What You Need to Know Before You Go

A Colorado ID card is a state-issued photo identification that does not grant driving privileges. You can get one at any Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office by bringing the required documents in person. The process takes about 30 minutes, and the card costs $20 and is valid for five years. You do not need a Social Security number, but you do need proof of identity and proof of Colorado residency.

Colorado offers ID cards to anyone 16 or older who does not have a driver's license or does not want one. The card works for age verification, boarding domestic flights, and entering federal buildings. If you have never had a Colorado ID before, you must visit a DMV office in person — you cannot renew by mail on a first issuance.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or consular ID) and one document proving you live in Colorado (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days).
  • The ID card costs $20, is valid for five years, and is issued on the spot or within a few days if additional verification is needed.
  • You must visit a DMV office in person for your first ID card; you cannot mail in documents or use an online service.
  • If you are under 18, you can bring a parent or guardian, but you do not need their permission — you can get an ID on your own.
  • Colorado DMV offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Bring one document that proves your identity. Acceptable documents include a U.S. passport, certified birth certificate, consular ID card, or a valid ID from another state or country. The document must show your name and date of birth. If your birth certificate is not certified (raised seal), the DMV will not accept it.

Bring one document that proves you live in Colorado. The document must show your name and a Colorado address and be dated within the last 90 days. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank or credit card statement, insurance policy, or a letter from a government agency. A piece of mail addressed to you at your Colorado address works if it is from a bank, insurance company, or government office. A personal letter from a friend does not count.

If your name has changed since your identity document was issued, bring a document showing the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you do not have the original document, a certified copy from the county clerk works.

How to Schedule or Walk In at a Colorado DMV Office

You can walk into any Colorado DMV office without an appointment, but wait times vary. During peak hours (lunch and late afternoon on weekdays), you may wait 45 minutes to two hours. Early morning and mid-week visits are usually faster.

To schedule an appointment, go to the Colorado DMV website (dmv.colorado.gov), click "Schedule an Appointment," and select the office closest to you. Choose a date and time that works for you. Appointments are typically available within one to two weeks. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment number — bring it with you or have it ready on your phone.

Find the DMV office nearest you by entering your city or ZIP code on the website. Each office has different hours; some open at 7 a.m. and others at 8:30 a.m. Most close between 4:30 and 5 p.m. Some offices are closed on certain days, so check before you go.

What Happens at the DMV Office

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff member your documents. They will verify that your identity document and proof of residency meet the requirements. If everything is in order, you will move to the photo station.

At the photo station, you will have your photo taken for the ID card. Wear something you do not mind being photographed in — the photo will be on your ID for five years. You can wear glasses, but your eyes must be visible and you cannot wear a hat or head covering unless it is for religious reasons.

After your photo is taken, you will pay the $20 fee. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. You will then receive your ID card on the spot or be told when to pick it up. Most first-time ID cards are issued when ready, but if the DMV needs to verify your information with another agency, you may be asked to return in a few days.

If Your Documents Are Missing or Incomplete

If you do not have a certified birth certificate, you can order one from the Colorado Department of Vital Statistics or the state where you were born. This usually takes one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can use a passport, consular ID, or another state ID as your identity document.

If you do not have a document showing Colorado residency within the last 90 days, ask your landlord, utility company, or bank for a letter on official letterhead stating your address. Some DMV offices will accept a notarized statement from a Colorado resident who can vouch for your address, though this is less common. Call your local DMV office before you visit to ask what they will accept.

If your name on your identity document does not match your current name, bring the document that shows the change. If you lost that document, you can get a certified copy from the county clerk in the county where the change was recorded (marriage, divorce, or name change court order).

Renewing or Replacing Your Colorado ID

If your ID card is expiring or expired, you can renew it by mail if it is still valid or was valid within the last five years. Go to dmv.colorado.gov, read the renewal form, and mail it with your old card and a check for $20 to the address on the form. Renewal by mail takes about two weeks.

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your identity document and proof of residency, just as you did for your first card. A replacement card costs $20 and is issued on the spot.

If your address has changed but your card is not expiring soon, you do not have to update it right away. However, you can visit a DMV office and request a replacement with your new address for $20.

Special Situations: Under 18, Name Changes, and Non-Citizens

If you are under 18, you can get an ID card on your own without a parent or guardian present. However, if a parent or guardian wants to come with you, they can. Bring the same documents as anyone else — your identity document and proof of Colorado residency.

If you are a non-citizen, you can get a Colorado ID card if you have a valid visa, passport, or other immigration document that shows your identity and legal status in the United States. Bring that document plus proof of Colorado residency. You do not need a Social Security number.

If you are transgender or non-binary and your identity document does not match the name or gender marker you want on your ID, bring a court order or a letter from a licensed healthcare provider stating your gender identity. Some DMV offices are more familiar with this process than others; if you feel uncomfortable, call ahead and ask to speak with a supervisor who can walk you through it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Colorado ID card last?

A Colorado ID card is valid for five years from the date it is issued. After five years, you must renew it. If you are under 21 when you get your card, it expires on your 21st birthday instead of five years later.

Can I get a Colorado ID if I do not have a Social Security number?

Yes. You do not need a Social Security number to get a Colorado ID card. Bring your identity document and proof of residency, and you can get a card. If you have a Social Security number and want it on your card, you can provide it, but it is not required.

What if I moved to Colorado recently and do not have a utility bill or lease in my name yet?

Ask your landlord or property manager for a letter on official letterhead stating your name and address. Some DMV offices will accept a notarized statement from a Colorado resident who can confirm you live at that address. Call your local DMV office before you visit to ask what they will accept in your situation.

Can I get a Colorado ID card if I have a valid driver's license from another state?

Yes. You can have both a Colorado ID card and a driver's license from another state at the same time. However, if you plan to move to Colorado permanently, you should get a Colorado driver's license instead, which allows you to drive legally in the state.

What should I do if the DMV says my documents are not acceptable?

Ask the staff member which document does not meet the requirements and what you can bring instead. If you disagree with their decision, ask to speak with a supervisor. You can also call the DMV office later and ask what documents they will accept for your situation before you return.