Where the Lakewood office is and what it handles

The Lakewood Drivers License Office is a Colorado Department of Revenue location that issues driver's licenses, ID cards, and handles renewals and replacements. It serves residents in the Lakewood area and surrounding communities. The office processes both standard licenses and the documents you need before you can take your road test — so if you're starting from scratch, you'll likely visit here at some point in your licensing journey.

This is a state office, not a private testing center. That means the staff issues the actual license you'll carry, but they don't conduct the road test itself. Road tests in Colorado are scheduled through the same office, but the exam happens at a separate testing location.

Key Takeaways

  • The Lakewood office issues Colorado driver's licenses, ID cards, and handles renewals — you'll need to visit in person with the right documents.
  • Bring your Social Security number, proof of residency, proof of identity, and proof of lawful presence; requirements differ slightly depending on whether you're renewing or getting your first license.
  • Road tests are scheduled at the Lakewood office but conducted at a separate testing location; you must pass your written test first.
  • Wait times vary by time of day and day of week; visiting early in the week or early in the day typically means shorter lines.
  • You can check current hours and make an appointment online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website before you go.

What documents you need to bring

Colorado requires specific documents no matter which license type you're after. Bring your Social Security number (or a Social Security card), proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address), and proof of lawful presence (usually your passport or birth certificate if you're a U.S. citizen).

If you're renewing, you'll also need your current license or ID card. If you're getting your first license or a duplicate, bring any documents related to name changes — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order if your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. The staff will not accept documents that are expired, altered, or damaged beyond clear readability. If you're unsure whether a document will work, call the office ahead of time rather than making a wasted trip.

The written test and what comes before it

Before you can schedule a road test, you must pass Colorado's written knowledge test at the Lakewood office. This test covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the official Colorado Driver Handbook, which is free and available online through the Department of Revenue website.

The written test is multiple choice, taken on a computer, and you'll know your score when ready. You need to pass with a score of at least 80 percent. If you don't pass on your first try, you can retake it the same day or come back another day — there's no waiting period between attempts in Colorado.

Once you pass the written test, the office staff will schedule your road test. Depending on demand, this might be a few days away or a few weeks away. You'll receive a confirmation with the date, time, and testing location.

Scheduling and taking your road test

Your road test is scheduled at the Lakewood office but conducted at a separate testing site. The examiner will evaluate your ability to handle basic driving tasks — starting the car, turning, parking, stopping, and following traffic laws. The test takes about 30 minutes and covers both city and highway driving.

Bring your permit (if you have one), proof of insurance, and the vehicle you'll be driving. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition — the examiner will check the lights, wipers, horn, and mirrors before the test begins. If anything is broken or missing, the test will be rescheduled.

You're allowed to fail and retake the road test. There's no limit on attempts, though you'll need to pay the test fee each time. Many people pass on their second or third try, so a failure is not the end of the road.

Hours, location, and how to prepare for your visit

The Lakewood Drivers License Office is located at 7151 West 85th Avenue, Lakewood, Colorado 80003. Hours vary by day; the office is typically open Monday through Friday during business hours, with some Saturday hours depending on the season. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for current hours before you go, as they change periodically.

Wait times are longest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on Tuesdays through Thursdays. If you can visit early on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, or arrive right when the office opens, you'll usually spend less time waiting. Bring all your documents in a folder so you're not searching through a bag when it's your turn.

You can make an appointment online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website. An appointment doesn't eliminate the wait entirely, but it reserves your place in line and typically reduces your time in the office by 30 to 60 minutes.

License types and what you get after you pass

Colorado offers a standard driver's license, a commercial driver's license (CDL) for truck and bus drivers, and a motorcycle endorsement. Most first-time drivers get the standard license. If you're under 18, you'll get a license with restrictions — you can't drive between midnight and 4 a.m. for the first six months, and you can't have passengers under 21 for the first year (with some exceptions for family members).

After you pass your road test, the office will issue your license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days, depending on how the photo and background check process goes. Your license is valid for five years if you're under 21, and eight years if you're 21 or older. You'll need to renew before the expiration date to keep driving legally.

What to do if you can't visit in person

Some transactions — like renewing a license that hasn't expired yet — can be done by mail or online if you meet certain conditions. The Colorado Department of Revenue website lists which services are available remotely. If you need to take a written or road test, you must visit the office in person; there's no remote option for testing.

If you have a disability or medical condition that makes visiting difficult, call the office to ask about accommodations. Staff can sometimes arrange for extended time, a quieter testing environment, or other adjustments to help you complete the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a license after I pass the road test?

You'll receive a temporary paper license when ready after passing the road test. Your permanent plastic license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. The temporary license is valid for driving while you wait for the permanent one.

What if I fail the road test?

You can retake it as soon as the next available testing slot, which might be a few days or a few weeks depending on demand. There's no waiting period between attempts. You'll pay the test fee again each time you retake it.

Can I take the written test online from home?

No. Colorado requires you to take the written test in person at a drivers license office. You must pass it before you can schedule a road test.

Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?

You can walk in without an appointment, but making one online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website will reduce your wait time. Appointments are free and take just a few minutes to book.

What happens if my documents are expired?

Expired documents are generally not accepted. If your passport, birth certificate, or other proof of identity has expired, you'll need to renew it before you can get your driver's license. Call the office ahead of time if you're unsure whether a document will work.