How to Get a Real ID Driver License in Colorado

What Colorado's Real ID Driver License Is and How to Get One

Colorado's Real ID driver license is a standard state license that meets federal security standards set by the Department of Homeland Security. It has a gold star in the upper right corner and works for domestic air travel, entry to federal buildings, and military bases. If you want to fly within the United States after May 7, 2025, you will need either a Real ID license, a passport, a military ID, or a passport card — a regular Colorado driver license will not work.

You can get a Real ID license when you renew your current license, when you replace a lost or stolen license, or by visiting a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to upgrade your existing license without renewing it. The process takes about 30 minutes in person, and you will receive your Real ID license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

Colorado's Real ID license has a gold star and is required for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025, unless you have a passport or military ID.
You must bring proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, proof of your Social Security number, and a completed process form to the DMV.
The Real ID license costs the same as a standard license renewal in Colorado and takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
You can upgrade an existing license to Real ID without waiting for renewal, or get Real ID when you renew or replace your license.
If you do not have all required documents, the DMV will tell you what is missing before you leave, so you can gather it and return.

Documents You Need to Bring to the Colorado DMV

Colorado requires four categories of documents for a Real ID license. Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. The DMV will not accept documents that are expired, altered, or damaged beyond readability.

Proof of identity: A U.S. passport, passport card, certified birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or permanent resident card (green card). If you were born outside the United States and do not have a passport, bring your consular report of birth abroad or a certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the country where you were born.

Proof of Colorado residency: A utility bill, lease or mortgage statement, property tax statement, homeowners or renters insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency (such as the Colorado Department of Human Services). The document must show your name and current Colorado address and be dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card statement does not count.

Proof of your Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, a tax return, or a letter from the Social Security Administration. A document showing your number is required; the DMV cannot accept your word for it.

Completed process: Form DL-44 (process for a Colorado Driver License or Identification Card). You can fill it out at home and bring it completed, or fill it out at the DMV office. Bring a pen — the DMV prefers black or blue ink.

Step-by-Step Process at the Colorado DMV

Visit a Colorado DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and some locations have extended hours on certain days. Check the DMV website for your local office's hours before you go.

When you arrive, take a number or check in at the front desk. Tell the staff member you want a Real ID license. They will review your documents to make sure you have everything. If anything is missing, they will tell you what to bring back. If everything is in order, they will take your photo, collect your fee, and process your process on the spot.

You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your Real ID license will be mailed to the address on your process within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within 14 days, contact the DMV to check the status.

If you are upgrading an existing license to Real ID without renewing it, the process is the same except you will keep your current license until the new one arrives. You do not need to surrender anything at the office.

Cost and Renewal Timeline

A Real ID license in Colorado costs the same as a standard driver license. The fee depends on how long you want the license to be valid: a 5-year license costs less than an 8-year license. As of 2024, a 5-year Real ID license costs around $30 to $35, but fees change periodically, so confirm the current price on the DMV website or by calling your local office before you go.

If you are renewing an expired license, you can renew it up to one year after it expires without penalty. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must explore for a new license as if you were getting one for the first time, which may require a driving test depending on how long it has been expired.

Real ID licenses are valid for either 5 or 8 years depending on which you choose. You can renew by mail, online, or in person. Renewing online or by mail is faster and cheaper than renewing in person, but you can only renew online or by mail if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address.

What to Do If You Cannot Find a Required Document

If you do not have a birth certificate or passport, you can order one before your DMV visit. A certified birth certificate from the Colorado Department of Vital Statistics takes 5 to 10 business days by mail and costs around $20 to $30. A U.S. passport takes 4 to 6 weeks through the mail or 2 to 3 weeks expedited, and costs $130 to $165 depending on whether it is your first passport.

If you do not have a Social Security card, you can request a replacement from the Social Security Administration. Visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. A replacement card is free and usually arrives within 2 weeks.

If you do not have proof of Colorado residency dated within the last 60 days, ask your utility company, landlord, or mortgage lender for a current statement. If you recently moved to Colorado and do not have a utility bill in your name yet, a lease or mortgage statement works just as well.

Real ID vs. a Standard Colorado Driver License

The main difference is the gold star. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. A standard Colorado driver license does not have the star and will not work for domestic air travel after May 7, 2025.

Both licenses work for voting, driving, and proving your identity in everyday situations. Both cost the same and last the same length of time. The only reason to choose a standard license over Real ID is if you do not plan to fly domestically and prefer not to provide the extra documents required for Real ID — but Colorado no longer issues standard licenses to new applicants. If you renew or replace your license, you will get Real ID by default.

If you already have a standard Colorado driver license and do not want to upgrade to Real ID, you can keep using it until it expires. Once it expires, you must renew it as a Real ID license if you want to continue driving in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Real ID license if I have a passport?

No. A U.S. passport, passport card, or military ID will work for domestic air travel and federal building entry. You do not need a Real ID license if you have one of these documents. However, a Real ID license is more convenient for everyday use because you do not have to carry your passport.

Can I get a Real ID license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you are a permanent resident (green card holder) or have a valid visa. Bring your green card or visa along with the other required documents. Undocumented immigrants cannot get a Real ID license in Colorado, but may be able to get a standard state ID card for driving purposes — contact your local DMV office for details.

What if I changed my name since my last license?

Bring a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the name change. The DMV will update your name and issue a new Real ID license. This counts as a replacement, not a renewal, so you may pay a replacement fee instead of a renewal fee.

How long does it take to get a Real ID license if I am upgrading my current license?

The in-person process takes about 30 minutes at the DMV office. Your new Real ID license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for the permanent one to arrive.

Can I renew my Real ID license online or by mail?

Yes, if your license is not expired and you have not changed your address. Online renewal is the fastest option and costs less than in-person renewal. By-mail renewal takes longer but is also cheaper than going to the DMV. If your license is expired or you moved, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

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.