Where to get your Lakewood driver's license

Lakewood has two Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices where you can get your driver's license. The main office is at 7151 West Jefferson Avenue, and there is also a satellite office at Lakewood City Hall, 480 South Allison Parkway. Both locations handle standard license applications, renewals, and replacements. You do not need to go to a specific office — either one will process your process the same way.

Hours vary between the two locations. The Jefferson Avenue office is typically open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, while the City Hall location has more limited hours. Before you go, check the Colorado DMV website or call ahead to confirm current hours, since staffing and schedules can change. Going during mid-morning or mid-week usually means shorter wait times than afternoons or Fridays.

Key Takeaways

  • Lakewood has two DMV offices: one at 7151 West Jefferson Avenue and one at Lakewood City Hall, 480 South Allison Parkway.
  • You will need your birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, proof of Colorado residency, and a completed process form to get your first license.
  • Colorado requires you to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test before you receive your license.
  • If you are moving to Colorado from another state, you have 30 days to exchange your out-of-state license for a Colorado license.
  • Real ID compliant licenses cost more than standard licenses and require additional documents, but they are required for federal buildings and domestic flights after May 2025.

Documents you need to bring

Colorado requires specific documents to prove your identity, Social Security number, and residency. Bring your birth certificate or U.S. passport as proof of identity. For Social Security, bring your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a tax return. For residency, bring a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement with your name and current Lakewood address on it.

You will also need to complete the process for a Colorado Driver's License or Identification Card (Form DL-43). You can fill this out at home before you go or at the office. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies alone will not work. If you are under 18, you will also need a parent or guardian to sign the process.

The written test, vision test, and driving test

Colorado's written test covers 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's Handbook, which is free on the DMV website. Many people study for a few days before taking the test. If you fail, you can retake it the same day or come back another time.

The vision test checks whether you can see well enough to drive safely. The DMV will test your distance vision, color vision, and peripheral vision. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them. If you fail the vision test, you will need to see an eye doctor and bring a vision correction form back to the DMV before you can continue.

The driving test happens on the road with a DMV examiner in your car. You will drive for about 20 to 30 minutes while the examiner watches how you handle turns, stops, parking, and traffic. The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfection. If you fail, you can schedule another test, usually within a few days or weeks depending on how busy the office is.

Real ID versus standard Colorado license

Colorado offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a Real ID compliant license. A standard license works for driving and state identification but cannot be used to enter federal buildings or board domestic flights. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID license or another acceptable form of ID (like a passport) to fly domestically or enter federal buildings.

A Real ID license costs more than a standard license — the difference is usually $10 to $15, but prices vary. To get a Real ID license, you need to bring the same documents as a standard license, plus additional proof of your Social Security number and residency. Many people choose Real ID now to avoid having to come back to the DMV later. If you are not sure which one you need, ask the DMV staff when you arrive — they can help you decide based on your situation.

If you are moving to Colorado from another state

Colorado law gives you 30 days after you move to exchange your out-of-state driver's license for a Colorado license. You do not have to wait the full 30 days — you can do it as soon as you arrive. Bring your current out-of-state license, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of Social Security number. You will still need to pass the written test and vision test, but you may not need to take the driving test if your out-of-state license is valid and you are over 18.

If you wait longer than 30 days, you will be treated as a first-time applicant and will need to take all three tests. It is faster and easier to exchange your license within the 30-day window. If your out-of-state license has already expired, bring your birth certificate or passport instead.

Costs and how long it takes

A standard Colorado driver's license costs between $20 and $30, depending on how long you want it to be valid. A four-year license costs less than an eight-year license. A Real ID license costs about $10 to $15 more. You can pay with cash, debit, or credit at the DMV office.

Your temporary license is usually printed on the spot and is valid for 30 days while the permanent card is mailed to you. The permanent card typically arrives within two to three weeks. If you need your license sooner, ask the DMV about expedited options, though these may cost extra. Keep your temporary license with you until the permanent one arrives.

Renewing or replacing your Lakewood license

You can renew your Colorado driver's license up to one year before it expires. Renewals can be done online, by mail, or in person at the DMV office. Online renewal is the fastest option if you have not had any changes to your address, name, or medical conditions. Renewals by mail take about two weeks, and in-person renewals are processed the same day.

If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace it at either Lakewood DMV office. Bring your birth certificate or passport, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number. A replacement license costs less than a new license and is usually ready within a few days. If your license was stolen, you may want to report it to local police as well, though it is not required to replace it at the DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the driving test in a car that is not registered to me?

Yes. The car must have valid registration, insurance, and working brakes, lights, and wipers. Many people borrow a family member's car or use a driving school vehicle. The car does not have to be registered in your name. Make sure the registration and insurance documents are in the car when you arrive for your test.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can retake it as soon as the next available appointment, which is usually within a few days to a week depending on how busy the office is. There is no waiting period between attempts. You will pay the test fee again. Most people pass on their second or third try.

Do I need an appointment to get my license at the Lakewood DMV?

Appointments are not always required, but the Colorado DMV recommends scheduling one online to avoid long waits. You can walk in without an appointment, but you may wait several hours. Check the Colorado DMV website to see if appointments are available for the office and date you want to visit.

Can I get a Real ID license if I do not have a birth certificate?

Yes. A U.S. passport works as proof of identity and citizenship instead of a birth certificate. You will still need proof of Social Security number and Colorado residency. If you do not have a passport, you can order a birth certificate from the county or state where you were born.

What is the age requirement for a Colorado driver's license?

You must be at least 16 years old to get a driver's license in Colorado. If you are under 18, you need a parent or guardian to sign your process. Drivers under 18 are also subject to graduated licensing rules, which restrict when and how you can drive during your first year.