Where the Colfax DMV Is and What It Handles

The Colfax DMV office is located in Denver, Colorado, at 777 West Colfax Avenue. This is one of Denver's main driver license and vehicle registration offices, and it handles standard transactions like renewing your driver's license, changing your address, registering a vehicle, and obtaining a duplicate license or ID card.

This office does not handle commercial driver's license (CDL) testing or commercial vehicle registrations — those go to a different location. If you need a CDL, you will be directed to the appropriate facility when you call or visit. For routine personal vehicle and driver's license work, Colfax is the right place.

Key Takeaways

  • The Colfax DMV is at 777 West Colfax Avenue in Denver and handles driver's license renewals, address changes, vehicle registration, and duplicate IDs.
  • You must bring your current driver's license or ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction (like a vehicle title for registration).
  • Hours vary by day and season, so check the Colorado DMV website or call ahead before you go, as wait times can be long during peak hours.
  • You can complete some transactions online through the Colorado DMV website, which may save you a trip to the office.
  • If you cannot visit in person, you can mail certain documents to the Denver office, though processing takes longer than an in-person visit.

Hours and How to Check Wait Times

The Colfax DMV is open Monday through Friday, with hours typically running from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., though hours may shift seasonally or for holidays. Saturday and Sunday hours are not available at this location. Because hours can change without notice and wait times fluctuate throughout the day, you should check the Colorado DMV website or call the office directly at the number listed on their site before making the trip.

Wait times at the Colfax location are often longest between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on weekdays. If you can visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you may spend less time waiting. Some transactions move faster than others — a straightforward address change typically takes less time than a vehicle registration with a title transfer.

Documents You Need to Bring

What you bring depends on your specific transaction, but nearly all require your current driver's license or ID card and proof of your current address. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A bank statement or credit card bill generally does not count.

For a driver's license renewal, bring your current license and proof of address. For an address change, bring your current license, proof of your new address, and proof that you live there (not just a piece of mail with your name on it). For vehicle registration or title work, bring your current registration, the vehicle's title, proof of insurance, and proof of address. If you are registering a vehicle for the first time in Colorado, bring the out-of-state title or bill of sale, a completed process for Colorado Title and Registration form, and proof of insurance.

If you are unsure whether you have the right documents, call the office or check the Colorado DMV website before you go. Showing up without the correct paperwork means a wasted trip.

Transactions You Can Complete Online Instead

The Colorado DMV allows you to renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must not have any medical or legal restrictions on your license, and you must have a valid email address. Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and takes about the same time to process.

You can also change your address online through the Colorado DMV website without visiting an office. This is faster than going in person and can be done from home. Vehicle registration renewals can sometimes be completed online as well, depending on your vehicle's status and whether you have any outstanding violations or liens.

Check the Colorado DMV website to see which transactions are available online for your situation. If your transaction qualifies, doing it online saves you a trip to Colfax and often reduces processing time.

Mailing Documents to the Colfax Office

If you cannot visit in person, you can mail certain documents to the Denver DMV office. Address changes, license renewals, and some registration renewals can be handled by mail, though processing takes longer — typically two to four weeks instead of the same day or next day you would get in person.

When you mail documents, include a completed process form (available on the Colorado DMV website), your current license or ID, proof of address, and any other documents your transaction requires. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want your new license or documents returned by mail. Mail your packet to the address listed on the Colorado DMV website for the Denver office.

Keep copies of everything you mail. If your packet is lost or delayed, you will need proof of what you sent. Mailing is slower but works if you have time and cannot make it to the office during business hours.

Parking and Getting to the Colfax Location

The Colfax DMV office is on West Colfax Avenue in downtown Denver, an area with street parking and nearby paid lots. Street parking can be difficult during business hours, especially mid-morning through early afternoon. If you plan to visit, arrive early or plan to use a paid parking lot nearby.

The office is accessible by public transit. RTD bus routes serve West Colfax Avenue, and the location is within walking distance of several bus stops. Check the RTD website for current routes and schedules if you plan to take the bus. If you are driving, allow extra time to find parking and walk to the office.

What to Do If You Cannot Complete Your Transaction

If you arrive at the Colfax office and discover you are missing a required document, ask the staff whether you can complete part of your transaction or whether you must return another day. Some transactions can be partially completed, and staff can tell you exactly what you need to bring back. Do not assume you must start over — ask what your options are.

If the office is too busy and you cannot wait, you can return another day or try the online option if your transaction qualifies. You can also call ahead to ask about wait times before you make the trip. If you need your transaction completed urgently, ask the staff whether another Denver-area DMV office might have a shorter wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license at Colfax if it is already expired?

Yes, but you cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years. You must visit the office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of address, and any other documents your transaction requires. The staff can process an expired license renewal the same way they handle a regular renewal.

Do I need an appointment to visit the Colfax DMV?

The Colfax office operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require appointments. You can walk in during business hours. However, you can check the Colorado DMV website to see current wait times before you go, which helps you decide whether to visit now or return at a quieter time.

What if I need to register a vehicle but do not have the title yet?

You cannot register a vehicle without a title or bill of sale. If you are buying a used vehicle and the seller has not given you the title, you must get it before you visit the DMV. If you are buying from a dealer, they should provide the title or bill of sale. Contact the seller or dealer to get the title before you make the trip to Colfax.

Can I change my address at Colfax without renewing my license?

Yes. You can change your address without renewing your license. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and a completed address change form (available at the office or on the Colorado DMV website). This transaction is usually quick and costs less than a full renewal.

Is there a different DMV office in Denver if Colfax has a long wait?

Denver has other DMV offices, though Colfax is the main location. Call the Colorado DMV or check their website to find other offices in the Denver area and their current wait times. Visiting a smaller office outside peak hours may be faster than waiting at Colfax during the middle of the day.