Documents and information you'll bring to the DMV

To get a learner's permit in Denver, you need to visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office in person with specific documents. You cannot complete this by mail or online. Bring your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), proof of your current address, and proof of your date of birth.

Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. Proof of date of birth works best if it's a certified birth certificate, passport, or consular report of birth. A school ID alone will not work. If you're under 18, you'll also need a parent or legal guardian present at the appointment, and they'll need to bring their own ID.

If you were not born in the United States, bring your passport or travel document along with your proof of legal presence. Colorado accepts a wide range of documents for this — including a visa, employment authorization document (EAD), or permanent resident card. Ask the DMV office which documents they accept if you're unsure about yours.

Key Takeaways

  • You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person with your Social Security number or ITIN, proof of address dated within 60 days, and proof of your date of birth.
  • If you are under 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present with their own ID.
  • The written test covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs, and you need to score at least 80 percent to pass.
  • The permit costs $21.50 and is valid for two years from the date you receive it.
  • You can drive only with a licensed adult age 21 or older in the front seat next to you.

The written test and what it covers

After you submit your documents, you'll take a written test at the DMV office. The test has 25 questions about Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You need to answer at least 20 questions correctly — that's 80 percent — to pass. If you fail, you can retake it the same day at no extra cost.

The test covers things like speed limits, right-of-way rules, what different road signs mean, and how to handle emergency vehicles. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, which the DMV provides free online and in print at any DMV office. Many people also use the official DMV practice test, which is available on the Colorado DMV website.

You do not need to take a driving test to get your learner's permit. The driving test comes later, after you've had your permit for at least 12 months and you're ready to take the road test for your full license.

Age requirements and restrictions in Colorado

You must be at least 15 years old to get a learner's permit in Colorado. There is no upper age limit. If you're under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign your process in person at the DMV.

Once you have your permit, you can only drive with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting in the front seat next to you. You cannot drive alone, and you cannot have other passengers under 21 in the car unless they are your siblings and a parent or guardian is also present. These restrictions stay in place for the entire time you hold your learner's permit.

Cost and how long your permit lasts

A Colorado learner's permit costs $21.50. You pay this fee when you explore at the DMV office. The permit is valid for two years from the date you receive it. When your two years are up, you can renew it by visiting the DMV again and paying the same fee, or you can take your road test and move on to a full driver's license.

If you lose your permit or it gets damaged, you can get a replacement at any DMV office for $10. Bring your ID and proof of address again.

Where to go in the Denver area

The Colorado DMV has several offices in and around Denver. The main office is located at 1881 Pierce Street in Denver. There are also offices in Aurora, Littleton, and other nearby areas. You do not have to go to the main office — any DMV location in Colorado will issue your learner's permit.

You should make an appointment before you go, because walk-ins can have long wait times. You can schedule an appointment on the Colorado DMV website or by calling 303-205-5600. Appointments are usually available within a few days. Some offices have shorter wait times than others, so if one location is booked out, try another nearby office.

What happens after you get your permit

Once you have your learner's permit, you can start practicing driving with a licensed adult. Colorado law does not set a minimum number of hours you must practice, but the DMV recommends at least 50 hours of supervised driving, with at least 10 of those hours at night. Keeping a log of your practice hours can help you track your progress.

You must hold your learner's permit for at least 12 months before you can take the road test for your full license. If you're under 18, you also need to complete a driver education course — either through a high school, a private driving school, or an online provider approved by Colorado. Once you've met these requirements, you can schedule your road test at a DMV office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a learner's permit if I don't have a Social Security number?

Yes. If you don't have a Social Security number, bring your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. If you have neither, contact the DMV office directly to ask what documents they will accept in your situation.

What if I fail the written test?

You can retake the test the same day at no extra cost. You can try as many times as you need until you pass. There is no waiting period between attempts.

Do I need to take a driver education course before I get my learner's permit?

No. You can take the written test and get your permit without completing a driver education course first. However, if you are under 18, you will need to complete a course before you can take your road test for a full license.

Can someone under 21 sit in the front seat while I'm driving on my learner's permit?

No. The adult supervising you must be at least 21 years old and must sit in the front seat next to you. Other passengers under 21 can only ride in the car if they are your siblings and a parent or guardian is also present.

How do I schedule a DMV appointment in Denver?

Go to the Colorado DMV website or call 303-205-5600 to book an appointment. You can choose from several offices in the Denver area. Appointments are usually available within a few days, and scheduling ahead will save you time at the office.