Where the Denver Driver License Office Is Located

The main Denver driver license office is at 1881 South Gaylord Street, Denver, Colorado 80210. This is the location where you can renew your license, get a duplicate, change your address, or take your driving test. It is operated by the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles.

Denver also has a second office at 2151 South Havana Street, Denver, Colorado 80014, which handles some services but has more limited hours than the main Gaylord Street location. Before you go, check which office handles the specific service you need, since not all locations offer every transaction.

Both offices are in Denver proper, so if you live in the suburbs or surrounding counties, you may find it faster to visit a driver license office closer to you. The state operates offices in most Colorado counties, though the Denver locations handle the highest volume of transactions.

Key Takeaways

  • The main Denver driver license office is at 1881 South Gaylord Street, and a second location is at 2151 South Havana Street.
  • Hours vary by location and by service type, so check the Colorado DMV website or call ahead before you go.
  • You will need a valid form of identification, proof of residency, and your current license or ID card to renew or change your address.
  • The office does not take walk-ins for road tests; you must schedule a test appointment in advance through the Colorado DMV website.
  • Wait times are longest on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and shortest on Thursday and Friday afternoons.

Hours of Operation for Both Denver Locations

The Gaylord Street office is typically open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Havana Street office has shorter hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with no Saturday service. Both offices are closed on Sundays and state holidays.

Hours can change without notice due to staffing, holidays, or system maintenance. Before you make the trip, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue website or call the Denver office directly at (720) 264-6000 to confirm current hours. This is especially important if you are planning to visit on a Monday or during a holiday week.

The office does not take appointments for most transactions — you arrive, take a number, and wait. Road tests are the exception: you must schedule a test appointment online or by phone before you arrive.

What Documents You Need to Bring

For a license renewal, bring your current Colorado driver license or ID card, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If your name has changed since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

For a first-time license or if you are moving to Colorado from another state, bring your current out-of-state license, proof of residency, proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and a document that proves your identity and date of birth (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID). Colorado also requires proof of lawful presence in the United States — a passport, permanent resident card, employment authorization document, or visa.

If you are changing your address on your license, bring your current license and proof of your new address. If you are getting a duplicate license because yours was lost or stolen, bring proof of identity and proof of residency. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted for most documents.

Services You Can Get at the Denver Office

The Denver driver license office handles renewals (in person or by mail), duplicates for lost or stolen licenses, address changes, name changes, and corrections to your license record. You can also take your written knowledge test and your road test at this location, though road tests must be scheduled in advance.

The office also issues Real ID compliant licenses and ID cards, which are required for federal building access and domestic air travel as of May 2025. A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license but requires additional proof of identity and residency. If your current license is not Real ID compliant, you can upgrade it at renewal or request a new one before your renewal date.

Not all services are available at both Denver locations. The Havana Street office handles renewals and address changes but may not offer road testing or certain specialized services. Call ahead or check the Colorado DMV website to confirm that the service you need is available at the location you plan to visit.

How to Schedule a Road Test

Road tests in Colorado must be scheduled in advance through the Colorado DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov or by calling (720) 264-6000. You cannot walk in and take a test the same day. When you schedule, you will choose a location (the Denver Gaylord Street office is one option), a date, and a time slot.

You must bring your valid learner's permit, proof of residency, and the vehicle you will be tested in. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. Bring proof of insurance and the vehicle's registration. If someone else owns the vehicle, bring a signed statement from the owner giving you permission to use it for the test.

Tests are typically offered Monday through Friday during business hours. Appointment availability varies by season and location — spring and summer have longer wait times than fall and winter. If your preferred date is full, try scheduling at a different location or a different time of day.

Wait Times and Tips for a Faster Visit

Wait times at the Denver driver license office vary widely depending on the day and time. Mondays and Tuesdays are the busiest days, with waits often exceeding one hour. Wednesdays are also busy. Thursday and Friday afternoons tend to be quieter, with waits of 20 to 45 minutes. Early morning visits (right when the office opens at 8:00 a.m.) are usually faster than mid-morning or afternoon.

You can check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website before you leave home. The website displays estimated wait times for both Denver locations and updates them throughout the day. If the wait is very long, you can come back later or visit on a different day.

Bring all required documents with you the first time. Missing documents are the main reason people have to leave and come back, which doubles your total time. Have your documents organized and ready to hand over when you reach the counter. If you are renewing by mail instead, the process takes 7 to 10 business days and avoids the office visit entirely.

Renewing Your License by Mail Instead

If your Colorado driver license is not expiring within the next 30 days and you have not had any changes to your name, address, or medical status, you can renew by mail. You do not need to visit the office. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs the same as an in-person renewal.

To renew by mail, visit the Colorado DMV website, read the renewal form, fill it out, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with your current license and the renewal fee. You will receive your new license in the mail. This option is available only if you are renewing a standard license and do not need to upgrade to Real ID or make any corrections to your record.

If you need a Real ID license or have not renewed in more than eight years, you must renew in person at an office. The same applies if you are changing your name or address or if your medical status has changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license before it expires?

Yes. Colorado allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. Renewing early does not change your expiration date — your new license will expire one year from your current expiration date, not one year from the renewal date. This means renewing early does not give you extra time on your license.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

Proof of residency must be a document dated within the last 60 days showing your name and current address — typically a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement. If you do not have one, you can bring two alternative documents that together prove your residency, such as a bank statement and a piece of mail from a government agency. Call the office before you visit to confirm what documents they will accept in your situation.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license?

No. License renewals, address changes, and duplicates are first-come, first-served. You take a number when you arrive and wait your turn. Road tests are the only service that requires an advance appointment.

What is Real ID and do I need it?

Real ID is a federal security standard for driver licenses and ID cards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID compliant license or passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A Real ID license looks the same as a standard license but has a gold star in the upper right corner. You can upgrade to Real ID at renewal or request a new one anytime before May 2025.

Can I take my road test at a different location if the Denver office is too busy?

Yes. Colorado has driver license offices in most counties. You can schedule your road test at any location that offers testing. Check the Colorado DMV website to see which offices near you have available appointment slots, then book at the location with the shortest wait time.