What you need to do to switch your out-of-state license to Colorado

If you hold a valid driver's license from another state and you move to Colorado, you do not have to take the written test or road test again. Colorado recognizes out-of-state licenses and lets you exchange yours for a Colorado license without retesting, as long as your current license is valid and you meet Colorado's residency and identity requirements.

The process is straightforward: you visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person, bring the documents that prove who you are and where you live, hand over your out-of-state license, and pay the fee. You walk out with a Colorado license the same day. The whole visit usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is.

Key Takeaways

  • You can exchange an out-of-state license for a Colorado license without retesting if your current license is valid and you have lived in Colorado for at least 30 days.
  • You must bring proof of identity (a passport, birth certificate, or consulate ID), proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement), and your current out-of-state license.
  • Visit any Colorado DMV office in person; you cannot complete this exchange by mail or online.
  • The fee for a standard Colorado driver's license is set by state law and does not vary by office location.
  • Your new Colorado license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive legally on your out-of-state license until it arrives.

Proof of identity you will need to bring

Colorado requires one primary document that proves your identity and date of birth. A U.S. passport is the easiest option because it covers both identity and citizenship in one document. If you do not have a passport, bring your certified birth certificate (the official copy with a raised seal, not a photocopy) plus a secondary ID like a Social Security card, school ID, or work ID.

If you were born outside the United States, a consulate ID or passport from your country of origin works, along with proof of legal residency status in the U.S. (such as a green card or visa). Do not bring a learner's permit or temporary license as your primary identity document — DMV will not accept it.

Proof of Colorado residency you will need to bring

You must show that you have lived in Colorado for at least 30 days. A recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill with your name and current Colorado address will work. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. If you just moved and do not have a utility bill yet, a signed lease or a letter from your landlord on their letterhead stating your move-in date is acceptable.

If you are staying with someone else and do not have a bill in your name, ask the homeowner or renter to write a letter on their own letterhead confirming you live there, and bring a copy of their utility bill or lease showing the address. Some DMV offices also accept a recent bank or credit card statement if it shows your Colorado address.

Your out-of-state license and what happens to it

Bring your current, valid out-of-state driver's license to the DMV office. It must not be expired. If your license has already expired, you will need to contact your previous state's DMV to renew it before you can exchange it in Colorado, or you may be required to take Colorado's written and road tests instead.

When you hand your out-of-state license to the DMV clerk, they will keep it. Colorado does not return it to you. If you want to keep a copy for your records, take a photo of both sides before you go to the DMV office.

Where to go and how to schedule your visit

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can visit any office; you do not have to go to the one closest to your home. To find the office nearest you and check current wait times, go to the Colorado DMV website and use their office locator tool. Some offices accept walk-ins, but many now use an online appointment system. Check the specific office's page to see whether you need to book ahead or can drop in.

If you book an appointment, you can usually get one within a few days. Walk-in wait times vary widely — some offices have short lines in the morning, while others may have waits of an hour or more in the afternoon. Going early in the week (Monday through Wednesday) is usually faster than going on Friday.

The fee and what your new license will look like

Colorado charges a fee for a standard driver's license based on how long you want it to be valid. A license valid for five years costs less than one valid for ten years. The exact amount is set by state law and does not change from office to office. Ask the DMV clerk what the current fee is, or check the Colorado DMV website before you go.

You will pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at the office. Your new Colorado license will be mailed to the address you provide within 7 to 10 business days. Until it arrives, your out-of-state license is no longer valid, but you can legally drive on a receipt the DMV gives you that day. Keep that receipt in your car.

If your out-of-state license is suspended, revoked, or expired

If your license is suspended or revoked in your previous state, Colorado will not exchange it. You will have to resolve the suspension or revocation with that state before explore in Colorado. Contact your previous state's DMV to find out why your license was suspended and what you need to do to clear it.

If your license has expired, you have two options: renew it with your previous state before moving to Colorado, or contact that state's DMV to ask whether you can renew it remotely. Some states allow online or mail renewal even after you have moved. If you cannot renew it before the exchange, you may be required to take Colorado's written and road tests instead of exchanging your license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to exchange my license within a certain number of days after moving to Colorado?

Colorado law requires you to have a Colorado license within 30 days of establishing residency. This means you must visit the DMV within 30 days of moving. After 30 days, driving on an out-of-state license is illegal, even if that license is still valid in your previous state.

Can I exchange my license by mail or online?

No. You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person. You cannot complete a license exchange remotely. Bring all your documents with you on the day of your visit.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

Contact the Colorado DMV before you visit. They can tell you what alternative documents they will accept. You may be able to use a consulate ID, a military ID, or other government-issued documents. Some offices can also help you order a certified birth certificate if you do not have one.

Will my new Colorado license have a different number than my out-of-state license?

Yes. Colorado will issue you a new license number. Your old license number will no longer be valid. Make sure to update your number with your insurance company, employer, and any other organizations that have it on file.

What if I moved to Colorado but I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can still get a Colorado driver's license if you have legal residency status (such as a green card, visa, or work permit). Bring your passport or consulate ID, proof of legal residency, proof of Colorado residency, and your out-of-state license. The process is the same as for citizens.