What You Need to Do to Get a Colorado State ID

A Colorado state ID is issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can get one in person at a DMV office, and the process takes about 30 minutes if you have all your documents ready. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The ID costs $20 and is valid for five years.

You do not need a state ID to live in Colorado, but you will need one if you want a government-issued photo ID for things like opening a bank account, boarding a domestic flight, or entering a federal building. If you already have a driver's license, you do not need a separate state ID — your license serves the same purpose.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado state IDs are issued only in person at a DMV office; you cannot get one by mail or online.
  • You must bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate, a document showing your current address, and your Social Security number.
  • The ID costs $20 and lasts five years; you can renew it by mail or in person before it expires.
  • If you do not have a birth certificate, you can use a passport, consular report of birth, or certificate of naturalization instead.
  • DMV offices are open Monday through Friday; some locations have extended hours on certain days.

Documents You Must Bring to the DMV

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport, consular report of birth, or certificate of naturalization instead. A photocopy of your birth certificate will not work.

Bring one document that shows your current Colorado address. This can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail addressed to you at your current address works if it comes from a government agency, financial institution, or utility company.

Bring your Social Security card or a document with your Social Security number on it. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.

Bring a second form of identification if you have one — a passport, military ID, or out-of-state driver's license. This is not required, but it speeds up the process.

How to Find a DMV Office and Make an Appointment

Go to the Colorado DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov and click "Find a Location." Enter your city or zip code to see which offices are near you. The website shows hours, phone numbers, and whether each office takes walk-ins or requires an appointment.

Most DMV offices in Colorado now use an appointment system. You can book an appointment online through the DMV website, or call the office directly. Walk-ins are accepted at some locations, but you may wait longer. If you book an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all your documents.

If you live in a rural area far from a DMV office, some county clerk's offices can help you get a state ID. Call your county clerk to ask whether they offer this service.

What Happens at the DMV When You explore

When you arrive, check in at the front desk and give the staff your documents. They will verify that your birth certificate is original or certified, check your address proof, and confirm your Social Security number. This takes about five minutes.

You will then go to a photo station where staff will take your picture. Wear something you would normally wear — the photo must be recognizable as you. You cannot wear a hat, sunglasses, or anything that covers your face, unless it is for religious reasons.

After your photo, you will pay the $20 fee. The DMV accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. You will receive a temporary ID receipt that you can use as proof of identity while you wait for your card to arrive in the mail.

Your state ID will be mailed to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it after two weeks, call the DMV office where you applied.

Cost and How Long Your ID Lasts

A Colorado state ID costs $20 and is valid for five years from the date it is issued. When your ID expires, you can renew it by mail for $20, or in person at a DMV office. Renewing by mail is faster — you send in your expired ID and a renewal form, and the new one arrives in about two weeks.

If your ID is lost or stolen, you can get a replacement at a DMV office for $20. Bring a police report if you have one, though it is not required.

What to Do If You Do Not Have a Birth Certificate

If you do not have your birth certificate, you can order one from the state or county where you were born. Contact the vital records office in that location — search online for "[your state] vital records" to find the right office. Ordering a birth certificate usually takes two to four weeks and costs $15 to $30.

While you wait for your birth certificate, you can use a passport, consular report of birth, or certificate of naturalization to get your state ID instead. These documents work just as well as a birth certificate. If you have a passport, bring it to the DMV and you can skip the birth certificate altogether.

Renewing Your State ID Before It Expires

You can renew your state ID up to one year before it expires. The easiest way is to renew by mail: go to the DMV website, read the renewal form, and mail it with your expired ID and a check or money order for $20 to the address on the form. Your new ID will arrive in about two weeks.

You can also renew in person at any DMV office. Bring your expired ID, proof of residency, and $20. The process is the same as getting a new ID, and you will receive a temporary receipt while you wait for your card to arrive.

If your address has changed since your ID was issued, you must renew in person at a DMV office, not by mail. Bring your new address proof along with your expired ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Colorado issues state IDs to people who are not U.S. citizens, including people with valid visas or work permits. Bring your passport and visa or work permit instead of a birth certificate. You will still need proof of Colorado residency and your Social Security number, or a letter from the Social Security Administration if you do not have one.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for a Social Security number. You can request this letter by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local Social Security office. The letter usually arrives within two weeks.

Can I get a state ID if I am homeless?

Yes. Instead of a utility bill or lease, bring a letter from a shelter, social services agency, or other organization that confirms your current address or lack of a permanent address. The DMV will work with you to find an acceptable proof of residency.

How do I change my name on my state ID?

You must get a new state ID with your new name. Bring your current ID, a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing your name change, and proof of your new address. The cost is $20, the same as a new ID.

What if I lost my state ID?

Go to a DMV office and ask for a replacement. Bring your proof of residency and $20. You do not need a police report, though you can bring one if you have filed one. Your replacement ID will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.