How to Schedule an Appointment at Colorado DMV

In Colorado, “going to the DMV” is a trick statement. You have two completely different offices to choose from, and going to the wrong one means wasting your entire day.

1. Driver License Offices (State-Run): Handle Licenses, IDs, and Permits. Strictly Appointment-Only.
2. Motor Vehicle Offices (County-Run): Handle Titles, Plates, and Registration. Rules vary by County (some are walk-in, some are appointment).

This guide explains how to book the right slot, how to take your permit test from your bedroom, and why you should use a kiosk for your tags.

Colorado State vs County DMV: Driver Licenses (myDMV) vs Registration (County Clerks)

Before you click a scheduling link, you must know which government body handles your problem.

Service Needed	Who Handles It?	Appointment Needed?
Driver License / Real ID	State (Dept of Revenue)	YES (Mandatory)
Learner’s Permit	State (Dept of Revenue)	YES (Mandatory)
Reinstatement	State (Dept of Revenue)	YES (Mandatory)
Vehicle Registration	County Clerk (e.g., Denver, El Paso)	Varies (Check County Website)
License Plates / Titles	County Clerk	Varies

Warning: Do not book a “Driver License” appointment if you need license plates. The state employees legally cannot access the vehicle registration database.

Schedule Colorado Driver License Appointment: myDMV.colorado.gov

Best For: New Licenses, Real ID, Out-of-State Transfers. Portal: myDMV Colorado.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Visit: Go to mydmv.colorado.gov and click “Schedule an Appointment.”
2. Select Service: Choose “Driver License/ID/Permit.”
3. Choose Location:
   • Pro-Tip: Denver metro offices (like Lakewood or Northglenn) book up fast. Try offices in Golden or Castle Rock for sooner availability.
4. Confirm: You will receive a confirmation number.
   • Lost your confirmation? Call (720) 295-2965 for technical appointment help.

New Residents: If you just moved here, you have 30 days to transfer your license. Check our guide on transferring an out-of-state license to Colorado for the specific “voided license” rules.

Colorado @Home Driving Knowledge Test: Skip Office for Permit Exam (Webcam Required)

For 2026, you do not need to visit an office to take the written learner’s permit test.

How to do it:

1. Register: Log in to myDMV Colorado.
2. Select: “@Home Driving Knowledge Test.”
3. Take the Test: You need a computer with a webcam.
4. Result: If you pass, you then schedule a simpler appointment just to take your photo and pick up the permit.

Scheduling a Vehicle Service Appontment (County)

Best For: License Plates, Titles, Temp Tags. Portal: Your Specific County Website.

• Denver County: Walk-ins accepted, but appointments preferred.
• El Paso County: Appointments strongly recommended.
• Arapahoe County: Walk-in traffic is heavy; book online.

Can’t Wait? Use a Kiosk. If you just need to renew your stickers, find a Colorado MV Express Kiosk (located in King Soopers and Safeway).

• Fee: ~$4.50 service fee + registration cost.
• Speed: Prints your yellow stickers instantly.
• Note: You cannot use a kiosk for Colorado temporary tags or new titles.

Colorado License Reinstatement Appointments: SR-22 Upload + Hold Clearance First

If your license is suspended (e.g., for DUI or unpaid tickets), a standard appointment won’t work.

1. Check Status: Use the Colorado driving record tool to see exactly why you are suspended.
2. Upload Documents: You often need to upload your SR-22 or Interlock certificate to the myDMV portal before you visit.
3. Book: Select “Reinstatement” specifically in the scheduler. If you book a normal “Renewal” slot, they may turn you away.
   • Need help? See our guide on reinstating a suspended Colorado license for the 2026 fee schedule.

Required Documents Checklist (Real ID)

For a Real ID (Star Card):

1. Identity: (Passport or Birth Certificate).
2. SSN: (Social Security Card).
3. Two Proofs of Address: (Utility bill, Credit Card Statement, Pay Stub).
   • Note: If you moved recently, update your address online first using our Colorado change of address guide.

For Vehicle Title Transfer:

1. Title: Signed by seller.
2. Proof of Insurance: Valid in Colorado.
3. Emissions: (If living in the Front Range area).
4. Secure & Verifiable ID: (Driver’s License).

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

If you need a License, book a State appointment at mydmv.colorado.gov. If you need Plates, Google your “County Clerk.” And if you just need to renew your stickers, skip the appointment entirely and use the MV Express Kiosk at the grocery store.