Last verified: 23/09/2026
Colorado at a glance
This guide explains Driver's License requirements in Colorado, including eligibility, documents, application steps, testing, fees and renewal.
Eligibility & Age Rules
<p>Applicants must meet Colorado identity, residency and driving-privilege requirements. Teen applicants follow the graduated licensing program and must hold the first instruction permit for at least 12 months before receiving a license. Applicants under 18 also have supervised-driving and drive-log requirements.</p>
Costs, timing and validity
An instruction permit can generally be issued at 16. A permit can be available at 15 after an approved driver-education classroom course or at 15 years 6 months after an approved driver-awareness course. Applicants under 18 must complete Colorado's graduated licensing requirements before receiving a license.
Regular Colorado driver license: $30.87. Customers unable to demonstrate lawful presence under the CO-RCSA program pay $33.00. Additional fees can apply to other transactions or endorsements.
Regular Colorado driver license renewal: $30.87. CO-RCSA credential renewal fees can differ.
Expiration depends on the credential and applicant. Minor licenses have special age-based expiration rules; check the expiration date on the card.
Documents and information to prepare
Use the official checklist linked on this page as the final authority. The items below describe the information this state commonly expects for this credential.
U.S. citizens and permanent residents must provide acceptable identity/lawful-presence documentation, a Social Security number, and proof of Colorado residential address. Applicants transferring a driving privilege must also provide the qualifying prior license or motor-vehicle record. CO-RCSA applicants have a separate document checklist.
How to apply
Choose the correct Colorado licensing pathway, gather the required identity and residency documents, complete the permit and testing requirements, pay the fee, and visit a driver license office when required.
Teen applicants must complete the required supervised driving and submit their drive-time log.
Testing, Training & Restrictions
<p>Testing varies by age and licensing history. Teen applicants must meet the permit, supervised-driving and drive-log requirements. Applicants transferring a qualifying out-of-state license can have testing waived. A road test may be required for other applicants.</p>
Renewal and ongoing requirements
<p>Renewal requirements depend on the credential and applicant. Use Colorado DMV’s current renewal service to determine whether online or in-person renewal is available and which documents or testing are required.</p>
Processing time
Varies by appointment availability, testing and card production. Colorado issues a temporary credential in applicable transactions while the physical card is produced and mailed.