How to Get Your Driver's License at the Larimer County DMV in Loveland

Where the Larimer County DMV Office Is Located and What It Handles

The Larimer County Driver's License Office is located in Loveland at 1500 Fall River Drive, Loveland, CO 80537. This office issues new Colorado driver's licenses, handles renewals, processes ID cards, and manages commercial driver's license (CDL) transactions for Larimer County residents. It is the main DMV location serving Loveland and the surrounding county area.

The office does not handle vehicle registration or title work — those services are handled by the Larimer County Clerk and Recorder's office at a separate location. If you need both a driver's license and vehicle registration, you will need to visit two different offices.

Key Takeaways

The Larimer County Driver's License Office in Loveland is at 1500 Fall River Drive and handles new licenses, renewals, and ID cards for Larimer County residents.
You must bring a Real ID-compliant document (passport, birth certificate with state ID, or military ID) plus proof of Colorado residency to get or renew a license.
Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary; calling ahead or checking online for current wait times can save you a trip.
Renewal by mail is available for standard licenses if you meet age and medical requirements, which can be faster than visiting in person.
Fees for new licenses, renewals, and replacements vary by license type and validity period; bring cash, check, or card as payment methods accepted vary by transaction type.

Documents You Need to Bring for a New License or Renewal

Colorado requires two categories of documents: proof of identity and proof of Colorado residency. For proof of identity, bring one of these: a valid passport, a birth certificate with a state-issued ID, a military ID, or a Trusted Traveler card (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST). A Social Security card alone does not count as proof of identity.

For proof of residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Colorado address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail (tax return, voter registration card, or court document). A driver's license or ID card from another state does not count as proof of residency.

If you are renewing and your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the legal name change. If you are under 21, bring a parent or guardian and their ID as well.

How to Schedule or Walk In at the Loveland Office

The Larimer County Driver's License Office accepts both walk-ins and appointments. To schedule an appointment, visit the Colorado DMV website (dmv.colorado.gov) or call the Loveland office directly at (970) 679-4250. Appointments are often available within a few days, and scheduling ahead reduces your wait time significantly.

Walk-ins are welcome, but wait times can range from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of the week. Mornings on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) typically have shorter waits than afternoons or Fridays. The office is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Before you go, check the Colorado DMV website for real-time wait times at the Loveland location. This information is updated throughout the day and can help you decide whether to walk in or call for an appointment.

Fees for Driver's Licenses and ID Cards in Colorado

Colorado driver's license fees depend on the type of license and how long it is valid. A standard five-year license costs $28.25. A ten-year license (available to drivers 21 and older) costs $56.50. A renewal of an existing license costs the same as a new license. A replacement license (if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged) costs $20.

An ID card (non-driver identification) costs $20 for a five-year card or $40 for a ten-year card. These fees are set by Colorado state law and do not vary by county. The Loveland office accepts cash, check, and credit or debit card for most transactions, though some services may have payment restrictions — ask when you arrive or call ahead.

If you are renewing by mail, the fee is the same as renewing in person, but you avoid the trip. Mail renewal is available if you are between 21 and 61, have no medical restrictions on your license, and your license has not been suspended or revoked.

Renewing Your License by Mail Instead of In Person

Colorado allows mail renewal for standard driver's licenses if you meet specific requirements. You must be between 21 and 61 years old, have a valid license that is not suspended or revoked, have no medical conditions that require a new vision test, and not have changed your name since your last license. Your current license must not be expired by more than one year.

To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License (Form DL-44R) from the Colorado DMV website, complete it, and mail it with your current license and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form. Processing takes approximately two to three weeks. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process.

Mail renewal is useful if you have a busy schedule or live far from the Loveland office. However, if your license is already expired, you cannot renew by mail — you must renew in person at the DMV office.

Real ID Compliance and What It Means for Your License

Colorado driver's licenses are Real ID-compliant, which means they meet federal standards for identification at airports and federal buildings. A Real ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID-compliant license or passport to board a domestic flight in the United States.

If you are renewing your license at the Loveland office, your new license will automatically be Real ID-compliant as long as you bring the required identity and residency documents. You do not need to request it or pay extra. If you already have a Real ID license and are renewing, your new license will also be Real ID-compliant.

If you have an older Colorado license without the gold star and want to upgrade to Real ID before your renewal date, you can visit the Loveland office and request a replacement. The fee is $20, and you must bring the same identity and residency documents as you would for a renewal.

What to Do If You Have a Suspended or Revoked License

If your Colorado license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it by mail or in person until the suspension or revocation is lifted. Suspensions are usually temporary (often 30 days to one year) and are lifted automatically once the reason for the suspension is resolved — for example, after you pay a traffic fine or complete a required course.

To find out whether your license is suspended or revoked, visit the Colorado DMV website and use the license status lookup tool, or call the Loveland office at (970) 679-4250. If your license is suspended, ask what you need to do to have it reinstated. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew in person or by mail as usual.

If your license is revoked (a more serious penalty, usually for DUI or multiple violations), you may be required to take a driver improvement course or pass a written test before you can get a new license. The Loveland office staff can explain your options when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online instead of going to the office?

Colorado does not offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You can renew by mail if you meet the age and medical requirements, or you can renew in person at the Loveland office. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks; in-person renewal is usually completed the same day.

What if I moved to Loveland from another state and need a Colorado license?

You must visit the Loveland office in person with your out-of-state license, proof of identity (passport or birth certificate), and proof of Colorado residency. You will take a vision test and written test at the office. Bring your Social Security number as well. The fee for a new license is $28.25 for five years or $56.50 for ten years.

How long does it take to get a license at the Loveland office?

If you have an appointment or arrive during a slow time, the process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Walk-ins may wait 30 minutes to over an hour depending on how busy the office is. You receive your temporary license on the spot; your permanent license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

Both are accepted. Appointments are recommended and can be scheduled on the Colorado DMV website or by calling (970) 679-4250. Walk-ins are welcome, but you may wait longer. Check the website for current wait times before you go.

What if my license is lost or stolen?

Visit the Loveland office with proof of identity and proof of residency. You can report the loss and request a replacement license at the same time. The replacement fee is $20. You will receive a temporary license when ready and your permanent replacement within 7 to 10 business days.

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.