Where to Go for Your Driver's License in Pueblo County
The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) runs the driver's license system in Pueblo County. You cannot get a license from the county clerk or any other local office — you must go to a DMV office or use their online renewal system if you may have access to.
Pueblo County has one full-service DMV location: the Pueblo Driver's License Office at 1313 Jerry Murphy Road, Pueblo, CO 81001. This office handles new licenses, renewals, replacements, and address changes. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed on state holidays.
If you live in a remote part of Pueblo County, you can also renew by mail or online if your license is not expired more than one year and you have no medical restrictions. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days; online renewal is when ready but requires a valid email address and a credit or debit card.
Key Takeaways
- The Pueblo DMV office at 1313 Jerry Murphy Road is the only full-service location in the county and handles all license types and transactions.
- You need a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) plus proof of Colorado residency to get a new license.
- Standard processing takes one business day in person; mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days and costs the same as in-person renewal.
- Renewal fees depend on your license type and how long you want it valid — a standard five-year license costs $28.75, and a ten-year license costs $53.75.
- If your license is expired more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests.
Documents You Need for a New License
Colorado requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of residency. You cannot use a photo from social media or a school ID. The state has a specific list of what counts.
For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate (not a hospital copy), a naturalization certificate, a valid foreign passport with a U.S. visa, or a military ID. If you were born outside the U.S., the birth certificate must have been issued by the vital records office of the state or country where you were born.
For proof of Colorado residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, or phone), a lease or mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit card statement, a vehicle registration, or a mail piece from a government agency. A piece of mail with your name and address on it counts, but a blank envelope does not.
Bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card. If you do not have a Social Security number, bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating you are not may be able to access. You will also need to provide your date of birth and answer questions about your driving history.
Fees and License Validity Periods
Colorado driver's licenses come in two validity periods: five years and ten years. The fee depends on which you choose and whether you are renewing or getting a new license.
| License Type | Validity Period | New License Fee | Renewal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Driver's License | 5 years | $28.75 | $28.75 |
| Standard Driver's License | 10 years | $53.75 | $53.75 |
| Real ID Compliant | 5 years | $33.75 | $33.75 |
| Real ID Compliant | 10 years | $58.75 | $58.75 |
A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025. If you do not have a Real ID and fly domestically, you will need a passport or military ID instead. Most people in Colorado now get the Real ID version automatically; ask the DMV staff if you are unsure which type you have.
Payment is cash, check, or card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). The Pueblo office does not accept payment plans.
Steps to Renew Your License in Person
If your license is expired less than one year and you have no medical restrictions, you can renew by mail or online. If your license is expired more than one year, you must come in person and may need to retake the written test and vision screening.
- Gather your documents: proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number.
- Go to the Pueblo DMV office at 1313 Jerry Murphy Road during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
- Take a number at the front desk and wait to be called.
- Tell the staff member whether you want a five-year or ten-year license and whether you want Real ID compliance.
- Answer questions about your driving history, medical conditions, and any name changes.
- Sit for a new photo. Wear clear glasses if you normally do; sunglasses are not allowed.
- Take the vision screening (read a chart from a set distance).
- If your license is expired more than one year, take the written test on a computer. You get three attempts to pass; each attempt covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
- Pay the renewal fee.
- Receive your temporary paper license when ready. Your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Renewing by Mail or Online
You can renew by mail if your license is expired less than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and your address has not changed. Mail renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and takes 7 to 10 business days.
To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL-44R) from the Colorado DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Include a photocopy of your proof of residency. Do not send your old license unless the form specifically asks for it.
Online renewal is faster and available if you meet the same conditions as mail renewal. Go to the Colorado DMV website, log in with your driver's license number and date of birth, answer the renewal questions, upload a photo (or use the one on file), and pay by card. Your new license is valid when ready for driving; the plastic card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
If your address has changed, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to the Pueblo office in person and bring proof of your new address.
What to Do If Your License Is Expired More Than One Year
An expired license that has been expired for more than one year is treated as a new process, not a renewal. You must come to the Pueblo DMV office in person, bring all the documents listed above, and you will need to retake the written test and vision screening.
The written test covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You have three attempts to pass. If you fail all three, you must wait one business day before you can try again. Study materials are available on the Colorado DMV website, including a free online practice test.
If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive (such as seizures, severe vision loss, or certain medications), the DMV may require a medical report from your doctor before issuing a new license. The DMV will tell you if this is needed.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Bringing the wrong proof of residency is the most common reason people have to leave and come back. A utility bill must show your name and current address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement counts, but a credit card statement does not. A lease counts, but a lease signed three years ago does not. If you are unsure whether a document will work, call the Pueblo office at (719) 583-2500 before you go.
Bringing a hospital-issued birth certificate instead of a certified copy from the vital records office will not work. A certified copy has a raised seal and an official stamp. You can order one online from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment or from the state where you were born.
Wearing sunglasses or a hat in your photo will delay your license. The DMV photo must show your face clearly and must be taken at the office — you cannot bring your own photo.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document that proves the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Without it, you cannot change your name on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if I moved to a new address?
No. Online and mail renewal are only available if your address has not changed. If you moved, you must renew in person at the Pueblo DMV office and bring proof of your new address dated within the last 60 days.
What if I lost my license or it was stolen?
A replacement license costs $20.00 and takes one business day in person. Bring your proof of identity and residency, just as you would for a renewal. If your license was stolen, you can also file a report with the Pueblo Police Department, though it is not required to get a replacement.
Do I need a Real ID to drive in Colorado?
No. A standard driver's license is valid for driving anywhere in Colorado and the United States. Real ID is required only to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not have Real ID and fly domestically, bring a passport or military ID instead.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
You receive a temporary paper license when ready after you renew in person. Your plastic card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you renew by mail, the entire process takes 7 to 10 business days.
What if I fail the written test three times?
You must wait one business day before you can attempt the test again. There is no limit to how many times you can retake it, but each attempt may have a fee. Study the Colorado Driver's Manual and take the free online practice test on the DMV website before your next attempt.