Lakewood Driver's License Office Location and Hours

The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in Lakewood is located at 7151 West Alaska Avenue, Lakewood, CO 80226. This is one of the busier DMV locations in the Denver metro area because it serves Lakewood residents and people from surrounding communities who find it more convenient than the downtown Denver office.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the office is closed on weekends and state holidays. The office does not take walk-ins without an appointment. You must schedule your visit in advance through the Colorado DMV online system or by calling 303-205-5600.

Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building. The office is accessible to people with disabilities and has accessible restrooms on-site.

Key Takeaways

  • You must book an appointment before visiting the Lakewood DMV office; walk-ins are not accepted.
  • The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and closed weekends and state holidays.
  • You can schedule an appointment online through the Colorado DMV website or by phone at 303-205-5600.
  • Bring your current identification, proof of residency, and any documents required for your specific license type or renewal.
  • Processing times vary by transaction type; standard driver's license renewals typically take 10 to 15 business days after your visit.

What Documents to Bring to Your Appointment

The documents you need depend on whether you are renewing an existing license, explore for your first license, or changing your license type. For any visit, bring your current Colorado driver's license or ID card if you have one, and at least one form of proof of residency dated within the last 60 days—a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement all work.

If you are renewing a standard driver's license, you will also need to bring proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form) and proof of your legal name if it has changed since your last license was issued. If you are explore for your first Colorado license or moving to Colorado from another state, bring your out-of-state license, proof of legal presence (passport, birth certificate, or visa), and proof of your Social Security number.

For a commercial driver's license (CDL) or motorcycle endorsement, bring additional documentation specific to that license type—the DMV website lists these by endorsement category. Bring originals and copies of everything; the office will keep copies in your file.

How to Schedule Your Appointment Online

Go to the Colorado DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov and select "Schedule an Appointment" from the homepage. You will be asked to choose your transaction type (renewal, new license, duplicate, address change, or other), your preferred office location (select Lakewood), and your preferred date and time from the available slots.

The system shows you available times up to 30 days in advance. If no times are open for your preferred date, check back the next day—the DMV releases additional slots regularly. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number and a list of documents to bring. Save this confirmation; you will need to show it when you arrive.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to book by phone, call 303-205-5600 during office hours. The phone line can be busy during peak times (mid-morning and early afternoon), so try calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon for shorter wait times.

Fees and Payment Methods at the Lakewood Office

Driver's license fees in Colorado vary by license type and whether you are renewing or explore for the first time. A standard five-year driver's license renewal costs $28.75. A new driver's license for a first-time applicant costs $28.75. A duplicate license (if yours is lost or damaged) costs $20. Address changes and name changes on an existing license are typically free if done at the same time as a renewal, but $10 if done separately.

The Lakewood office accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover). Personal checks are not accepted. If you are paying by card, bring the card itself; the office does not process phone or online payments during your visit.

If you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant driver's license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel), there is an additional $30 fee on top of the standard license fee. REAL ID is not automatic; you must request it when you renew or explore.

Processing Times and When You Will Receive Your License

After your appointment, the Lakewood office will process your process on the same day or the next business day. Standard driver's licenses and renewals are mailed to your address on file within 10 to 15 business days. REAL ID licenses take slightly longer—typically 15 to 20 business days—because they require additional verification steps.

You will receive a temporary paper license at your appointment that is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent card to arrive. Use this temporary license for driving and identification during that period. If your permanent license does not arrive within 20 business days, contact the DMV at 303-205-5600 to check the status.

If you need your license sooner, you can request expedited processing at your appointment for an additional fee (typically $15 to $25 depending on the license type). Expedited licenses are mailed within 5 to 7 business days instead of the standard timeframe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at Your Lakewood Appointment

The most frequent reason appointments are delayed or canceled is missing documents. Bring originals and copies of everything on your confirmation email. Do not assume you know what counts as proof of residency—utility bills and lease agreements work, but credit card statements and insurance documents do not. If you are unsure whether a document qualifies, call the office before your appointment.

Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with your appointment confirmation number visible. The office runs on a strict schedule, and arriving more than 15 minutes late may result in your appointment being rescheduled. Bring your current license or ID card even if it is expired; the office uses it to verify your identity and pull your existing file.

If you are changing your legal name, bring the court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that documents the change. A name change cannot be processed without this document, and the office cannot make exceptions. If you are explore for a REAL ID license, understand that it requires additional identity verification—bring extra documents if you have them (passport, birth certificate, or visa).

What to Do If You Cannot Make Your Appointment

Cancel or reschedule your appointment at least 24 hours before your scheduled time through the Colorado DMV website or by calling 303-205-5600. If you cancel with less than 24 hours' notice or do not show up, you may be required to wait longer to book your next appointment, as the DMV prioritizes people who have not missed previous slots.

If you have a genuine emergency and cannot reschedule online, call the office directly at 303-205-5600 during business hours. Explain your situation to the staff member; they can sometimes accommodate a same-day cancellation or move your appointment to a later date without penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license by mail instead of going to the Lakewood office?

Colorado allows mail-in renewal only if your license is not expired and you have not had any address changes or name changes since it was issued. If you meet these conditions, you can renew by mail through the DMV website without visiting an office. If your license is expired or you need to update your information, you must visit the Lakewood office or another DMV location in person.

What if I need a license before my appointment date?

If you need to drive before your scheduled appointment, you can request an expedited temporary license at the office for an additional fee. Alternatively, if your appointment is more than two weeks away, you can cancel and rebook for an earlier date if slots open up. Check the online system daily for newly released appointments.

Do I need to take a driving test at the Lakewood office?

Driving tests are not administered at the Lakewood DMV office. If you are explore for your first Colorado license and need a driving test, you must schedule that separately at a Colorado DMV testing facility. The Lakewood office can direct you to the nearest testing location when you call or visit.

What if my appointment is canceled by the DMV?

The DMV occasionally cancels appointments due to staffing or system issues. If your appointment is canceled, you will receive an email notification with instructions to reschedule. Rebook as soon as possible, as available slots fill quickly during peak times.

Can someone else pick up my license if I cannot be there when it arrives?

Licenses are mailed directly to your address on file and do not require a signature. If you need to change your mailing address before your license is sent, contact the DMV when ready at 303-205-5600 with your appointment number and new address.