Where to find the DMV office at Fort Carson

Fort Carson, the Army installation near Colorado Springs, has a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office on the base. This office serves active-duty military, retirees, dependents, and civilian employees who have base access. You cannot use this office if you do not have a military ID or base pass.

The office is located in Building 1536 on Fort Carson. Hours and exact contact information change, so call ahead before you go: the Fort Carson main number is (719) 526-5811, and you can ask to be transferred to the DMV office or the Directorate of Emergency Services, which oversees it.

If you do not have base access, you will need to visit a civilian Colorado DMV office in Colorado Springs or El Paso County instead. The nearest civilian offices are in downtown Colorado Springs and in the northeast part of the city.

Key Takeaways

  • Fort Carson's DMV office is in Building 1536 and serves only people with valid military ID or base access.
  • You must call ahead to confirm hours, as military office hours differ from civilian DMV locations and change seasonally.
  • Bring your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents needed for your specific transaction (license renewal, address change, new ID).
  • If you do not have base access, use a civilian Colorado DMV office in Colorado Springs instead.
  • Military offices often have shorter wait times than civilian locations, but you cannot walk in without knowing current hours.

What documents you need to bring

The documents required depend on what you are doing — renewing a license, getting a new one, or changing your address. All transactions require proof of identity and proof of Colorado residency.

For proof of identity, bring your military ID, passport, or current Colorado driver's license. For proof of residency, bring a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days and showing your current address.

If you are renewing your license, bring your current license. If you are getting a new license or changing your address, bring the documents listed above plus any documents specific to your situation — for example, a marriage certificate if you changed your name, or a court order if you have a legal name change.

How to renew your license at Fort Carson

Colorado allows you to renew your driver's license in person at the Fort Carson DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and your military ID or base pass. The office will take a new photo and process your renewal on the spot.

You can also renew by mail or online through the Colorado DMV website if you meet certain conditions — your license must not be expired by more than five years, you must not have any medical restrictions, and you must not need a new photo. Check the Colorado DMV website to see if you are may be able to access for mail or online renewal before you go to the office.

Renewal fees vary depending on the type of license and how long you want it valid. Call the Fort Carson DMV office to ask about the current fee before you arrive.

Getting a new Colorado license or ID card

If you are new to Colorado or need to get your first Colorado license, go to the Fort Carson DMV office with your military ID, proof of residency, and your current out-of-state license or passport. You will take a written test, a vision test, and a photo. The office will give you a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent card will arrive by mail in about two weeks.

If you need a Colorado ID card instead of a driver's license — because you do not drive or do not want a license — the process is the same except you do not take the written or vision test. Bring the same documents and the office will issue your ID.

The fee for a new license or ID card is set by Colorado and does not vary by location. Ask the Fort Carson office what the current fee is when you call to confirm hours.

Changing your address on your license

If you moved to a new address in Colorado, you can change it at the Fort Carson DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and your military ID or base pass.

Address changes are usually processed on the spot. You will get a new license with your updated address, or the office may issue you a temporary paper document while your new card is mailed to you. Ask when you call to confirm what to expect.

You do not need to change your address if you are moving out of Colorado, but you will need to get a new license in your new state once you arrive.

Scams and safety alerts for military personnel

Scammers target military families with fake DMV renewal notices sent by email or text. These messages claim your license will expire soon and ask you to click a link or call a number to renew. The Colorado DMV does not contact you by email or text to renew your license. If you get such a message, delete it and do not click any links.

Do not pay anyone to renew your license or get your ID for you. The only legitimate place to renew is the Fort Carson DMV office or a civilian Colorado DMV location. Scammers sometimes advertise "fast renewal" services online or on social media — these are not real.

If someone asks you for your military ID number or Social Security number to "help" you renew your license, that is a scam. The DMV office will ask for these only in person, and only after you have walked in and confirmed you are at the real office.

What to do if you cannot get on base

If you do not have a military ID or base pass, you cannot use the Fort Carson DMV office. Instead, visit a civilian Colorado DMV office. The closest ones to Fort Carson are in downtown Colorado Springs on South Nevada Avenue and in the northeast part of the city near the Powers Boulevard area.

You can find the exact addresses and hours on the Colorado DMV website. Civilian offices are open longer hours than the Fort Carson office and do not require base access, but they are usually busier and have longer wait times.

Bring the same documents you would bring to Fort Carson: your current ID, proof of residency, and any documents specific to your transaction. The process and fees are identical at civilian offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I am stationed at Fort Carson?

You may be able to renew online through the Colorado DMV website if your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical restrictions, and you do not need a new photo. Check the Colorado DMV website to see if you are may be able to access. If you are not, you must renew in person at the Fort Carson office or a civilian location.

What if I lost my license and need a replacement?

Bring your military ID, proof of residency, and any other ID you have to the Fort Carson DMV office. You will get a temporary paper license on the spot and your permanent replacement card by mail in about two weeks. There is a replacement fee, which varies — call ahead to ask what it costs.

Do I need an appointment at the Fort Carson DMV office?

Call the office before you go to find out whether appointments are required or if you can walk in. Military DMV offices sometimes use appointment systems and sometimes operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Hours also vary, so confirm those when you call.

Can my spouse or dependent renew their license at Fort Carson if they have a military ID?

Yes, as long as they have a valid military ID or base pass. Bring the same documents: current license, proof of residency, and military ID. Dependents and retirees are welcome at the Fort Carson office.

What happens if my license expires while I am deployed?

Colorado allows active-duty military members to renew by mail or online even if their license is expired, as long as they are deployed. Contact the Fort Carson DMV office or the Colorado DMV to ask about the process for deployed personnel. You may need to provide a copy of your deployment orders.