Colorado's Three Main License Types

Colorado offers three types of driver licenses, each with different age requirements and driving privileges. The instruction permit lets you practice driving with a licensed adult in the car. The restricted license (also called a provisional license) comes after you pass your driving test but before you turn 18, and it limits when and how you can drive. The unrestricted license is the full license you get at 18 or later, with no time-of-day or passenger restrictions.

Which one you get depends on your age and how far along you are in the licensing process. You cannot skip steps — Colorado requires you to hold an instruction permit for a set time before you can test for a restricted license, and you must be 18 to move to an unrestricted license (unless you are 17 and have held a restricted license for at least one year).

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado requires you to hold an instruction permit for at least 12 months and pass a written test before you can take a road test for a restricted license.
  • A restricted license comes with a 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew on school nights and limits on passengers under 21, unless a parent or guardian is in the car.
  • You must be at least 17 to get a restricted license and at least 18 to get an unrestricted license (or 17 with one year of restricted driving).
  • Colorado requires a valid Social Security number, proof of residency, and proof of identity to get any driver license.
  • You can renew your Colorado license online if you are between 21 and 61, have no medical conditions, and your license has not been suspended or revoked.

Getting Your Instruction Permit

To get an instruction permit in Colorado, you must be at least 15 years old. You will need to bring proof of identity (a birth certificate, passport, or state ID), proof of Social Security number (a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and address). You also need a completed process for Instruction Permit (form DR 2162).

At the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office, you will take a written test covering traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, which is free online. Once you pass, you pay the permit fee and receive your instruction permit on the spot.

With an instruction permit, you can drive only when a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old is sitting next to you in the front seat. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m. You must hold this permit for at least 12 months before you can take a road test.

Moving to a Restricted License

After you have held your instruction permit for at least 12 months and passed the written test, you can schedule a road test at a Colorado DMV office. The road test takes about 20 minutes and covers basic driving skills: starting the car, turning, stopping, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring your instruction permit, proof of identity, and proof of residency.

If you pass the road test, you receive a restricted license (also called a provisional license). This license is valid until you turn 18 or until one year has passed, whichever comes first. A restricted license comes with rules: you cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. on school nights (Sunday through Thursday), and you cannot carry passengers under 21 unless a parent, guardian, or licensed driver who is at least 25 is in the car. These rules exist to reduce crashes among new drivers.

If you break these rules, you can lose your restricted license. Colorado also has a graduated driver license (GDL) program that tracks violations. If you get a traffic ticket or are in a crash while driving with a restricted license, the DMV may suspend your license or extend the restrictions.

Upgrading to an Unrestricted License

You can get an unrestricted license once you turn 18, even if your restricted license has not expired. You do not need to take another test — you straightforward go to a DMV office with your restricted license, proof of identity, and proof of residency, pay the license fee, and receive your unrestricted license.

If you are 17 and have held a restricted license for at least one year, you may also be able to get an unrestricted license early. Check with your local DMV office about the exact rules, as they can vary slightly by location.

An unrestricted license has no curfew and no passenger limits. It is valid for five years if you are under 61, and for 10 years if you are 61 or older. You will need to renew it before it expires.

Documents You Need for Any License

No matter which type of license you are getting, Colorado requires the same three categories of documents. First, proof of identity: a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, passport card, or state ID. Second, proof of Social Security number: your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. Third, proof of Colorado residency: a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and current Colorado address.

All documents must be originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request a letter from the Social Security Administration explaining why, and the DMV may issue you a license without one.

Renewing Your Colorado License

Colorado licenses expire on your birthday. You can renew online if you are between 21 and 61, your license has not been suspended or revoked, you have no medical conditions that affect your driving, and your address has not changed. Online renewal takes a few minutes and costs less than renewing in person.

If you do not meet these requirements, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residency. If your address has changed, bring proof of your new address. Renewal in person takes about 30 minutes and costs more than online renewal.

If your license has expired more than one year ago, you may need to retake the written test or road test. Contact your local DMV office to find out what is required in your situation.

Medical Conditions and License Restrictions

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as vision problems, hearing loss, seizures, or certain medications — you may still be able to get a license, but it may come with restrictions. For example, you might be required to wear corrective lenses, use a hearing aid, or have your license renewed more frequently.

When you explore for a license, the DMV will ask about your medical history. If you report a condition, the DMV may ask you to have a doctor fill out a medical form. Be honest about your health — driving with an unmanaged medical condition puts you and others at risk, and hiding a condition can result in license suspension or revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my Colorado license if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you do not have a Social Security number, contact the Social Security Administration and ask for a letter explaining why you cannot get one. Bring that letter to the DMV along with your other documents. The DMV will issue you a license without a Social Security number on file.

What happens if I get a ticket while driving with a restricted license?

A traffic ticket while you have a restricted license can result in suspension or extension of your restrictions. Colorado's GDL program tracks violations. If you get a ticket for speeding, reckless driving, or other violations, the DMV may suspend your license for a period of time or add extra restrictions. The exact consequence depends on the type of violation.

Can I renew my Colorado license by mail?

No, Colorado does not offer mail renewal. You can renew online if you meet the requirements, or you must renew in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is faster and cheaper than in-person renewal if you are may be able to access.

How long does it take to get a Colorado driver license?

The instruction permit is issued the same day you pass the written test. After holding it for 12 months, you can take a road test and get a restricted license the same day you pass. An unrestricted license is issued the same day you explore once you turn 18. The total time from start to unrestricted license is at least 12 months plus the time it takes to pass your road test.

What is the cost of a Colorado driver license?

Fees vary by license type and age. An instruction permit costs one amount, a restricted license costs another, and an unrestricted license costs a third amount. Renewal fees also vary. Contact your local DMV office or visit the Colorado DMV website for current fees, as they can change year to year.