Driving Tests

Colorado Permit Documents: ID, Proof of Address and Parent Affidavits

informational·how to guide·Published June 16, 2026

What documents do I need for a Colorado permit or first license?

For a REAL ID Colorado permit, U.S. citizens and permanent residents bring proof of identity and lawful presence, proof of any name change, their Social Security number (saying it aloud is fine) and two proofs of Colorado address dated within the last year. Bring originals or certified copies only. If you are under 18, an adult also signs the DR 2460 Affidavit of Liability.

Where the Colorado document rules come from

The Colorado DMV sets the document list on its documents page. The permits and first-time driver license page covers the affidavits, and the pre-registration page covers your first visit. The law is in Colorado Revised Statutes sections 42-2-107 and 42-2-108 (2024 edition), and the Colorado Driver Handbook (DR 2337, January 2025) explains the affidavit. This guide is current as of 2026. Confirm the rules with the Colorado DMV (dmv.colorado.gov) before you drive.

Your document checklist

Proof of identity and lawful presence: one document from the DMV list, or one from List A and one from List B. An unexpired U.S. passport or passport card is a one-document option.
Proof of any name change: an original or certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order or adoption papers, for each change.
Your Social Security number, if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You can give it aloud. A Standard license does not need it.
Two proofs of your current Colorado street address, on paper or on a screen.
The pre-registration PDF confirmation, if you are a first-time applicant.
Proof that you passed the written test, if you took it online (the Certificate of Completion) or at a driving school.
If you apply at age 15, before January 1, 2027: your driver education or driver awareness course completion page, printed or on your phone. From that date, new driver education rules apply to all new drivers under 21.
If you are under 18: the adult who signs the Affidavit of Liability.

How the DMV checks your documents

The DMV says the top reason appointments fail is missing documents. Staff accept only originals or government-certified copies, not photocopies, photos, laminated versions or notarized copies. A certified copy has an official seal or stamp from the agency that issued it, and a notary cannot certify a document.

Names on all documents must match, or you must bring proof of each name change. If your identity document shows an initial or not your full legal name, bring a second one that shows your full name. A school ID alone is not enough. Abbreviated, miniature, hospital and California abstract birth certificates are not accepted.

What if my document is not in English?

Bring the original and a complete English translation. The required affirmation must be typed or printed on the same page as the translation, with the translator's unexpired driver license, permit or ID number and the state of issue. You can translate it yourself, ask a friend or family member, or use a professional translator. You arrange the translation and pay for it.

Proof of Colorado address: what the DMV accepts

Proof of Colorado address: what the DMV accepts
Accepted	Not accepted
Bank statement, pay stub, phone or utility bill	Junk mail or bulk mail
Mortgage, lease or rental contract	Handwritten documents
Vehicle registration or title; homeowners, renters or motor vehicle insurance policy	A document that shows only a P.O. box
School transcripts or report cards	Documents with labels, corrections or changes to the name, address or date

Address proof rules and the parent option

Each address document must show your full name and your complete Colorado street address, city and state. It must be dated within the last year with the full date visible, and be in English. If you are under 21, you can use an adult's proof of address, such as a parent's. That adult must come to the appointment, and their name must be on the document. Their current Colorado driver license or ID can count as one of the two proofs, if the address on it is up to date.

Which parent form do I need?

You are under 21 and have no government ID

A parent or legal guardian signs an Affidavit of Identity at your appointment. The DMV gives you the form there, and it cannot be signed in advance. The parent brings identity documents and certified proof of guardianship, such as a birth certificate, court order or adoption record. Power of attorney is not accepted as proof of guardianship for this form.

You are a ward of the state or county

A DMV-approved caseworker from a county human or social services agency or from the Division of Youth Services can sign the Affidavit of Identity.

You are under 18

An adult signs the DR 2460 Affidavit of Liability for your permit application. This is a different form from the Affidavit of Identity.

Your parent cannot come to the DMV

The DR 2460 must be signed and notarized. The DMV does not accept a form signed at home without a notary.

Your parent or guardian has no valid Colorado license

They can name an Alternate Permit Supervisor on the affidavit to supervise you while you learn to drive.

Who can sign the Affidavit of Liability (DR 2460)?

The law lists a parent, stepparent, foster parent, grandparent with power of attorney, guardian, spouse who is 18 or older, or any other responsible adult who accepts the liability. At the counter, the DMV asks for a parent, guardian or responsible adult who is 21 or older with a valid Colorado license, or a valid out-of-state license with active duty military ID. The signer shows that license and signs in front of a driver license employee or a notary public.

A signer who is 21 or older with a valid Colorado license can also supervise your practice drives, from the front passenger seat.

What the DR 2460 signer agrees to

Financial responsibility for any accident the minor causes.
Going with the minor to any hearing about the minor's permit or license. A signer who cannot attend must send the department a sworn statement.
Under the law, joint and several liability with the minor for damages from the minor's negligence or willful misconduct.

Can the signer take back the signature?

Yes. The signer completes a Signature Withdrawal form (DR 2464) at a driver license office, and your permit or license is then canceled. To continue, a new signer must sign a new DR 2460 in the office, and the DMV issues a new permit for a fee.

How to get ready for your DMV visit

1
Pre-register online
First-time applicants pre-register. You do not need to if you already have a Colorado credential, such as a permit. The confirmation letter does not replace an appointment.
2
Book an appointment
Make an appointment at a Driver License Office. Bring the pre-registration PDF, on paper or on a screen. Staff scan the barcode.
3
Bring proof of your written test
If you passed the test online, bring the Certificate of Completion, on paper or on a screen. If you passed it at a driving school, bring that proof. See the guide to the @Home online permit test.
4
Bring your signer
If you are under 18, the adult signer comes with a valid license, or you bring a notarized DR 2460.

Key takeaways

Bring proof of identity, proof of any name change and two proofs of Colorado address dated within the last year.
Bring originals or government-certified copies. Photocopies, photos, laminated documents and notarized copies are refused.
Under 18, an adult signs the DR 2460 Affidavit of Liability. If that adult cannot come, the form must be notarized.
Under 21 with no government ID, a parent or legal guardian signs the Affidavit of Identity at the appointment, not before.
Next step: practice on the free Colorado Class R practice test.

Colorado permit documents: common questions

Do I need a Social Security card for a Colorado permit?

No. You can give your Social Security number aloud at your appointment, so you do not need the card. The DMV asks for the number from U.S. citizens and permanent residents. A Standard license does not need it.

Can I show my proof of address on my phone?

Yes. The DMV accepts address proofs on paper or on a screen. Each one must show your full name and street address, be dated within the last year and be in English. Bring two. A document with only a P.O. box does not count.

What if my parent signed the DR 2460 at home?

The DMV does not accept a DR 2460 signed at home without a notary. The adult must sign in front of a driver license employee or a notary public. If the adult cannot come to your appointment, get the form signed and notarized before you go.

Can my grandparent sign the affidavit for me?

Yes, if they meet the rules. The law lists a grandparent with power of attorney among the signers of the Affidavit of Liability. At the counter, the DMV accepts a responsible adult who is 21 or older with a valid Colorado license. Power of attorney does not count as proof of guardianship for the separate Affidavit of Identity.

Can someone interpret for me at the DMV appointment?

Yes. Every Colorado driver license office has translation devices. You can also bring a friend, family member or interpreter to help, and that person must show a valid ID. A document that is not in English still needs a written English translation.