Where to Get Your License in Lakewood

If you live in Lakewood, Colorado, you'll get your driver's license through the Colorado Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Lakewood itself doesn't issue licenses — you'll visit a DMV office in or near Lakewood to complete your written test, road test, and final license issuance. The closest full-service office is the Lakewood DMV, located at 7151 West 85th Avenue, which handles both written and road tests.

You can also visit other DMV locations in the Denver metro area if the Lakewood office doesn't have an appointment time that works for you. However, the Lakewood location is typically the most convenient if you live in that area. All Colorado DMV offices follow the same testing standards and issue the same license types, so it doesn't matter which office you use.

Before you go to any DMV office, you'll need to schedule an appointment online through the Colorado DMV website or by calling 303-205-5600. Walk-ins are not accepted at most locations, and appointment slots fill up weeks in advance, especially in the Denver metro area.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lakewood DMV office at 7151 West 85th Avenue handles written tests, road tests, and license issuance for Lakewood residents.
  • You must schedule an appointment before visiting — walk-ins are not accepted, and you should book several weeks ahead during busy seasons.
  • Colorado requires a valid ID, proof of residency, and a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number before you can test.
  • Your first license will be a regular driver's license if you pass both the written and road tests on your first visit.
  • If you're under 18, you'll follow Colorado's graduated licensing system, which includes a learner's permit stage before you can take the road test.

Documents You Need to Bring to the Lakewood DMV

Colorado requires specific documents before you can take either the written or road test. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or state ID), proof of your current Colorado address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number or ITIN (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).

If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or guardian to sign your process in person. Bring their ID as well. If you're explore for a REAL ID-compliant license (which you'll need for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025), bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate in addition to the documents above.

Make a copy of everything before you go. The DMV will keep your originals, and you'll want proof of what you submitted. Bring the originals, not copies — the DMV will not accept photocopies as proof of identity or residency.

The Written Test at the Lakewood DMV

The written test covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You'll take it on a computer at the DMV office, and you can choose to take it in English or Spanish. The test has 25 questions, and you need to answer at least 20 correctly to pass (an 80% score).

You can take the written test as many times as you need — there's no limit on retakes, though you'll pay the test fee each time. Most people pass on their first attempt if they study the Colorado Driver's Handbook, which is free and available online at the Colorado DMV website. You can also pick up a printed copy at the Lakewood DMV office.

The written test takes about 10 to 15 minutes once you sit down. After you pass, you'll move on to scheduling your road test, which usually happens a few weeks later depending on appointment availability.

The Road Test and What Happens After You Pass

The road test is conducted by a DMV examiner who sits in your vehicle while you drive. The test lasts about 20 to 30 minutes and covers basic vehicle control, following traffic laws, and safe decision-making. You'll drive on local streets near the Lakewood DMV office, not on highways.

You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle's registration and proof of insurance must be current. If you're using someone else's car, they don't need to be present, but the vehicle must be registered to someone — it can't be a borrowed vehicle with no owner listed.

If you pass the road test, you'll receive your license the same day. The DMV will take your photo and issue a temporary paper license on the spot; your plastic card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you don't pass, you can schedule another road test appointment, and there's no limit on retakes.

Costs and Fees at the Lakewood DMV

Colorado's driver's license fees vary depending on your age and the type of license. A standard five-year license for someone 21 or older costs $28.20. If you're under 21, your license is valid until your 21st birthday and costs $18.20. A REAL ID-compliant license costs an additional $5.

The written test fee is $10.50, and the road test fee is $10.50. If you fail either test and need to retake it, you'll pay the fee again. Payment is accepted in cash, debit, or credit card at the Lakewood DMV office.

These fees are set by the state and do not vary between DMV locations. Budget for the total cost before your appointment so you're not surprised at the counter.

If You're Under 18: Colorado's Graduated Licensing System

If you're a teenager in Lakewood, Colorado's graduated licensing system means you'll go through two stages before you get a full driver's license. First, you'll get a learner's permit (called a Learner's License in Colorado), which allows you to drive only with a licensed adult 21 or older in the front seat. You must hold the learner's permit for at least 12 months before you can take the road test.

During those 12 months, you must complete at least 50 hours of supervised driving, including at least 10 hours at night. Your parent or guardian will track these hours — there's no official form to submit, but the DMV may ask about them when you come in for your road test.

Once you've held your learner's permit for 12 months and completed the required hours, you can schedule your road test at the Lakewood DMV. After you pass, you'll receive a Probationary License, which is valid until your 18th birthday. At 18, it automatically becomes a full driver's license with no additional test required.

Scheduling and Rescheduling Your Appointment

Book your appointment online at the Colorado DMV website (dmv.colorado.gov) or call 303-205-5600. You'll need to select the Lakewood office, choose whether you want a written test, road test, or both, and pick an available date and time. Appointments typically fill up 4 to 8 weeks in advance, especially during summer and around school breaks.

If you need to reschedule, you can cancel your appointment online or by phone and book a new one. There's no penalty for rescheduling, but available slots may be limited if you're booking close to your original appointment date. If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may have to wait longer for the next available slot.

Arrive at least 10 minutes early with all your documents. If you're late or missing documents, the DMV may cancel your appointment and you'll have to reschedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my road test in a borrowed car?

Yes, but the car must be registered to someone — it can't be an unregistered vehicle. It must also have current insurance and be in safe working condition. The owner doesn't need to be present during the test.

What if I fail my road test?

You can schedule another road test appointment at the Lakewood DMV. There's no limit on retakes, and you'll pay the road test fee ($10.50) each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.

How long does it take to get my plastic license card after I pass?

You'll receive a temporary paper license the day you pass your road test. Your plastic card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving until your plastic card arrives.

Do I need a REAL ID license in Colorado?

You'll need a REAL ID-compliant license if you want to use your driver's license for federal buildings or domestic flights. Starting May 2025, a regular driver's license won't be accepted for these purposes. The REAL ID costs an extra $5 and requires an original or certified birth certificate.

What if I move out of Lakewood after I get my license?

Your Colorado driver's license is valid anywhere in the state and nationwide. You don't need to update it if you move within Colorado. If you move to another state, you'll need to get a license from that state's DMV.