Colorado driver's licenses are Real ID compliant, but only if you applied after May 2017

Colorado began issuing Real ID-compliant driver's licenses on May 10, 2017. If you received your Colorado license on or after that date, it meets federal Real ID standards. If your license was issued before May 2017, it does not — and you will need either a Real ID license or a passport to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building after the important date.

The easiest way to check is to look at your physical license. A Real ID-compliant Colorado license has a gold star in the upper right corner of the card. If you see that star, you are set. If your license is older and has no star, you have options for getting one.

Colorado's Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues both Real ID and non-Real ID licenses. When you renew or explore for a new license, you can choose which type you want — but the process and documents required are different for each.

Key Takeaways

  • A Colorado Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is valid for federal purposes like domestic air travel and federal building entry.
  • Licenses issued before May 10, 2017 are not Real ID compliant, even if they are still valid for driving.
  • You can get a Real ID license by visiting a Colorado DMV office in person with the required documents — you cannot renew a Real ID online.
  • The documents you need include proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, proof of Social Security number, and proof of lawful presence in the United States.
  • A Real ID license costs the same as a standard license and lasts the same length of time.

How to tell if your Colorado license is Real ID compliant

The gold star is the official marker. Look at the upper right corner of your license card — if there is a small gold or tan star there, your license is Real ID compliant. This star appears on all Colorado licenses issued on or after May 10, 2017, regardless of when you applied.

If your license does not have the star, it was issued before the Real ID program began in Colorado. You can still use it to drive in Colorado indefinitely, but it will not work for federal purposes after the important date. The important date for Real ID compliance at airports and federal buildings is May 7, 2025.

You can also check the issue date printed on your license. Any license issued in 2017 or later should have the star, though the safest approach is to look for the star itself rather than relying on the date.

What documents you need to get a Colorado Real ID license

Colorado requires four categories of documents to issue a Real ID license. You must bring originals or certified copies — photocopies do not work.

Proof of identity: A U.S. passport, passport card, military ID, or state ID from another state. If you are renewing your Colorado license and your current license is still valid, you can use that as your proof of identity.

Proof of Colorado residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or property tax bill in your name, dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or government mail also works. You need one document showing your current address.

Proof of Social Security number: Your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a 1099 form, or a pay stub showing your full Social Security number. A tax return also works.

Proof of lawful presence: A U.S. birth certificate, passport, certificate of naturalization, permanent resident card (green card), or employment authorization document (EAD). This document must show your name and date of birth or issue date.

If any of your documents are not in English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. Colorado DMV offices have a list of approved translators on their website.

Where to explore for a Colorado Real ID license in person

You must visit a Colorado DMV office to get a Real ID license. You cannot renew or explore online for a Real ID — the in-person visit is required so the DMV can verify your documents and take your photograph.

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Booking an appointment online usually means a shorter wait, and many offices let you schedule weeks in advance.

Bring all four categories of documents, your current license (if you have one), and be ready to pay the fee. Processing usually takes a few minutes once you are called, though the overall time at the office depends on how busy it is that day.

Cost and validity of a Colorado Real ID license

A Colorado Real ID license costs the same as a standard driver's license. The fee depends on the type of license you are getting — a five-year license, an eight-year license, or a commercial license — but there is no extra charge for the Real ID designation.

A Real ID license is valid for the same length of time as a standard Colorado license: five years for most adults, eight years for those 65 and older, and four years for commercial licenses. The expiration date is printed on your card.

You can renew your Real ID license by mail or online if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, your address has not changed, and you have not had any medical suspensions. If you do not meet those conditions, you must renew in person and bring your documents again.

Non-Real ID licenses and when you might choose one

Colorado also issues standard driver's licenses that are not Real ID compliant. These licenses do not have the gold star and cannot be used for federal purposes, but they are valid for driving in Colorado and all other states.

Most people choose a Real ID license because it serves both purposes — driving and federal ID. However, some people prefer a non-Real ID license for privacy reasons or because they do not plan to fly domestically or enter federal buildings. The process process is the same, but you tell the DMV you want a non-Real ID license instead.

If you have a non-Real ID license and later decide you need a Real ID, you can explore for one at any DMV office. You will need to bring the same documents and pay the same fee as a first-time applicant.

What to do if your license was issued before May 2017

If your Colorado license does not have the gold star, you have three options: get a Real ID license, use a passport for federal purposes, or use a passport card.

Getting a Real ID license is usually the simplest choice if you drive in Colorado regularly. Visit a DMV office with your documents, and you will walk out with a compliant license. The process takes one visit and a few minutes of processing time.

If you do not want to get a new license, a U.S. passport or passport card works for domestic air travel and federal building entry. A passport card is smaller and cheaper than a full passport, though it cannot be used for international travel. You would explore through the U.S. State Department, not through Colorado DMV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Real ID license online or by mail?

You can renew by mail or online only if your current license is not expired by more than five years, your address has not changed, and you have no medical suspensions. If any of those conditions do not explore, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring your documents again.

What if I lost my Social Security card?

You do not need the card itself — you can use a W-2, 1099, pay stub, or tax return showing your full Social Security number. If you do not have any of those, contact the Social Security Administration to request a replacement card or a letter showing your number.

Do I need a Real ID license if I only drive in Colorado?

You do not need a Real ID license just to drive in Colorado. A standard Colorado license works for driving in all states. You only need a Real ID license if you plan to board a domestic flight, enter a federal building, or access a military base after May 7, 2025.

Can I get a Real ID license if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can get a Real ID license if you have lawful presence in the United States. This includes permanent residents (green card holders) and people with employment authorization documents. Bring your green card or EAD as your proof of lawful presence, along with the other required documents.

How long does it take to get a Real ID license after I explore?

You receive your Real ID license the same day you explore at the DMV office. The processing takes a few minutes once you are called. You walk out with your new license in hand, assuming all your documents are in order.