What Colorado offers and who can get each type

Colorado issues four types of driver's licenses: a standard license, an enhanced license, a REAL ID-compliant license, and a commercial driver's license (CDL). Which one you need depends on what you plan to do with it. A standard license lets you drive on Colorado roads. An enhanced license adds proof of citizenship and lets you cross the Canadian and Mexican borders by land without a passport. A REAL ID license meets federal requirements for flying domestically and entering federal buildings. A CDL is required if you drive a commercial vehicle for work.

You can hold only one type of license at a time. If you want to upgrade from standard to REAL ID, you'll surrender your current license and receive the new one. Colorado does not issue a separate "REAL ID card" — your REAL ID comes as a driver's license or ID card only.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado offers standard, enhanced, REAL ID, and commercial driver's licenses, and you can hold only one at a time.
  • REAL ID requires proof of citizenship, Social Security number, and two proofs of Colorado residency, and is needed for domestic flights and federal buildings starting May 2025.
  • You must pass a written test, vision test, and driving test; the written and vision tests can be taken at any Colorado DMV office, but the driving test must be scheduled in advance.
  • Colorado accepts out-of-state licenses for up to 60 days after you move, then you must obtain a Colorado license within 30 days of that window closing.
  • Minors under 18 must complete a driver education course, hold a permit for at least 12 months, and meet supervised driving hour requirements before taking the driving test.

Documents you need to bring to the DMV

What you bring depends on whether you're getting a standard license, REAL ID, or enhanced license. For all types, you need proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or out-of-state license), your Social Security number, and proof of Colorado residency.

For residency, Colorado accepts a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. You need two separate documents showing your current address — a single document counts as one proof even if it lists multiple addresses.

If you want REAL ID, bring the same documents plus an original or certified copy of your birth certificate or passport. An enhanced license requires the same as REAL ID, plus a passport or enhanced driver's license from another state. If you're renewing and your name has changed, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.

The written test, vision test, and driving test

Colorado requires three tests. The written test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can take it at any Colorado DMV office without an appointment. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You're allowed to retake it the same day if you fail.

The vision test checks that you can see clearly enough to drive safely. It's administered at the DMV office at the same time as your written test. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them.

The driving test is a road test with a Colorado DMV examiner. You must schedule it in advance — you cannot walk in and take it the same day. The test lasts about 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and responding to road conditions. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, wipers, and mirrors. If the examiner finds a safety defect, the test is cancelled and you must reschedule.

How long the process takes and what it costs

The written and vision tests can be completed in one visit, usually within an hour depending on how busy the office is. The driving test must be scheduled separately and typically happens within two to four weeks of when you request it, though wait times vary by location and season.

A standard Colorado driver's license costs $31.50 and is valid for five years. A REAL ID license costs $31.50 and is also valid for five years. An enhanced license costs $61.50 and is valid for five years. A commercial driver's license has different fees depending on the class and endorsements you need — expect to pay between $50 and $100. Renewal fees are the same as initial issuance fees.

If you fail the driving test, you can retake it, but you must pay the test fee again. Colorado does not charge a separate test fee — the license fee covers all three tests.

Rules for minors and the permit stage

If you're under 18, you must complete a Colorado-approved driver education course before you can get a permit. The course is typically offered by high schools or private driving schools and covers classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training. Once you complete it, you can take the written and vision tests to get a permit.

With a permit, you can drive only when supervised by a licensed driver age 21 or older who is sitting in the front seat next to you. You must hold the permit for at least 12 months before you can take the driving test for a full license. During those 12 months, you must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 hours at night. Your supervising driver must sign a log documenting these hours.

Once you've held the permit for 12 months and completed the required hours, you can schedule the driving test. If you pass, you receive your full license. If you're under 18 when you get your license, it will have restrictions — you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. unless it's for work, school, or a medical emergency, and you cannot use a cell phone while driving except in emergencies.

Moving to Colorado from another state

If you have a valid out-of-state driver's license, you can drive in Colorado for 60 days after you move. You must obtain a Colorado license within 30 days after that 60-day window closes — meaning you have a total of 90 days before you're required to switch. If you're caught driving without a valid Colorado license after that important date, you can be cited.

When you explore for your Colorado license, you can transfer your driving record from your previous state if you want. Colorado will check your record for violations, suspensions, or revocations. If your previous state suspended or revoked your license, Colorado may honor that suspension or revocation on your new Colorado license. You'll need to resolve any outstanding issues in your previous state before Colorado will issue you a license.

REAL ID and what it means for flying and federal buildings

A REAL ID-compliant driver's license meets federal standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license, passport, or other federally accepted ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Colorado driver's license will not be accepted for these purposes after that date.

Getting REAL ID requires proof of citizenship — either a U.S. birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. You also need your Social Security number and two proofs of Colorado residency. The process is the same as getting a standard license, except you bring the citizenship document. There is no additional fee for REAL ID — it costs the same as a standard license.

If you already have a standard Colorado license and want to upgrade to REAL ID before May 2025, you can visit any DMV office. You'll surrender your current license and receive your REAL ID license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license online?

You can renew online if your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no address changes, and you're not changing your name. You must also have a REAL ID or enhanced license to renew online — standard licenses must be renewed in person. Visit the Colorado DMV website to start an online renewal.

What happens if my license is suspended or revoked?

A suspension is temporary; a revocation is permanent until you meet specific conditions. Common reasons include unpaid traffic tickets, DUI convictions, or accumulating too many points. You must contact the Colorado DMV to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it.

Do I need an appointment to visit the DMV?

Appointments are not required for the written and vision tests, but wait times are shorter if you schedule one. You must schedule an appointment for the driving test. You can book appointments on the Colorado DMV website or by calling your local office.

What if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it as many times as needed. There is no limit on retakes, but you must wait at least one day between attempts. You'll need to schedule another appointment and pay the license fee again for each attempt.

Can I get a Colorado license if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You can get a standard driver's license with a valid passport or visa and proof of Colorado residency. You cannot get a REAL ID or enhanced license without proof of citizenship. Undocumented immigrants can get a standard license under Colorado law.