Where to renew your Fort Collins driver's license
In Fort Collins, you can renew your driver's license at the Colorado Department of Revenue's Driver's License Office located at 1383 Laporte Avenue. This is the only full-service location in Fort Collins where you can walk in and complete a renewal in person. Hours vary by season, so check the Colorado Department of Revenue website or call ahead before you go.
You can also renew by mail if you meet certain conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you cannot have medical restrictions, and your license must not have expired more than five years ago. Mail renewal takes longer — typically four to six weeks — but saves you a trip to Laporte Avenue.
Online renewal is available for some drivers through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, but only if your license is not expiring due to a medical condition change and you have not had certain violations. Check the state website to see if you are may be able to access before you start.
Key Takeaways
- The Fort Collins Driver's License Office is at 1383 Laporte Avenue and is the only in-person renewal location in the city.
- You need your current license, proof of residency, and proof of identity — bring originals or certified copies, not photos.
- Mail renewal takes four to six weeks and works only if your license is valid, not suspended, and expired less than five years ago.
- Renewal fees in Colorado are set by the state and depend on whether you choose a standard or REAL ID license.
- If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted or the revocation is resolved.
Documents you need to bring to renew in person
Bring your current Colorado driver's license or ID card. If you have lost it, bring a certified copy of your birth certificate or passport instead. The office will not accept photos or digital copies of these documents.
You also need proof of your current Fort Collins address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. A piece of mail from a government agency also counts. Bring the original document — copies are not accepted.
If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Again, originals or certified copies only.
REAL ID versus standard license: what the difference costs
Colorado offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. The REAL ID license costs more but is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you do not fly or visit federal offices, a standard license is sufficient.
To get a REAL ID license, you must bring additional proof of identity and citizenship. This usually means your passport, passport card, or birth certificate plus a Social Security card or tax return. The REAL ID process takes longer in person because the office must verify more documents.
The fee difference between a standard and REAL ID license varies depending on how many years you are renewing for. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for current pricing, as fees change periodically.
What happens if your license is suspended or revoked
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it at the Fort Collins office. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, or accumulation of points from traffic violations.
Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue or the court that issued the suspension to find out what steps you need to take. You may need to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or wait out a mandatory suspension period. Only after the suspension or revocation is lifted can you renew your license.
If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, call the Fort Collins Driver's License Office or check your status online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website.
Renewing by mail: timeline and requirements
Mail renewal works only if your license is currently valid, not suspended or revoked, and expired less than five years ago. You cannot renew by mail if you have medical restrictions on your license or if you need to change your address, name, or other information.
To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the Colorado Department of Revenue website or call the Fort Collins office. Fill out the form, include your current license, proof of residency, and the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the office receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided. During this time, your current license remains valid for driving, so you can continue to use it until the new one arrives.
Renewing online through Colorado's system
The Colorado Department of Revenue offers online renewal for some drivers. You are may be able to access if your license is not expiring due to a medical condition, you have no suspensions or revocations, and you have not had certain violations in the past few years.
To renew online, go to the Colorado Department of Revenue website and follow the prompts. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The system will tell you when ready whether you are may be able to access.
If you are may be able to access and complete the online renewal, your new license will be mailed to you within two to three weeks. You can use your current license for driving until the new one arrives. If the system tells you that you are not may be able to access for online renewal, you must renew in person at the Fort Collins office or by mail.
Fees and payment methods at the Fort Collins office
The renewal fee depends on how many years you are renewing for — typically four or eight years — and whether you choose a standard or REAL ID license. Fees are set by the state of Colorado and change periodically, so call ahead or check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for the exact amount.
The Fort Collins Driver's License Office accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card. If you are renewing by mail, include a check or money order with your packet. Do not send cash through the mail.
Some people are exempt from renewal fees or pay a reduced fee. If you are over 61, disabled, or a military veteran, ask the staff at the office whether you may have access to for a discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
No. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must explore for a new license rather than renew. This requires an in-person visit to the Fort Collins office, a written test, and a driving test. Contact the office for details on the full process process.
What if I have moved out of Fort Collins but still have a Colorado address?
You can renew your license by mail or online if you meet the other requirements, but you must update your address. If you renew in person, bring proof of your new address. If you renew by mail, include a note with your new address so the office can update your record before mailing your new license.
How long does an in-person renewal take at the Fort Collins office?
Wait times vary depending on how busy the office is. On average, plan for 30 minutes to an hour from the time you arrive until you leave. Arrive early in the day or on weekdays if possible, as afternoons and Saturdays tend to be busier.
Can I renew my license if I have an unpaid traffic ticket?
It depends on the ticket. Some unpaid fines trigger a license suspension automatically. Check your status with the Colorado Department of Revenue before you go to renew. If your license is suspended, you must pay the fine or resolve the ticket before you can renew.
What if my name changed since my last license was issued?
Bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The office will update your name and issue a new license with the correct name. This is handled during the renewal process at no extra cost.