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How to get a driver's license in Colorado as an immigrant

Everything a new arrival in Colorado needs to know, from driving on a foreign license to the documents the DMV accepts from non-citizens. Facts are quoted from official sources.

Quick answers

Drive on a foreign license?
Not stated in official sources
Deadline after moving
30 days after establishing Colorado residency
License exchange without tests
6 countries
License without immigration status
Yes
No SSN?
Not stated in official sources

Driving on a foreign license

Deadline after moving: 30 days after establishing Colorado residency.

Exchanging a foreign license

  • Canada
  • France
  • Germany
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan
  • Japan

Only for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with a valid license from a listed country; no permit, written or skills test. Taiwan: bring a statement with translation from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Denver. Japan: Japanese nationals with a Verification Certificate from the Consul General of Japan in Denver issued within 3 months. Permits only do not qualify; motorcycle and commercial classes do not transfer.

If your country is not on the list

Holders of other foreign licenses (and non-citizens without permanent residence) follow the regular adult permit and licensing process with written and driving skills tests; non-citizens apply for a Standard license.

If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and have a valid driver license from one of the countries above, you are not required to get a permit or take the written and driving skills tests. dmv.colorado.gov

Documents for non-citizens

Examples of accepted immigration documents:

  • Foreign passport
  • Foreign consular card
  • Lawful presence document (temporarily lawful residents)

License validity: Standard credentials are valid for 3 years from the date of issuance.

License regardless of immigration status

Colorado Road and Community Safety Act (SB 251) Standard license: for Colorado residents who are undocumented or temporarily lawfully present. Not REAL ID; marked 'Not Valid For Federal Identification, Voting or Public Benefit Purposes'; valid 3 years.

These credentials are for Colorado residents who are non-lawfully present/undocumented dmv.colorado.gov

Proof of residency

Bring Colorado address documents showing your name, a date within one year and a Colorado address; the number required is not stated on current DMV pages.

The document presented must be dated within one year. dmv.colorado.gov

Step by step

  1. Gather identity documents (foreign passport or consular card; lawful presence document if you have status) and Colorado address documents dated within one year.
  2. If you are a U.S. citizen/permanent resident with a license from Canada, France, Germany, South Korea, Taiwan or Japan, book a license office visit to exchange it without tests.
  3. Otherwise, book a DMV appointment and pass the written knowledge test (offered in English and Spanish).
  4. Get an instruction permit and practice driving.
  5. Pass the driving skills test (third-party testers may charge a fee); bring valid registration and insurance for the test vehicle.
  6. Pay the fee and get your license; non-citizens receive a Standard license valid 3 years.

Fees

$36 for a Standard (Road and Community Safety Act) driver license; $20 instruction permit.

$36 dmv.colorado.gov

Prepare for the knowledge test Exam languages in Colorado

Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the DMV before your visit. This is not legal advice.