Where to get your Aurora driver license
In Aurora, you get your driver license from the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Aurora does not issue its own licenses — Colorado's state DMV handles all driver licensing statewide. You can visit a DMV office in Aurora, explore by mail, or in some cases renew online, depending on which type of license you need and whether you are a first-time driver or renewing an existing license.
The main Aurora DMV office is located at 13451 E. 14th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011. There are also other DMV locations in the Denver metro area if the Aurora office is inconvenient. You can check current wait times and book an appointment on the Colorado DMV website before you go.
If you are a new driver, you will need to visit in person. You cannot complete your first license process entirely by mail or online. If you already have a Colorado license and are renewing, some renewal options may be available online or by mail, but the rules depend on your age and how long your current license has been expired.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado's state DMV, not the city of Aurora, issues all driver licenses, and the Aurora DMV office is located at 13451 E. 14th Avenue.
- First-time drivers must visit a DMV office in person and bring a valid ID, proof of residency, and proof of Social Security number.
- You must pass a written knowledge test and a road test before you receive your full driver license, unless you already hold a valid license from another state.
- Colorado offers a learner's permit (instructional permit) as a stepping stone, which allows you to practice driving with a licensed adult before taking your road test.
- Appointment availability varies, so check the Colorado DMV website for current wait times and book ahead to avoid long waits.
Documents you need to bring to the Aurora DMV
Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted. You will need proof of identity (such as a passport, birth certificate, or out-of-state driver license), proof of Colorado residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card itself, a W-2, or a tax return).
If you are under 18, you will also need a completed Parental Consent form (Form DR 2161) signed by a parent or guardian. If you are explore for a REAL ID-compliant license (which you will need to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after May 2025), bring an additional document proving your address, such as a mortgage statement or vehicle registration.
Bring your current out-of-state license if you have one. If you are renewing a Colorado license, bring the license itself or a renewal notice. Write down your current address and phone number before you arrive, and have your Social Security number memorized or written down.
The learner's permit and road test requirements
Colorado requires new drivers to hold an instructional permit (learner's permit) before taking the road test. To get an instructional permit, you must pass the written knowledge test at the DMV. The test covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, which is free on the DMV website.
Once you have your instructional permit, you must practice driving for at least 12 hours (including at least 5 hours after sunset) with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old sitting beside you. After you have completed your practice hours, you can schedule a road test. The road test checks your ability to control the vehicle, follow traffic laws, and respond to road conditions. You must bring your instructional permit, a vehicle that is registered and insured, and a licensed adult to the road test appointment.
If you are under 18, Colorado law requires you to hold your instructional permit for at least 12 months before you can take the road test. If you are 18 or older, you can take the road test as soon as you have completed your practice hours, with no waiting period.
License types and what each one allows
Colorado offers several license types. A Class D license is the standard passenger vehicle license for drivers 16 and older. A Class M license is for motorcycles and requires a separate written test and road test. A Class A or B commercial license is for drivers who operate large trucks or buses and requires additional testing and medical certification.
If you are 16 or 17 and hold a Class D license, you are subject to graduated driver licensing (GDL) restrictions. During the first 12 months, you cannot drive between midnight and 4 a.m. unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, and you can have only one passenger under 21 (unless they are a family member). After 12 months, the midnight-to-4 a.m. restriction lifts, but the passenger limit stays in place until you turn 18.
At age 18, you receive an unrestricted Class D license. If you are moving to Colorado from another state and already hold a valid license, you may be able to transfer it without retaking the written and road tests, depending on your age and how long you have held your out-of-state license.
Fees and how long the process takes
The instructional permit costs $20. A Class D driver license costs $35 for a four-year license (for drivers 21 and older) or $25 for a two-year license (for drivers under 21). A Class M motorcycle license costs $35 for four years. Fees are subject to change, so check the Colorado DMV website for current pricing.
The written knowledge test is given the same day you explore for your instructional permit, and you receive your permit when ready if you pass. The road test is scheduled separately and typically takes place within two to four weeks of your request, depending on how busy the Aurora DMV office is. Once you pass the road test, your Class D license is issued on the spot or mailed to you within a few days.
The entire process from first visit to full license usually takes one to three months for drivers under 18 (because of the 12-month instructional permit requirement) and two to six weeks for drivers 18 and older. Appointment availability in Aurora can vary seasonally, so book early if you are on a important date.
Renewing or replacing your Aurora driver license
If your Colorado license is still valid and not expired, you can renew it online through the Colorado DMV website if you meet certain conditions: you must be at least 21 years old, your license must not be suspended or revoked, and you must not have any address changes. Online renewal takes about 10 business days, and your new license is mailed to you.
If your license has been expired for more than two years, or if you have had a name change, address change, or other significant update, you must renew in person at the Aurora DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and any documents showing a name change (such as a marriage certificate).
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement at the Aurora DMV office or online. A replacement license costs $20 and is mailed to your address on file within a few days. If your address has changed, update it at the same time to avoid delays.
What to expect on your first visit to the Aurora DMV
Arrive early, even if you have an appointment. Bring all required documents in a folder or envelope so they are straightforward to find. The DMV staff will check your documents, take your photo and signature, and have you sign your process. You will then take the written knowledge test on a computer at the DMV. The test has 25 questions, and you must answer at least 20 correctly to pass.
If you pass the written test, you will receive your instructional permit when ready. The staff will explain the GDL restrictions (if you are under 18) and give you information about scheduling your road test. If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no limit to how many times you can retake the test, but you must pay the permit fee each time.
The entire first visit usually takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on how busy the office is. If you book an appointment online, your wait time is usually shorter than if you walk in without one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my out-of-state driver license to Colorado without retaking the tests?
It depends on your age and how long you have held your out-of-state license. If you are 18 or older and have held a valid license for at least one year, you can usually transfer it without retaking the written and road tests. Bring your out-of-state license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number to the Aurora DMV. Drivers under 18 typically must still pass the Colorado written test and road test, even if they have an out-of-state license.
What happens if I fail the road test?
You can retake the road test as soon as you schedule another appointment. There is no waiting period between attempts. You do not need to retake the written test. Most people pass on their second or third attempt. The road test fee is included in your license fee, so you do not pay extra to retake it.
Can I get a REAL ID license in Aurora?
Yes. A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required for domestic air travel and federal building access. You need an extra document proving your address (such as a utility bill or mortgage statement) in addition to your standard documents. The cost is the same as a regular license. Ask the DMV staff if you want a REAL ID license when you explore.
How do I schedule a road test appointment?
After you pass your written test and receive your instructional permit, the DMV staff will give you information on how to schedule your road test. You can usually book online through the Colorado DMV website or call the Aurora office directly. Road test appointments fill up quickly during busy seasons, so schedule as soon as you are ready to test.
What if I move out of Aurora but still live in Colorado?
You do not need to get a new license. Your Colorado license is valid statewide. If you move to a different address within Colorado, you can update your address online through the DMV website or in person at any DMV office. There is no fee to change your address.