a Real ID-compliant license?

Colorado driver licenses issued after January 1, 2024, are Real ID-compliant by default. If you need a Real ID for federal purposes like flying on a domestic flight, you will need to bring additional proof of residency and identity documents. The staff at the Boulder office can tell you exactly what you need to bring when you call or arrive.

How much does it cost to renew or replace a license?

Renewal and replacement fees vary depending on the type of license and how long it is valid for. A standard driver license renewal costs less than a new license. The staff at the Boulder office can tell you the exact fee when you arrive, or you can check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for current pricing.

What if I have an out-of-state license and want to switch to Colorado?

You will need to surrender your out-of-state license and bring proof that you now live in Colorado. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency, proof of identity, and your Social Security number or ITIN. You may also need to pass a written test and vision test depending on your age and driving history.

Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?

No, you cannot renew by mail or online if your license has been expired for more than one year. You must visit the Boulder Driver License Office in person, bring all required documents, and may need to take a written knowledge test and driving test before you can get a new license.