How to Transfer Your Driver License to Colorado

What You Need to Do to Transfer Your License to Colorado

To transfer a driver license to Colorado, you must visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring your current out-of-state license and proof of Colorado residency, pass a vision test, and pay the transfer fee. Colorado does not accept mail-in transfers or online processing for license conversions. Your out-of-state license remains valid until you complete the transfer, so you have time to gather documents and schedule your visit.

The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes at the DMV office. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to retake the written knowledge test or driving skills test unless your license has been expired for more than one year or Colorado has reason to question your driving record.

Key Takeaways

You must appear in person at a Colorado DMV office with your valid out-of-state license and proof of Colorado residency to transfer your license.
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days showing your Colorado address.
The transfer fee is $23.50 for a five-year license or $31.50 for a ten-year license, paid at the time of your visit.
You will pass a vision test at the DMV; bring glasses or contacts if you need them to drive.
Your temporary paper license is valid when ready, and your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Bring your current, valid out-of-state driver license. If your license has expired, you can still transfer it, but Colorado will require you to retake the written test and the driving skills test. An expired license does not disqualify you from transfer, but it adds steps and time to the process.

Bring one document that proves your Colorado residency and shows your current address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet), a lease agreement or rental contract, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, a bank or credit union statement, or a vehicle registration. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.

Bring your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have your card, a W-2, tax return, or 1099 form works. You will also need to bring proof of your legal name if it differs from your out-of-state license — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order of name change.

Colorado DMV Offices and How to Schedule Your Visit

Colorado has DMV offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Pueblo, and several smaller cities. You can find the full list and hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some locations open on Saturday mornings.

You can walk in without an appointment, but wait times vary. During peak hours (late morning and early afternoon on weekdays), you may wait 45 minutes to over an hour. To reduce wait time, you can schedule an appointment online through the Colorado DMV website. Appointments are typically available within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the office location.

If you cannot visit in person, you cannot transfer your license by mail or through a third party. Colorado law requires the applicant to appear at the DMV office for the vision test and to sign the process in person.

Vision Test and Medical Certification Requirements

You will take a vision test at the DMV office as part of your transfer. The test checks whether you can read a chart at 20 feet and whether your peripheral vision is adequate. If you wear glasses or contacts to drive, bring them with you. If you fail the vision test, the DMV will not issue your license until you provide a medical certification from an eye doctor.

If you have a medical condition that affects your ability to drive — such as epilepsy, diabetes, heart disease, or sleep apnea — Colorado may require a medical report from your doctor before approving your transfer. The DMV will tell you at your appointment if a report is needed. You do not need to submit a report before your visit unless you already know you have a condition Colorado tracks.

License Validity, Expiration, and Renewal After Transfer

A Colorado driver license is valid for five or ten years, depending on which term you choose at the DMV. The five-year license costs $23.50 and the ten-year license costs $31.50. Your new Colorado license will expire on your birthday in the year it is issued plus five or ten years. For example, if you transfer your license in March 2025 and choose a five-year term, your license expires on your birthday in 2030.

When your Colorado license nears expiration, you can renew it online through the Colorado DMV website if you have not had any address changes and your vision remains adequate. Online renewal costs $23.50 for five years or $31.50 for ten years and takes about 7 to 10 business days. If you have moved or need a new vision test, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

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 or any other state. You do not need to return it to your original state's DMV — Colorado does not collect old licenses. You can keep it as identification for non-driving purposes, destroy it, or return it to your original state if you wish, but it is not required.

If you move out of Colorado later and transfer your license to another state, that state will follow the same process: you bring your Colorado license, proof of residency in the new state, and pay that state's transfer fee. Your Colorado license then becomes invalid.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is bringing a document that does not meet Colorado's residency proof requirements. A cell phone bill, credit card statement, or insurance bill does not count. Bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, bank statement, property tax bill, or vehicle registration dated within 60 days. If your document is older than 60 days, bring a second document to establish the date you moved to Colorado.

Another mistake is arriving without your Social Security card or proof of your number. If you do not have your card, bring a W-2, tax return, or 1099. Without proof of your Social Security number, the DMV cannot process your transfer that day.

Do not assume your out-of-state license will work in Colorado after you move. Colorado law requires you to transfer your license within 30 days of establishing residency. Driving on an out-of-state license after that period can result in a citation. Transfer your license as soon as you have proof of residency to avoid this problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to retake the written test and driving test to transfer my license?

No, unless your license has been expired for more than one year or Colorado has concerns about your driving record. If your license is current and valid, you only need to pass the vision test. If your license expired more than a year ago, you must retake both the written knowledge test and the driving skills test.

Can I transfer my license if I have an out-of-state address on my current license?

Yes. Your out-of-state license can show any address. What matters is that you bring a document proving your current Colorado address, dated within the last 60 days. The DMV will update your address to your Colorado address on your new license.

What if I do not have a Social Security card?

Bring a W-2, tax return, 1099 form, or other document showing your Social Security number. If you do not have any of these, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card before visiting the DMV. The DMV cannot issue your license without proof of your number.

How long does it take to receive my permanent plastic license card?

Your temporary paper license is valid when ready after your DMV visit. Your permanent plastic card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Colorado DMV to check the status.

Can I transfer my license online or by mail?

No. Colorado requires you to appear in person at a DMV office for the vision test and to sign your process. You cannot transfer your license by mail, online, or through a representative.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.