How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

Colorado renewal happens online, by mail, or in person depending on your license type and how long it has been expired

Colorado offers three renewal paths: online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website (fastest, available for most drivers), by mail (takes longer but requires no trip), or in person at a driver's license office (necessary if your license has been expired for more than five years or if you need to update your photo or address). Most people renew online and receive their new license in 7 to 10 business days. If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew—you must reapply as a new driver and retake the written test.

Your renewal window opens 6 months before your license expires and closes on your expiration date. Colorado sends renewal reminders by mail about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for the reminder to start the process. Renewing early means your new license arrives before the old one expires, so you are never without valid identification.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the fastest option for most drivers and takes 7 to 10 business days.
You can renew by mail or in person, but in-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago or if you need a new photo.
Your renewal window opens 6 months before expiration and closes on your expiration date; renewing early ensures your new license arrives before the old one expires.
You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card) to renew online.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew and must instead reapply as a new driver, including retaking the written test.

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website

Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dor.colorado.gov and select the driver's license renewal option. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid mailing address. The system will verify your information against Colorado's records and ask you to confirm or update your address. If your address has changed, update it during this step—your new license will be mailed to the address you provide.

After you confirm your information, you will pay the renewal fee using a debit or credit card. Colorado's renewal fee varies depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing for (typically 4 or 8 years). The system will show you the exact fee before you complete payment. Once payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

Online renewal does not include a new photo—your new license will use the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's license office.

Mail renewal by sending your documents to Colorado

Request a renewal process by calling the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles at 303-205-5600 or by visiting a local driver's license office. You can also read the renewal form from the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and payment (check or money order made out to the Colorado Department of Revenue) to the address listed on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal—typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time Colorado receives your documents, plus mailing time both ways. This option works well if you do not have internet access or prefer not to pay online, but plan ahead to may support your new license arrives before your current one expires. Keep a copy of your mailing receipt or take a photo of your documents before you send them, in case they are lost in the mail.

In-person renewal at a Colorado driver's license office

Visit any Colorado driver's license office with your current driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. You can find your nearest office and check hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, if you need a new photo, or if you want to update your address and prefer to do it face-to-face.

Bring the documents listed above and arrive during office hours. The staff will verify your information, take a new photo if you are renewing your license (not just extending it), process your payment, and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. Your permanent license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. If your license expired more than five years ago, the office will tell you that you must reapply as a new driver instead of renewing, and they will guide you through that process.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than five years

Colorado does not allow renewal of a license that has been expired for more than five years. Instead, you must reapply as a new driver. This means you will need to pass the written knowledge test again, pass the road test, and provide proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number. You cannot skip these steps or renew online.

Visit a Colorado driver's license office in person with your documents and tell the staff that your license has been expired for more than five years. They will walk you through the reapplication process, schedule your written test, and explain what you need to study. You can take the written test the same day or schedule it for another time. After you pass the written test, you will schedule your road test separately.

Updating your address or photo during renewal

If you are renewing online and your address has changed, update it in the online system before you pay. Your new license will be mailed to the updated address. If you are renewing by mail, write your new address clearly on the process form.

Online and mail renewal do not include a new photo—your new license will show the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a driver's license office. In-person renewal always includes a new photo unless you specifically ask not to have one taken.

Payment and fees for Colorado license renewal

Colorado's renewal fee depends on your license type and the number of years you are renewing for. Standard driver's licenses can be renewed for 4 or 8 years. The fee is higher for an 8-year renewal than a 4-year renewal. When you renew online, the system will show you the exact fee for your situation before you pay. For mail renewal, include a check or money order in the amount shown on the process form.

Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. Mail renewal requires a check or money order made out to the Colorado Department of Revenue. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are unsure of the exact fee for your situation, call the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles at 303-205-5600 before you submit your process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if I have moved out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere, as long as your license has not been expired for more than five years. Update your address during the renewal process to your current address, even if it is out of state. Your new license will be mailed there. If you have moved to another state and want a driver's license from that state instead, you will need to follow that state's process for getting a new license.

What happens if I renew my license but it arrives after my current license expires?

Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives, even if the expiration date has passed. Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a driver's license office. You should not carry both at the same time.

Can I renew my license if it was suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles to find out why your license was suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Call 303-205-5600 for information about your specific situation.

How do I know if I am may be able to access to renew online?

Most Colorado drivers can renew online unless their license has been expired for more than five years, they need a new photo, or they have a commercial driver's license (CDL). The online system will tell you whether you are may be able to access when you start the process. If you are not may be able to access online, you can renew by mail or in person.

What if I lost my current driver's license before I could renew it?

You cannot renew a license you do not have. Instead, you will need to get a replacement license first. Visit a Colorado driver's license office with proof of identity and residency, and request a replacement. Once you have the replacement, you can renew it through any of the three methods.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.