Moving to Colorado, REAL ID and renewals

By the end of this topic you can

• You can state the deadline for transferring an out-of-state license.
• You can explain what Colorado treats as residency.
• You can tell a REAL ID card from a standard card.
• You can say how long an adult Colorado license lasts.
• You can explain who can renew online and what they must confirm.

What you need to know and understand

• New residents with a valid license from their previous state are exempt for 30 days after becoming residents; after that they need a Colorado license.
• The DMV treats you as a resident once you have lived in Colorado for 90 consecutive days, or own a business or hold a job here.
• Vehicles must be registered in Colorado within 90 days of becoming a resident.
• A star in the top right corner of a Colorado card shows it is REAL ID compliant.
• Standard cards, such as those issued under SB 251, are marked as not valid for federal identification, voting or public benefit purposes.
• An adult license (21 and over) expires on your birthday in the fifth year after issue.
• Renewal requires a fee and an eye test; online renewal is only for drivers 21 and older and needs a recent enough photo on file.

Transferring your license

Drivers from other countries should check with the DMV, as rules on testing and license recognition depend on the country. Our moving-to-Colorado license transfer guide covers common situations.

1. Check your residency date and count 30 days forward.
2. Gather proof of identity, lawful presence (for REAL ID) and Colorado residence.
3. Bring your current out-of-state license.
4. Book a visit to a state driver license office.
5. Pass the vision screening; further testing may apply in some cases.
6. Carry your paper temporary license until the permanent card arrives by mail.

REAL ID or standard?

A REAL ID card, marked with a star, can be used to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities. To get one, you need proof of identity, lawful status and Colorado residence. Applicants who are not eligible, including those with temporary lawful presence, receive a standard card. Colorado's standard license for people who cannot show lawful presence (often called an SB 251 license) lets you drive legally but carries a black box stating it is not valid for federal identification, voting or public benefits.

Renewing on time

Adult licenses run about five years, ending on your birthday. Renewal needs the fee and an eye test. Online renewal is only for drivers 21 and older whose photo on file is recent enough under federal REAL ID rules, and you must confirm you had an eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist within the last year. Drivers 80 and older renewing online must upload an eye doctor's signed statement from the last six months. Minor licenses expire 20 days after your 21st birthday. Driving on an expired license is an offense, so set a reminder well ahead.

Common mistakes

• Waiting until your old license expires instead of transferring within 30 days of becoming a resident.
• Forgetting the separate 90-day deadline to register your car.
• Applying for REAL ID without proof of lawful status and residence.
• Assuming an under-21 driver can renew online.

Test yourself: Moving to Colorado, REAL ID and renewals

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Moving to Colorado
• Colorado 30-Hour Driver Ed vs 4-Hour Driver Awareness Course
• Colorado 50-Hour Driving Log and Affidavit of Liability Checklist