Guide To Driver's License Transfer To Colorado

Car owners wondering how to transfer an out-of-state driver's license in Colorado should be aware that they must submit the necessary documents to the motor vehicle office in their county of residence. The steps involved in transferring an out-of-state driver's license and the corresponding transfer requirements are similar to those involved in the standard in-state license transfer procedure.

Required Documents

To complete the transfer of your out-of-state documents to the Colorado DMV, you'll need the following documents:

Valid Driver's License from Another State

Suppose your valid out-of-state driver's license does not display your full legal name, such as your middle name. In that case, you must present an original certified state or county-issued birth certificate, U.S. passport (if applicable), or military ID (if applicable) to confirm your legal middle name.

Original Birth Certificate from a State or County

To establish lawful presence in the United States, you must present your certified, original state or county-issued birth certificate. If your name has changed, you must also present a valid name change document, such as a marriage or divorce certificate. You may show your complete, current legal name by presenting a valid, unexpired U.S. passport. Suppose you are under the age of 21. In that case, you must have an Affidavit of Identity (Form DR 2304) signed by your parent or legal guardian in front of a Colorado driver's license employee or notary. If you transfer your driver's license, you must also file an Affidavit of Liability or Guardianship (DR 2460). You will also be required to present:
  • Your social security card or other documentation proving your social security number
  • Two proofs of current physical CO address documentation are required.
  • All applicable CO fees must be paid.

Required Exam

Colorado Vision Screening

You must take a vision screening if you are a new resident of Colorado attempting to transfer your out-of-state driver's license. Remember that the CO DMV may require additional vision testing in certain circumstances. To pass the CO vision screening for your driver's license, you must have at least 20/40 vision in one eye. You will be permitted to take the CO vision screening while wearing contact lenses or glasses for vision correction. In this case, your new Colorado driver's license will show a corrective lens restriction. If you do not meet the required Colorado vision standards, you will be referred to an eye specialist to determine whether you can drive safely with some limitations. An Eye Examination Report must be completed by the eye specialist (Form DR 2402). Please be aware that you are responsible for paying for this consultation.

Colorado Written Examination

The written exam in Colorado consists of 25 questions. To receive a passing score of 80%, you must correctly answer 20 of the 25 questions. To apply for and take the CO DMV written exam, you must be at least 15 years old. CO permit testing costs $21.

Colorado In-Car Test

The Colorado in-car test determines your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. You will be evaluated on your ability to turn the vehicle, use turn signals, park, and obey all Colorado traffic laws and road signs.

Vehicle Registration

To register your vehicle in Colorado, you must go to your local Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (CO DMV) office with various documents, including your vehicle's title, proof of ID, vehicle identification number (VIN), and other documents. Vehicle registration is required in Colorado for all vehicle owners.

License Plates

The CO DMV offers a variety of license plate options when applying for a CO vehicle registration. You can select a standard CO license plate at no extra charge or order a specialized one for a fee.

Vehicle Inspections

Smog checks are required for all residents in the following Colorado counties:
  • Boulder
  • Broomfield
  • Denver
  • Douglas
  • Jefferson
Certain sections of the following counties, for example, require emission tests:
  • Adams
  • Arapahoe
  • Larimer
  • Weld