What to Bring to the Colorado DMV for Your Permit Test
Don't get sent home. Here's the complete checklist — documents, fees, forms, and what to leave at home.
Before You Go
- →Make an appointment online to skip the long walk-in lines
- →Complete the application form online or print it at home to save time
- →Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in
- →Bring your study guide or practice tests to review while waiting
- →Double-check that your parent has their ID and the residency documents
- →Get a good night's sleep so you're sharp for the written test
- →Verify your address on all documents matches exactly what you tell the examiner
Required Documents
Proof of Identity (Primary Document)
- ✓U.S. Passport or Passport Card
- ✓Certified U.S. Birth Certificate
- ✓Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- ✓Certificate of Naturalization
- ✓Valid Foreign Passport with I-94
You must bring the original document; photocopies are not accepted for the primary identity proof.
Proof of Social Security Number
- ✓Social Security Card
- ✓W-2 Form with full SSN
- ✓Paystub with full SSN
- ✓SSA-1099 Form
- ✓Non-SSA-1099 Form
Colorado requires proof of your SSN. If you don't have a card, bring a W-2 or paystub that shows your full number. If you have never been issued an SSN, you must complete a form at the office stating you have no number.
Proof of Colorado Residency
Bring 2 of these:
- ✓Utility bill (electric, gas, water, sewer) in parent's name
- ✓Bank statement
- ✓Rental or lease agreement
- ✓Mortgage statement
- ✓Colorado vehicle registration or title
- ✓School transcript or report card
For a REAL ID, you need TWO different documents proving you live in Colorado. Since most teens live with parents, one document must be in the parent's name and the other can be in the teen's name (like a school record) or another parent document.
Parental / Guardian Consent (applicants under 18)
- ✓Parent or legal guardian must sign the application in front of the DMV examiner
- ✓Parent must provide their own proof of identity
- ✓If parents are divorced, the custodial parent must sign
- ✓Legal guardians must bring court documents proving guardianship
- ✓Foster parents must bring specific agency documentation
The parent or guardian MUST appear with you at the DMV. You cannot sign the consent form at home; they have to watch you sign it there.
Fees & Payment
$15.80
This fee covers the application and the permit itself. If you fail the vision or written test, you may need to pay a small re-test fee.
Accepted payment:
Forms
Application for Driver's License or Identification Card (DR 2373)
Available at: DMV office or downloadable from the Colorado DMV website
Do not sign the form until you are standing in front of the DMV examiner. If you sign it early, they will make you fill out a new one.
What NOT to Bring
- ✗Your cell phone (use it only for emergencies, don't text during the test)
- ✗Large bags or backpacks (storage is limited)
- ✗Friends or siblings (they can't wait inside the exam room)
- ✗Pets (unless they are service animals)
- ✗Food or drinks (no eating in the testing area)
- ✗Your own pen (they provide one, but you can bring a clear one if you want)
- ✗Sunglasses (unless you wear them daily for medical reasons)
At the Office
- →The written test is computer-based, so you'll use a touchscreen or mouse
- →If you fail the written test, you can usually retake it the same day for a small fee
- →Once you pass, you'll get an interim paper permit immediately
- →The actual plastic card will arrive by mail in about 2-3 weeks
- →Remember to wear your seatbelt and follow all traffic laws even while practicing with your permit
Official Colorado Department of Revenue - Division of Motor Vehicles info: dmv.colorado.gov
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