How to Get and Renew Your Driver License in Arapahoe County

Where to get your Arapahoe County driver license

Arapahoe County driver licenses are issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You cannot get a Colorado license from Arapahoe County government itself — the county does not issue licenses. Instead, you visit a DMV office located in Arapahoe County, or you can use the mail-in renewal process if you already hold a valid Colorado license.

The main DMV office serving Arapahoe County is in Aurora, at 7151 South Revere Parkway. There is also a DMV office in Littleton. Both locations handle new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. Hours and current wait times are posted on the Colorado DMV website.

If you are moving to Colorado from another state, you must visit in person to exchange your out-of-state license for a Colorado license. You cannot do this by mail. If you already hold a Colorado license and it has not expired, you may renew by mail or online depending on your license type and age.

Key Takeaways

Colorado DMV offices in Aurora and Littleton issue Arapahoe County driver licenses; the county government does not issue them.
New drivers and people moving to Colorado must visit a DMV office in person with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
Colorado residents with valid, unexpired licenses can renew by mail, online, or in person depending on age and license type.
Standard Colorado licenses cost a set fee and are valid for five years; REAL ID-compliant licenses cost more and require additional documents.
You must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test to get a new license; renewal does not require retesting.

Documents you need for a new Arapahoe County license

To get a new Colorado driver license in Arapahoe County, bring proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number. The DMV accepts a passport, military ID, or state ID as proof of identity. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

If you are under 21, you also need a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport. If you changed your name, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change. Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one.

If you want a REAL ID-compliant Colorado license instead of a standard license, you need the same documents plus one additional document proving your Social Security number — a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return. REAL ID licenses are required to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings as of May 2025.

Testing requirements for new drivers in Colorado

When you explore for a new Colorado driver license, you must pass three tests: a written knowledge test, a vision test, and a driving test. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, available free on the DMV website. Most people take the test on a computer at the DMV office.

The vision test checks that you can see well enough to drive safely. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not issue a license until you have a vision correction.

The driving test is conducted by a DMV examiner who rides with you in your own vehicle or a DMV vehicle. You must demonstrate basic driving skills, parking, and ability to follow traffic laws. You schedule the driving test when you pass the written and vision tests. Wait times for driving tests vary by location and season; the DMV website shows current availability.

Renewing your Colorado license by mail or online

If you hold a valid, unexpired Colorado driver license and you are 21 or older, you can renew by mail or online without visiting a DMV office. Mail renewal takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your process. Online renewal is faster — you can complete it in minutes and your new license ships within five to seven business days.

To renew online, visit the Colorado DMV website and log into your account. You will need your driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You pay the renewal fee by credit or debit card. Online renewal is available only if your address has not changed and you do not need to update your photo.

If your address has changed, you must renew in person or by mail. Mail renewal requires you to complete an process form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address shown on the DMV website. Include a copy of proof of your new address.

Colorado driver license fees and validity periods

A standard Colorado driver license is valid for five years and costs a set fee that varies slightly depending on whether you renew in person, by mail, or online. REAL ID-compliant licenses cost more than standard licenses but are valid for the same five-year period. Duplicate licenses (replacements for lost or damaged licenses) cost less than a new license.

Fees change periodically and vary by transaction type. The Colorado DMV website lists current fees for new licenses, renewals, duplicates, and REAL ID upgrades. If you are 65 or older, renewal fees may be lower. If you are a veteran, you may be able to add a veteran designation to your license at no extra cost.

Your license expires on your birthday in the year shown on the card. You can renew up to one year before expiration. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license and take all three tests again, even if you have been driving legally on an expired license.

Address changes and license replacements in Arapahoe County

If you move to a new address in Colorado, you must update your driver license within 30 days. You can change your address in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online if you do not need a new photo. Online address changes are free and take a few minutes. By mail, include a completed process form, proof of your new address, and a check or money order for any applicable fee.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can get a duplicate at a DMV office or by mail. A duplicate shows the same information as your original license but with a new card number. Duplicates cost less than a new license and do not require retesting. You can request a duplicate online if your address has not changed.

REAL ID compliance and what it means for your Arapahoe County license

Colorado offers both standard driver licenses and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

Getting a REAL ID license requires additional documents beyond a standard license — specifically, proof of your Social Security number. The DMV accepts a Social Security card, W-2, tax return, or similar document. REAL ID licenses cost more than standard licenses but are valid for five years, the same as a standard license.

You do not have to get a REAL ID license if you do not fly or enter federal buildings. A standard Colorado license remains valid for driving. However, if you do fly domestically or need to enter a federal courthouse or military base, you will need either a REAL ID license, a passport, a military ID, or a tribal ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license and pass the written test, vision test, and driving test again. You cannot renew an expired license by mail or online if the expiration date is more than one year in the past.

Do I need an appointment to visit the DMV in Arapahoe County?

Appointments are not required but are recommended. You can walk in, but wait times vary. The Colorado DMV website allows you to schedule an appointment online at the Aurora or Littleton office. Scheduling an appointment usually reduces your wait time.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake the driving test. There is a fee for each attempt. You must wait a certain number of days between attempts — check the Colorado DMV website for current waiting periods. You do not need to retake the written or vision tests if you passed them on your first attempt.

Can I get a Colorado license if I do not have a Social Security number?

You must provide a Social Security number to get a Colorado driver license. If you do not have one, you will need to explore for one through the Social Security Administration before you can get a license. The DMV cannot issue a license without a valid Social Security number.

What is the difference between a standard license and a REAL ID license?

A REAL ID license has a gold star and meets federal security standards. It costs more and requires proof of your Social Security number. Both are valid for driving. You need a REAL ID license only if you fly domestically or enter federal buildings after May 7, 2025.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.