How to Get an Aurora Driver's License in Colorado

What an Aurora Driver's License Is and Who Issues It

An Aurora driver's license is a standard Colorado driver's license issued by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), but you obtain it through the Aurora Driver's License Office located at 13201 East Quincy Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011. It is not a separate license type — it carries the same privileges and restrictions as any Colorado license — but the Aurora office serves residents and non-residents in the Denver metro area who find it more convenient than traveling to a state office.

The Aurora office handles the same transactions as any DMV location: new license issuance, renewals, replacements, and address changes. You cannot conduct transactions online or by mail through the Aurora office; you must appear in person with your documents and pass the required tests or verification steps.

The office is operated by the Colorado DMV but is not the only place you can obtain a Colorado license. You can also visit any county clerk's office in Colorado or the main DMV office in Denver. The Aurora location is straightforward the most accessible option if you live or work in that area.

Key Takeaways

The Aurora Driver's License Office is located at 13201 East Quincy Avenue and handles new licenses, renewals, and replacements in person only.
You must bring proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of your Social Security number — the exact documents depend on whether you are getting a new license or renewing.
New licenses require a written test, vision test, and photo; renewals do not require tests unless your license has been expired for more than one year.
The office operates by appointment during business hours, and wait times vary by season; you can schedule online through the Colorado DMV website.
Fees vary by license type and transaction: a standard five-year license costs one amount, a REAL ID-compliant license costs more, and renewals have different pricing than new issuances.

Documents You Need for a New License at the Aurora Office

For a new Colorado driver's license, you must bring three categories of documents: proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of your Social Security number. The Aurora office will not issue a license without all three.

Proof of identity means a document issued by a government agency that includes your photograph and signature. A valid passport, passport card, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license all work. A birth certificate alone does not count as proof of identity for this purpose.

Proof of Colorado residency must show your current address in Colorado and be dated within the last 60 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or a letter from a government agency addressed to you at your Colorado address. A bank statement or credit card statement with your name and address also works. You cannot use a post office box address as proof of residency.

Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card itself, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Documents and Steps for Renewing Your License in Aurora

If your Colorado license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, you can renew it at the Aurora office. The process is simpler than obtaining a new license because you do not need to retake the written or vision tests.

Bring your current or expired license, proof of Colorado residency (same rules as above — dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number if your license does not already show it. If your address has changed since your last license, bring proof of your new address.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, the DMV treats it as a new license, not a renewal. You will need to retake the written test and vision test, and you must bring all three document categories listed in the previous section.

Renewals at the Aurora office take about 15 to 30 minutes once you are called. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your plastic card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Testing Requirements and What to Expect During Your Visit

For a new license, you must pass a written test covering Colorado traffic laws and road signs, a vision test, and a photo. The written test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can study using the Colorado Driver's Manual, which is available free on the DMV website and in print at the Aurora office.

The vision test checks whether you can read a standard eye chart at 20 feet. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you cannot proceed that day; you must return after seeing an eye doctor and obtaining a vision correction form.

The photo is taken at the office using a standard DMV camera. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or heavy makeup that obscures your face. Smile or neutral expression is acceptable.

For renewals, you skip all tests unless your license has been expired for more than one year. The office will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal.

Fees and Payment Methods at the Aurora Office

Fees depend on the type of license and the transaction. A standard five-year Colorado driver's license costs one amount; a REAL ID-compliant license (which allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings) costs more. A renewal costs less than a new issuance.

The Aurora office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. Personal checks are not accepted. If you need an exact fee amount before your visit, call the Aurora office at the number listed on the Colorado DMV website or check the fee schedule on the DMV website itself, as fees can change.

If you are renewing a license that is still valid, you may be able to renew by mail or online through the Colorado DMV website, which would save you a trip to Aurora. Check the DMV website to see whether your specific situation qualifies for remote renewal.

How to Schedule an Appointment at the Aurora Office

The Aurora Driver's License Office operates by appointment only. You cannot walk in without a scheduled time slot. To book an appointment, visit the Colorado DMV website and use their online appointment system. You will select the Aurora location, choose the type of transaction (new license, renewal, replacement, or address change), and pick an available date and time.

Appointments typically fill up weeks in advance during busy seasons (spring and summer). If the Aurora office has no availability, you can book at a different county clerk's office or the main DMV office in Denver, which may have sooner openings.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with all required documents. If you are missing any document, the office will not process your transaction and you will need to reschedule. Bring your appointment confirmation email or print it out.

REAL ID Compliance and What It Means for Your Aurora License

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license meets federal security standards and allows you to board domestic flights and enter federal buildings without a passport. A standard Colorado license does not meet these standards. If you want REAL ID compliance, you must request it when you obtain or renew your license at the Aurora office.

To get a REAL ID license, you must bring the same documents as a standard license, plus one additional document proving your legal presence in the United States. This can be your passport, passport card, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or visa. The fee for a REAL ID license is higher than a standard license.

REAL ID compliance is not required to drive in Colorado, but it is required for domestic air travel starting in 2025 (the important date has been extended multiple times). If you do not have a REAL ID license and plan to fly domestically, you will need a passport instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license before it expires?

Yes. Colorado allows you to renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip and want a fresh license, or if you want to change your address or photo. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until expiration.

What if I lost my license or it was stolen?

You can obtain a replacement at the Aurora office. Bring your proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number, just as you would for a renewal. The replacement fee is typically lower than a new license fee. You do not need to retake tests for a replacement.

Do I need an appointment if I am just changing my address?

Yes. Address changes at the Aurora office require an appointment, even though the transaction is quick. You can also change your address online through the Colorado DMV website without visiting the office, which is faster if your license is still valid.

How long does it take to get my license after my appointment?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready after your appointment. Your plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving during this time.

What if I fail the written test on my first try?

You can retake the written test at your next appointment. You do not need to pay the full license fee again; you pay only a retest fee, which is lower. Schedule a new appointment through the DMV website and bring the same documents.

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.