Colorado Driver’s License
or State ID

The State of Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles issues two types of documents:

• Colorado ID card is a photo identification document. Apply for this document if you do not plan to drive in the U.S. Find information on how to apply here.
• Colorado driver's license allows individuals to operate motor vehicles in Colorado and the United States. Apply for a driver’s license if you still stay more than 90 days and plan to drive in the U.S.
  • For information about how to apply, visit
    • I'm a Driver New to Colorado | Department of Revenue - Motor Vehicle
    • What to bring to the DMV: See Form R 2300B
  • To get a Colorado Driver License, you need to get a driver permit (including passing the written test and passing a drive skills test) and apply for your license.
  • Adults with licenses from Canada, France, Germany, the South Korea, Taiwan and Japan can convert the licenses into a Colorado license without taking the written or drive skills tests; however, they must surrender their home country license.
  • Those with a driver’s license from another state in the U.S. that is valid or expired less than one year can transfer the license and waive the written and drive skill tests.

The DMV employee will check your legal status in the USCIS S.A.V.E.. Sometimes S.A.V.E. will not show a person’s status immediately. If that happens, the DMV employee will explain the process you need to follow. It often involves going to the main DMV office in Lakewood, CO with your original documents and copies to give to the investigators who will confirm your status with the USCIS.