Where the Durango Driver License Office Is Located

The Durango Driver License Office is operated by the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles. It is located at 1140 East Second Avenue, Durango, Colorado 81301. This is the only full-service DMV office in La Plata County, so it handles all driver license transactions for the area.

The office sits in downtown Durango, near the intersection of East Second Avenue and North Main Street. Street parking is available on surrounding blocks, and there is a small parking lot adjacent to the building. If you are driving from outside Durango, allow extra time for parking and walking to the entrance.

Current Hours and Holiday Closures

The Durango Driver License Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time. The office is closed on weekends and all federal holidays, including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Colorado also observes state holidays that may affect hours. The office closes for Statewide Day of Mourning (typically the day after Thanksgiving) and occasionally for other state-designated closures. Before making the drive to Durango, check the Colorado DMV website or call ahead at (970) 385-1340 to confirm the office is open, especially around holiday periods.

Wait times vary by day and time of day. Mornings, particularly Tuesday through Thursday, tend to have shorter lines than late afternoons or Mondays. If you can visit mid-week in the morning, you will likely spend less time waiting.

Key Takeaways

  • The Durango Driver License Office is at 1140 East Second Avenue and is the only full-service DMV location in La Plata County.
  • Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain Time; the office is closed weekends and federal holidays.
  • You can call (970) 385-1340 to confirm hours or ask about wait times before visiting.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents required for your specific transaction (renewal, replacement, or new license).
  • Mid-week mornings typically have shorter wait times than afternoons or Mondays.

What Services the Durango Office Provides

The Durango Driver License Office handles the full range of Colorado DMV services. You can renew an expiring or expired driver license, replace a lost or stolen license, change your address, obtain a duplicate license, and explore for a new license if you are a first-time driver or new Colorado resident. The office also issues REAL ID-compliant driver licenses, which are required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings as of May 2025.

The office does not handle vehicle registration, title transfers, or commercial driver license (CDL) testing. Those services are handled elsewhere: vehicle registration and title work go through the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder's office, and CDL testing requires a separate appointment at a Colorado DMV testing facility (not all locations offer CDL services).

If you need to renew your vehicle registration or handle a title issue, you will need to visit the La Plata County Clerk and Recorder at 1060 East Second Avenue, Durango, Colorado 81301 — just a few blocks from the Driver License Office.

Documents You Need to Bring

The documents required depend on your transaction type. For any visit, bring your current Colorado driver license or another valid government-issued photo ID. If your license is expired, bring it anyway — it still counts as proof of identity.

You will also need proof of Colorado residency. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (such as a tax return or voter registration card) dated within the last 60 days and showing your current Colorado address. A Colorado vehicle registration also works.

For a renewal, you typically need only your ID and proof of residency. For a replacement (lost, stolen, or damaged license), bring the same documents plus a report number if you filed a police report for a stolen license. For a new license (first-time driver or new resident), bring your ID, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of date of birth (birth certificate or passport). If you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant license, bring an additional document proving citizenship or lawful presence, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate.

Fees and Payment Methods

Driver license renewal costs $31.25 in Colorado and is valid for five years. A replacement license (for lost, stolen, or damaged) costs $20. A new license for a first-time driver or new resident costs $31.25. All fees are subject to change, so confirm the current amount when you call or visit.

The Durango Driver License Office accepts cash, check, and credit or debit card. If you pay by check, make it payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue. The office does not accept payment plans or partial payments — you must pay the full fee at the time of service.

If you are renewing by mail (available for some renewals), you can pay by check or money order. Mail renewals take longer than in-person service, typically 2 to 3 weeks, so plan ahead if you choose that route.

When to Renew Before Your License Expires

Colorado allows you to renew your driver license up to 12 months before it expires. You can renew in person at the Durango office, by mail, or online (if you meet certain criteria). Renewing early is a smart strategy if your license expires during a busy season or if you travel frequently and want to avoid the rush.

Your new license will be valid for five years from the date of renewal, not from the date your old license expired. So if you renew 6 months early, your new license will still expire five years from the renewal date, not from the original expiration date. Plan your renewal timing with this in mind.

If your license has already expired, you can still renew it at the Durango office. An expired license is not a violation as long as you do not drive, but renewing as soon as possible keeps you legal and ready to drive.

What to Expect During Your Visit

When you arrive at the Durango Driver License Office, check in at the front desk and take a number. You will wait in the lobby until your number is called. Bring all required documents and have them organized before you reach the counter — this speeds up the process and reduces errors.

At the counter, a staff member will review your documents, verify your information in the Colorado DMV system, and take a new photo for your license (unless you are renewing by mail). You will also sign the back of your new license. The entire transaction usually takes 10 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter, though wait times in the lobby can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the day and time.

If you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant license, the process takes slightly longer because staff must verify your citizenship or lawful presence documents. Plan for an extra 5 to 10 minutes if this applies to you.

Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license at the counter that is valid for driving until your new card arrives. Keep this temporary license with you while you drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to Durango?

Colorado offers online renewal for some driver licenses, but not all. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not changed your name or address, and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade. Visit the Colorado DMV website to check your may be able to access. If you do not may have access to for online renewal, you must visit the Durango office or renew by mail.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You must bring proof of residency dated within the last 60 days. If you have just moved to Colorado and do not have a utility bill or lease yet, bring a bank statement, government mail, or a signed letter from your landlord on letterhead with their contact information. Call the Durango office at (970) 385-1340 to ask what documents they will accept in your specific situation.

Do I need an appointment, or is it first-come, first-served?

The Durango Driver License Office operates on a first-come, first-served basis — no appointments are required or available. Arrive early in the day or mid-week to minimize wait time. You can call ahead to ask about current wait times before making the trip.

What if my license was suspended or revoked?

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license at the Durango office. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation through the Colorado DMV. Contact the DMV at 1-303-205-5600 or visit the Colorado DMV website to find out the reason for the suspension and what steps you need to take. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew at the Durango office.

Can I get a REAL ID at the Durango office?

Yes. The Durango Driver License Office issues REAL ID-compliant driver licenses. Bring your current ID, proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, proof of date of birth, and proof of citizenship or lawful presence (such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate). The fee is the same as a standard renewal ($31.25), and the process takes about 5 to 10 minutes longer than a regular renewal.