Where the Aurora Driver's License Office Is and What It Handles

The Aurora driver's license office is located at 13151 East Alameda Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80012. This is a Colorado Department of Revenue office that issues and renews driver's licenses, issues state ID cards, handles license suspensions and reinstatement, and processes Real ID documents. It is one of several offices in the Denver metro area, so you can choose to visit Aurora or another location depending on what is closer to you.

The office serves residents across Aurora and the surrounding region. You do not have to live in Aurora to use this office — you can visit any Colorado driver's license office. However, if you live in or near Aurora, this location will likely be your most convenient option.

Key Takeaways

  • The Aurora office is at 13151 East Alameda Avenue and handles new licenses, renewals, state IDs, Real ID documents, and suspension reinstatement.
  • You must bring proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or a document showing it to get a new license.
  • Hours and wait times change by season and day of week, so check the Colorado Department of Revenue website before you go.
  • Real ID documents take longer to process than standard licenses because they require additional verification steps.
  • If your license is suspended, you will need to resolve the underlying issue (unpaid fines, failed tests, or insurance lapse) before the office can reinstate it.

What Documents You Need to Bring

To get a new driver's license at the Aurora office, bring one document that proves your identity (a passport, military ID, or previous Colorado license), one document that proves you live in Colorado (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration saying you are not may be able to access for one.

If you are renewing a license that is not expired or suspended, you may be able to renew by mail or online instead of visiting the office. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website to see whether your situation qualifies for mail or online renewal. If you must visit in person, bring the same documents listed above plus your current license.

If you are explore for a Real ID document, bring the same identity and residency documents plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. Real ID processing takes longer because Colorado must verify your identity with the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

Hours, Wait Times, and How to Prepare

The Aurora office is open Monday through Friday. Exact hours vary by season — the office typically opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., but you should confirm the current schedule on the Colorado Department of Revenue website before you go. The office is closed on state holidays.

Wait times at the Aurora location range from 30 minutes to over two hours depending on the day and time of year. Mornings on weekdays tend to be less crowded than afternoons. Late summer and early fall are typically the busiest seasons because many people renew before their licenses expire. If you can visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, you will likely wait less than if you visit on a Friday afternoon.

Arrive with all required documents in hand. Bring a pen to fill out forms, and bring your current license if you are renewing. If you are under 21, bring a parent or guardian. Do not expect the office to have documents you forgot — you will be turned away and have to return another day.

Getting a License After a Suspension

If your Colorado license is suspended, you cannot straightforward go to the Aurora office and get it back. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, failure to pass a required test, or a lapse in auto insurance (which triggers an SR22 requirement).

Once you have paid fines, appeared in court, passed the test, or obtained an SR22 certificate from your insurance company, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to confirm the suspension has been lifted. You can then visit the Aurora office to get a new license. Bring proof that you resolved the issue — a receipt for paid fines, a court document, a test score, or your SR22 certificate.

If you do not know why your license was suspended, call the Colorado Department of Revenue before you visit the office. They can tell you what you need to do and what documents to bring. Visiting without resolving the underlying issue will waste your time.

Real ID vs. Standard License: What You Need to Know

Colorado offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID documents. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings. A standard license does not have the star and does not meet those federal requirements.

If you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal courthouse or military base, you will need a Real ID. If you do not travel by air or enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient. You can choose which type you want when you visit the Aurora office.

Real ID processing takes longer because Colorado must verify your identity with federal databases. Standard licenses are usually processed the same day. If you need a Real ID, plan for processing to take one to two weeks. You will receive your document by mail.

What Happens If You Move or Change Your Name

If you move to a new address in Colorado, you must update your license within 30 days. You can do this by mail, online, or in person at the Aurora office. Bring proof of your new address (a utility bill or lease dated within 60 days) and your current license. There is no fee for an address change.

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must visit the office in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of your new address. The office will issue a new license with your updated name. Processing usually takes one to two weeks, and you will receive it by mail.

Fees and Payment Methods

A new Colorado driver's license costs $25.50 and is valid for five years. A Real ID license costs $33.50 and is also valid for five years. Renewal fees are the same. An address change is free. A name change costs $25.50.

The Aurora office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. They do not accept checks or money orders. If you are paying for multiple documents or services, ask for an itemized receipt so you know what each fee covers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail instead of going to the Aurora office?

You can renew by mail if your license is not expired, not suspended, and you do not need to change your address or name. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website to see if you are may be able to access. If you are, you can mail in your process and current license. Processing takes two to three weeks.

What if I lost my license and need a replacement?

You can get a replacement at the Aurora office by bringing proof of identity and proof of Colorado residency. A replacement license costs $25.50 and is usually issued the same day. You do not need to take a new photo or pass a test.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Aurora office?

The Aurora office does not require appointments. You can walk in during business hours. However, you can check the Colorado Department of Revenue website to see current wait times before you go. If wait times are very long, you may want to visit at a different time or choose a less busy office.

What if I fail the written test or driving test?

You can retake the test at the Aurora office. There is no fee to retake a test you failed. You must wait at least one day before retaking the written test, but you can retake the driving test the same day if the examiner has time. Bring your learner's permit and proof of identity.

How long does it take to get a Real ID license?

Real ID processing takes one to two weeks because Colorado must verify your identity with federal agencies. You will receive your license by mail. Standard licenses are usually issued the same day you explore. If you need a Real ID for an upcoming flight, explore as soon as possible.