How to Obtain a Colorado Driver's License - CO Driver's License Eligibility Requirements - Steps to Obtain a New Colorado Driver's License

Sep 18, 2026

Guide to obtaining a Colorado driver’s license, including eligibility requirements and the step-by-step process. The DMV will not issue a license if driving privileges are suspended or denied in any state, if federal immigration laws are violated, if deemed mentally incompetent, if classified as an alcoholic or habitual narcotics user, or if there are outstanding traffic debts or fines. Covers passing the written test, obtaining an instruction permit with required identification and Colorado address proof, completing the vision screening, and taking the driving test with appointment and vehicle/insurance requirements.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

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Pages4

Reading Time10 min

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CO Driver's License Eligibility Requirements

Steps to Obtain a New Colorado Driver's License

Passing the Written Test

Obtaining an Instruction Permit

Passing the Driving Test

Obtaining a New Colorado Driver’s License

How to Obtain a Colorado Driver's License (Rev. 08/30/2018) CO Driver's License Eligibility Requirements If you will be in the U.S. longer than 90 days and intend to drive, you are required to get a Colorado driver’s license, even if you already have an International Driver’s License. You must get an instruction permit before you are eligible to get a driver’s license, unless you have a valid driver’s license from another state. The Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) WILL NOT issue you a license if you: 􀁸 Have any suspensions, revocations, or denials of your driving privileges in ANY state 􀁸 Are in violation of federal immigration laws 􀁸 Have been deemed mentally incompetent 􀁸 Have been deemed an alcoholic or habitual narcotics user 􀁸 You have any outstanding debts or fines for traffic violations Steps to Obtain a New Colorado Driver's License PASSING THE WRITTEN TEST 􀁸 The Basic Written Test covers various aspects of driving knowledge and safety. The test questions will cover contents of the handbook including road signs, driving under the influence, as well as other driving rules, safety rules and legal items. No appointment is necessary for the written exam. Study driver manual before taking written test. View/download the driver manual. You will be required to successfully pass the written test before an instruction permit can be issued. 􀁸 Applicants may work with a driving school to complete testing. If you completed your written test with a driving school, bring the original "Test Completion Form" with you to the DMV office to obtain an instruction permit. OBTANING AN INSTRUCTION PERMIT During your driver license office visit, expect the following: 􀁸 Present your required identification documents (a valid Foreign Passport, I-94 , original I- 20/DS-2019, work authorization document (if applicable), and any other relevant document) . Photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted. 􀁸 Present Proof of current physical Colorado address documents. Supply two documents that prove Colorado residence address. Proof of address can be given in the form of a hard or electronic copy of one of the following: official transcript, pay stub, lease or rent receipt for an apartment or house, utility bill, telephone bill, credit card statement, bank statement, or other item with an address (dated within the past 12 months) . 􀁸 Pass the vision screening/eye test: Your vision will be tested to determine if you see well enough to drive safely. If the test discloses that you need corrective lenses to meet the minimum visual standards, your permit will show this restriction. Failure to meet established vision standards will result in initial rejection and referral to a vision specialist for correction and recommendations at the applicant’s expense. The minimum vision standard is 20/40 . 􀁸 Take the written exam or show proof obtained from a driving school that you have taken and passed the written test there. 􀁸 Pay the Instruction Permit fee ($16 .80 as of 08/30/2018) . Fees may be paid with cash, personal check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard , American Express, Discover Card) . PASSING THE DRIVING TEST 􀁸 Pass the Driving Test is the most important part of the examination because it provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate that you can drive safely. 􀁸 If taking your drive skills test at a driver license office, Temporary lawful present applicants may visit any driver license office during regular business hours, but also have the option of scheduling a new license appointment to take the written exam. Drive skills tests require a drive test appointment. 􀁸 If you plan to take the test at the DMV office, you need to supply your own licensed vehicle in order to take the driving test. You need a scheduled appointment for the driving test. You can schedule an appointment here. Valid vehicle registration and valid insurance for the vehicle used during driv

FAQs

Who is required to get a Colorado driver’s license even if they have an International Driver’s License?

Anyone who will be in the U.S. longer than 90 days and intends to drive must get a Colorado driver’s license, even if they already have an International Driver’s License.

When is a Colorado license not issued by the DMV?

The DMV will not issue a license if you have suspensions, revocations, or denials in any state; violate federal immigration laws; are deemed mentally incompetent; are deemed an alcoholic or habitual narcotics user; or have outstanding debts or fines for traffic violations.

What documents and steps are expected to obtain an instruction permit?

During the office visit you must present required identification documents (photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted), provide proof of current physical Colorado address via two documents, pass the vision screening, and take the written exam or show driving school proof of passing it. You also must pay the instruction permit fee.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Aria Callaghan