Colorado Driver's License
Requirements
In Colorado, driver's licenses are issued by the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) — part of the Department of Revenue. The standard non-commercial credential is a Class R Driver License (Regular). Colorado operates a three-stage Graduated Driver License (GDL) program for drivers under 18: an Instruction Permit at 15 (with completed Driver Education), a Minor Driver License at 16 with strict passenger and night-driving restrictions, and a full Class R License at 17 (or 18 with no Driver Ed). Driver Education is required for permit applicants under 15 years 6 months. Colorado was an early adopter of the federally-compliant REAL ID — required to board domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. The state also issues "Colorado Road & Community Safety Act" licenses to qualifying residents who lack documentation for a REAL ID. Most license services can be completed online at MyDMV.Colorado.gov, which also offers same-day road test scheduling at many of the state's 49 driver license offices.
Requirements Overview
Must be a Colorado resident. The DMV requires two documents proving Colorado residency. Under the 2013 Colorado Road and Community Safety Act ("SB13-251"), Colorado issues licenses to qualifying residents without federal lawful-presence documentation. New residents from another state must transfer their out-of-state license within 30 days of establishing Colorado residency.
Required Documents
Bring original documents only — photocopies are not accepted. Verify the complete current list at the official Colorado DMV website.
- Proof of identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (U.S. passport, U.S. birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or valid permanent resident card)
- Social Security number — SSN card, W-2, 1099, or paystub showing the full SSN
- Two proofs of Colorado residency (utility bill, bank statement, lease, current CO vehicle registration, or voter registration with current CO address)
- For applicants 15 years 6 months or younger: Driver Education completion certificate from a state-approved provider
- Parental/guardian affidavit signed in person at the DMV — required for applicants under 18
- Approved Driver Awareness Program completion (under 16) — covers alcohol, distracted driving, and safety awareness
- Proof of vehicle insurance and registration for the vehicle used at the road test
Fees & Costs
Fees change frequently. Always verify the current fee at the official Colorado DMV website before your visit.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to get your Colorado driver's license. Steps may vary based on your age and residency status — always confirm with the official DMV.
Complete Driver Education (Required for Under 15.5)
Applicants under 15 years 6 months must complete a state-approved Driver Education course before applying for an Instruction Permit. The course covers Colorado-specific traffic law, defensive driving, and substance abuse awareness. Public high schools sometimes offer it free; private schools charge $300–$700.
Study the Colorado Driver Handbook
Download the current Colorado Driver Handbook from dmv.colorado.gov. The written knowledge test is 25 questions covering CO traffic laws, road signs, mountain-driving safety (the "8R" winter rule), and Colorado's Move Over law. You need 80% (20 correct) to pass.
Apply for an Instruction Permit at 15
Visit any Colorado DMV office (driver license office) with your parent/guardian, required documents, Driver Ed certificate (if under 15.5), and $18.51 fee. Pass the vision test and the written test. The Instruction Permit allows driving only when supervised by a licensed adult age 21+.
Pro tip: Use MyDMV.Colorado.gov to make an appointment — the alternative is sometimes a 90+ minute walk-in wait at busier offices.
Log 50 Supervised Hours (10 at Night)
During the permit period, log at least 50 hours of supervised driving — including 10 hours at night. The supervising driver must be 21+ with a valid license. Both you and your parent sign each entry on the official driving log.
Hold Permit for 12 Months (Under 16) or 6 Months (16+)
Permit holders under 16 must hold the Instruction Permit for at least 12 months before applying for a Minor Driver License. Applicants 16 and 17 only need to hold it 6 months. The clock resets if any moving violation is convicted during the permit period.
Pass the Road Skills Test
Schedule the road test online at MyDMV.Colorado.gov. Bring your Instruction Permit, signed driving log, parent affidavit, vehicle insurance/registration, and a sober adult sponsor 21+. The road test covers parallel parking, three-point turn, controlled intersections, freeway merging where applicable, and a brief mountain or downhill segment in some Front Range offices.
Pro tip: Mountain offices like Glenwood Springs and Durango typically have shorter waits than Denver or Colorado Springs.
Receive the Minor Driver License at 16
Pay the $26.42 license fee. The Minor Driver License (16-year-olds) has strict restrictions: no driving 12am–5am for the first year (limited exceptions for work, school, or emergencies), no passengers under 21 for the first 6 months (immediate family excluded), then ONE passenger under 21 for the next 6 months. Cell phone use — even hands-free — is prohibited.
Upgrade to Full Class R at 17
On the 17th birthday, the Minor Driver License automatically converts to a full Class R Driver License if held for at least 12 months without conviction. The 5-year renewal cycle starts; restrictions lift completely. No additional test or office visit required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Standard Class R licenses for Colorado residents 21+ can be issued for up to 10 years on alternating cycles (with online renewal eligibility every other cycle). Drivers under 21 receive a 5-year license. Drivers 65+ must renew in person every 5 years and pass a vision test.
Ready to Apply?
Visit the official Colorado DMV to start your application with the correct, up-to-date requirements.
This website is not affiliated with any government agency or DMV office. Information is for general guidance only. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official DMV website before taking action.