Aurora's DMV Locations and Hours
Aurora, Colorado has one full-service Department of Motor Vehicles office located at 13451 East Alameda Avenue, Aurora, CO 80012. This office handles driver's license renewals, replacements, and new applications; vehicle registration and title work; and identification card services. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and closed on weekends and state holidays.
Wait times at the Aurora location vary by time of day and day of week. Mornings before 10:00 a.m. and late afternoons after 4:00 p.m. tend to have shorter lines than midday. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically less busy than Mondays or Fridays. You can check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website before you go.
If you need to handle a transaction but cannot visit in person, Colorado DMV also offers online services for some tasks, including driver's license renewal for certain drivers and vehicle registration renewal. The online portal is available 24 hours a day on the state DMV website.
Key Takeaways
- Aurora's DMV office is at 13451 East Alameda Avenue and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- You can check wait times on the Colorado DMV website before driving to the office to avoid long lines.
- Some transactions, including driver's license renewal and vehicle registration renewal, can be completed online through the Colorado DMV website.
- Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon typically means shorter waits than midday visits.
- The Aurora office is closed on weekends and all state holidays, including federal holidays observed by Colorado.
What to Bring to the Aurora DMV
The documents you need depend on your specific transaction. For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and your Social Security number. If you are renewing online, you will need your current license number and date of birth.
For a new driver's license or identification card, bring proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of Colorado residency, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. If you are under 21, you may need a parent or guardian present.
For vehicle registration or title work, bring your current registration, proof of ownership, proof of residency, and a completed process form. The specific form depends on whether you are registering a new vehicle, renewing registration, or transferring a title. You can read these forms from the Colorado DMV website before you arrive.
Parking and Access at the Aurora Location
The Aurora DMV office has a dedicated parking lot with spaces available for general use and accessible parking for people with disabilities. The building is wheelchair accessible, with accessible restrooms and service counters available. If you need information or accommodations, staff can help you when you arrive.
The office is located near East Alameda Avenue and is accessible by car from Interstate 225 and other major Aurora roads. Public transit is also available; the Regional Transportation District (RTD) serves the area with bus routes. You can check RTD's website or call 303-299-6000 to plan your route by bus.
When You Cannot Visit in Person
If you cannot visit the Aurora office during business hours, several alternatives exist. Colorado DMV allows online renewal for driver's licenses that meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than one year, you must have no medical conditions or restrictions that require in-person review, and you must have a valid email address. The online process takes about 10 minutes.
Vehicle registration renewal is also available online if your vehicle has no liens, you have no outstanding violations, and your registration is not expired by more than one year. You can renew online at any time, including evenings and weekends.
If your transaction cannot be completed online, you have two other options: visit a different Colorado DMV office if one is closer to your home or work, or contact the Aurora office by phone at 720-913-1000 to ask whether staff can handle your request by mail or email for certain documents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at the Aurora DMV
Bringing incomplete documents is the most common reason for delays or rejection. Check the Colorado DMV website for your specific transaction type and bring everything listed, plus one extra form of ID if possible. Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days for most transactions; an old utility bill will not work.
Arriving without an appointment during peak hours can mean a wait of 30 minutes to over an hour. While the Aurora office does not require appointments, you can call ahead to ask about current wait times. Arriving right when the office opens at 8:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. usually means a much shorter wait.
Another frequent mistake is not bringing the correct form. If you are transferring a vehicle title, you need Form DR 2261. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Colorado, you need Form DR 2261 and proof of a passing emissions test (if your vehicle is subject to testing). read and fill out forms before you arrive to save time at the counter.
Nearby DMV Offices and Alternatives
If the Aurora office is closed or has a very long wait, other Colorado DMV offices are within reasonable driving distance. The Denver office at 1881 Pierce Street is about 15 miles west and has similar hours. The Littleton office at 2780 South Main Street is about 10 miles south. Both handle the same services as Aurora.
If you live or work closer to one of these offices, you can visit either one instead of Aurora; Colorado DMV does not require you to use the office nearest your address. You can check wait times at all three locations on the Colorado DMV website and choose the one with the shortest line.
For vehicle-related transactions only, some Colorado counties also operate satellite offices or partner with local businesses to handle registration renewals. Check the Colorado DMV website to see whether your county offers this service, though these locations typically handle only renewal transactions, not new applications or title work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment at the Aurora DMV?
No, the Aurora office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require appointments. However, you can call 720-913-1000 to ask about current wait times before you drive there, which helps you choose the best time to visit.
Can I renew my driver's license online instead of going to Aurora?
You can renew online if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical conditions requiring in-person review, and you have a valid email address. The online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs the same as in-person renewal. If your license is expired by more than one year or you have medical restrictions, you must visit the Aurora office in person.
What if I do not have proof of residency?
Proof of residency must be dated within the last 60 days and show your name and current address. Acceptable documents include utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, and bank statements. If you do not have any of these, contact the Aurora office at 720-913-1000 to ask what alternative documents they will accept.
How long does a driver's license renewal take at the Aurora office?
The actual transaction at the counter usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Your total time at the office depends on how long you wait in line, which varies from 15 minutes to over an hour depending on the time of day and day of week. Arriving early in the morning or after 4:00 p.m. typically means a shorter wait.
Can I handle my transaction at a different Colorado DMV office?
Yes, you can visit any Colorado DMV office for any transaction. You do not have to use the office in Aurora or the one nearest your home. Other offices in the Denver area include locations in Denver and Littleton, both with the same hours and services as Aurora.