Colorado learner's permit fees and what they cover

A Colorado learner's permit costs $20 and is valid for two years from the date you receive it. This single fee covers the written knowledge test, the permit document itself, and the two-year validity period. You do not pay separately for the test or for renewal during those two years.

The $20 fee applies whether you are 15 or 16 years old (the two ages at which Colorado allows learner's permits). You pay it once at the time you pass your written test and receive the permit. If your permit expires and you need a new one, you pay the $20 fee again.

Payment is made in cash or card at the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office where you take your test. Some county offices may accept checks, but cash or card is the safest bet. You cannot pay online or by mail for a learner's permit.

Key Takeaways

  • A Colorado learner's permit costs $20 and covers both the written test and the two-year permit document.
  • You pay the $20 fee only once, at the DMV office on the day you pass your written knowledge test.
  • Payment must be made in person at a Colorado DMV office using cash or card.
  • If your permit expires after two years, you pay $20 again to get a new one.
  • There are no hidden fees or additional charges for the learner's permit itself.

When you pay: at the DMV office on test day

You bring the $20 fee with you when you go to the DMV to take your written knowledge test. You do not pay in advance or online. After you pass the test, you pay the fee and receive your permit on the same day.

If you fail the written test, you do not pay the $20 fee. You can retake the test at no charge, though some DMV offices may require you to wait a set number of days between attempts. When you pass on a later attempt, that is when you pay the $20.

Bring more than $20 in case you need to pay for anything else at the DMV office that day, such as an ID card or other documents. It is rare, but some offices may have small variations in what they accept.

What the $20 does not cover

The $20 learner's permit fee does not include the cost of your driver's license when you are ready to take the road test. A Colorado driver's license costs $28.25 and is paid separately when you pass your road test and receive your license.

The permit fee also does not cover any behind-the-wheel driving lessons or instruction from a private driving school. Those are optional and cost whatever the school charges. The $20 is only for the state permit itself.

If you need to replace a lost or damaged permit before the two years are up, you will likely pay a replacement fee. Contact your local Colorado DMV office to confirm the exact cost, as it may differ from the original $20.

Comparing Colorado's permit cost to other states

Colorado's $20 learner's permit fee is on the lower end compared to many other states. Some states charge $15 to $25 for a learner's permit, while others charge $40 or more. A few states include the permit fee in the cost of the final driver's license, so you do not pay separately.

The two-year validity period is also longer than some states offer. Many states issue learner's permits that are valid for only one year, which means you would need to renew and pay again sooner. Colorado's two-year window gives you more time to work toward your full license without paying a second permit fee.

How to prepare for your DMV visit

Bring your $20 in cash or have a card ready when you arrive at the DMV office. You will also need to bring your Social Security number, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a completed process form. Check your local Colorado DMV office website to see if they require you to bring anything else specific to your county.

Arrive early on the day of your test. DMV offices can have long wait times, and you want to be sure you have time to complete the written test before the office closes. Most Colorado DMV offices are open during standard business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Study the Colorado Driver Handbook before you go. It is free and available online from the Colorado DMV website. The written test covers road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices from the handbook. Passing the test on your first try means you pay the $20 fee right away instead of waiting for a second attempt.

What happens after you pay and get your permit

Once you pay the $20 and receive your learner's permit, you can begin driving with a licensed adult in the car. Colorado's learner's permit rules require that the adult be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. Your permit is valid for two years, so you have that long to practice and prepare for your road test.

When you are ready to take your road test, you will need to schedule it at a Colorado DMV office. The road test itself has no fee, but you will pay $28.25 for your driver's license when you pass. You must bring your learner's permit to the road test appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the $20 learner's permit fee online or by mail?

No. Colorado requires you to pay the $20 fee in person at a DMV office on the day you pass your written test. You cannot pay online, by mail, or in advance. Payment is made directly to the DMV office using cash or card.

What if I fail the written test — do I have to pay $20 again?

No. You only pay the $20 fee when you pass the test and receive your permit. If you fail, you can retake the test at no charge. You pay the $20 only once, on the day you pass.

Does the $20 permit fee include my driver's license?

No. The $20 is for the learner's permit only and covers two years of validity. When you pass your road test and receive your driver's license, you pay a separate fee of $28.25 at that time.

How long is my learner's permit good for after I pay the $20?

Your Colorado learner's permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. After two years, if you still need a permit, you would pay the $20 fee again to get a new one.

Are there any other fees I should know about when getting a learner's permit?

The $20 is the only fee for the learner's permit itself. However, you may want to budget for optional behind-the-wheel instruction from a driving school, which costs extra. When you eventually take your road test and get your license, you will pay $28.25 for that license.