What You Need to Do to Switch to a Colorado License

If you move to Colorado, you will need to get a Colorado driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. You cannot straightforward update your old license — Colorado requires you to explore for a new one through the Department of Revenue's Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The process involves submitting documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number, then passing a vision test and written exam at a DMV office.

You do not need to retake the road test if your out-of-state license is valid and you are under 61 years old. Colorado will issue you a new license based on your existing driving record. If your out-of-state license has expired, you will need to take the road test before Colorado issues a new one.

Key Takeaways

  • You have 30 days from the date you move to Colorado to obtain a Colorado driver's license; driving on an out-of-state license after that is illegal.
  • You will need to bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID), proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • You must pass a vision test and written exam at a Colorado DMV office, but you can skip the road test if your out-of-state license is current and you are under 61.
  • The written exam covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs; you can study using the free Colorado Driver Handbook available on the DMV website.
  • Your new Colorado license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days after you pass the exam and pay the fee.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Colorado requires specific documents to prove who you are, where you live, and your legal right to drive. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. You will need one document from each of these three categories: identity, residency, and Social Security verification.

For identity, bring your valid passport, certified birth certificate, state ID, military ID, or tribal ID. Your out-of-state driver's license counts as identity proof only if it is not expired. For residency, bring a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or vehicle registration in your name dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or insurance document also works. For Social Security verification, bring your Social Security card, W-2 form, 1099 form, or tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can bring an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document instead.

If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If your name on your documents does not match, the DMV will ask for the legal document proving the change before they issue your license.

The Vision Test and Written Exam

At your DMV appointment, you will take a vision test first. You must see at least 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, you will not be allowed to take the written exam that day, and you will need to schedule a new appointment after you have seen an eye doctor.

The written exam has 25 questions about Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You must answer at least 20 questions correctly to pass. The test covers topics like speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking laws, and what different road signs mean. You can study using the free Colorado Driver Handbook, which is available as a PDF on the Colorado DMV website. Many people also use online practice tests to prepare.

You will take the exam on a computer at the DMV office. The test is offered in English and Spanish. If you pass, you will know when ready, and the DMV will take your photo and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

When You Can Skip the Road Test

Colorado waives the road test for most drivers who are switching from another state. You do not need to take the road test if your out-of-state license is valid (not expired) and you are under 61 years old. This is called a waiver, and it means the DMV trusts your driving record from your previous state.

You will need to take the road test if your out-of-state license has expired, if you are 61 or older, or if your driving record shows serious violations like a DUI, reckless driving, or multiple at-fault accidents. Some DMV officers may also require a road test if they have concerns about your driving history. If you are unsure whether you may have access to for the waiver, call your local Colorado DMV office before you go in.

The road test takes about 30 minutes and covers basic driving skills like starting the car, turning, parking, and following traffic laws. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. If you need to take the road test, you will schedule it during your first DMV visit and return on a separate day to complete it.

Finding a DMV Office and Scheduling Your Appointment

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check their hours on the Colorado DMV website. Many offices now require appointments, and some have long wait times, so book as soon as you move. You can schedule an appointment online through the DMV website or by calling the office directly.

Bring all your documents, your out-of-state license, and a completed process for a Colorado Driver's License (Form DL-43). You can fill this out online before you go or fill it out at the DMV office. The fee for a new Colorado driver's license is $28.50 for a four-year license or $57 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, check, or card.

If you cannot get an appointment or your local office has a long wait, you can try visiting a different county's DMV office. Colorado residents can use any DMV office in the state, not just the one in their county. Some offices are less busy than others, so calling ahead to ask about wait times can save you a trip.

What Happens to Your Out-of-State License

Once you receive your Colorado license, your out-of-state license is no longer valid for driving in Colorado. You do not have to return it to your old state — you can keep it as an ID for other purposes like boarding a plane or entering a federal building. However, you should not carry it while driving, because police may be confused about which license is current.

If you want to formally surrender your old license, you can mail it to the DMV office in your previous state, but this is not required. Some people keep their old license as a souvenir or for travel purposes. Just remember that your Colorado license is the only one that is legal to use while driving in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. Bring a document that shows your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. If you have neither a Social Security number nor an ITIN, contact your local DMV office to ask about other options.

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

Yes. You need to bring a valid passport or travel document, proof of legal presence in the United States (such as a visa or work permit), proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN. The process is the same as for citizens, but you may need additional documents depending on your immigration status.

How long does it take to get my new Colorado license?

You will receive a temporary paper license when ready after you pass the written exam. Your permanent plastic license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license sooner, some DMV offices can issue a plastic license on the spot for an extra fee, but this varies by location.

What if I fail the written exam?

You can retake the exam the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can take the test, but you will pay the fee each time. Most people pass on their second or third attempt after studying the Colorado Driver Handbook more carefully.

Do I need to change my vehicle registration too?

Yes. You must register your vehicle in Colorado within 30 days of moving, just like your driver's license. You will need your vehicle title, proof of insurance, and proof of Colorado residency. You can do this at the same DMV office where you get your license, or at a county clerk's office.