You can renew your Colorado license online if you're 65 or older, but only if your license is not expired and you meet a few other conditions
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Revenue website if you are 65 or older. The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes, costs less than going in person, and you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days. However, you cannot use the online option if your license has already expired, if you need to change your address, or if you have certain medical conditions on your record.
The online renewal is designed for people whose licenses are still valid and whose information hasn't changed. If your situation is different, you'll need to renew in person at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office instead.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado's online renewal for drivers 65 and older works only if your current license is still valid and your address hasn't changed.
- You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- The online renewal fee is lower than the in-person fee, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If your license has expired, you need to change your address, or you have medical restrictions, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you go to the Colorado Department of Revenue website to renew online. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, which is printed on the front of your card. You will also need the last four digits of your Social Security number and a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or electronic check.
Make sure your address on file with the DMV is still correct. If you have moved since your last renewal, you cannot use the online option and must renew in person instead. The online system will not let you change your address during the renewal process.
Steps to renew your license online
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dor.colorado.gov and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm that everything is correct.
Review your name, date of birth, address, and any restrictions or endorsements on your license. If anything is wrong, stop the process and renew in person instead — the online system cannot fix errors in your record. Once you confirm that all information is accurate, you will pay the renewal fee using your debit card, credit card, or electronic check.
After you submit payment, you will receive a confirmation number on the screen and by email. Keep this number for your records. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive using your current license until the new one arrives.
When you cannot renew online and must go in person
You must renew at a DMV office in person if your current license has already expired. Colorado does not allow online renewal for expired licenses, even if you are 65 or older. You also cannot renew online if you need to change your address, add or remove a medical condition, or update any other information on your license.
If you have certain medical conditions listed on your license — such as a requirement to wear corrective lenses or hearing aids — you may need to provide updated medical documentation before you can renew. The DMV will tell you whether this is required when you call or visit in person. Some restrictions can be renewed by mail with a doctor's letter, but others require an in-person visit.
How the online renewal fee compares to in-person renewal
The online renewal fee for drivers 65 and older is lower than the fee for renewing in person at a DMV office. The exact amount changes from year to year, so check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for the current fee before you start. The online fee typically includes a small processing charge on top of the base renewal cost.
When you renew in person, you pay the same base renewal fee plus any applicable local fees that your county or city may charge. Some counties add a small surcharge for in-person services. By renewing online, you avoid these extra charges and save the cost of driving to a DMV office.
What to do if your license has expired or you need to change information
If your license expired more than a few months ago, you will need to renew in person at a Colorado DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease), and proof of your Social Security number. You may also need to pass a vision test, depending on how long your license has been expired.
If you need to change your address, add medical restrictions, or correct any other information on your license, you must visit a DMV office. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can reduce your wait time.
How long your renewed license is valid
A renewed Colorado driver's license is valid for eight years from the date it is issued. If you are 65 or older when you renew, your license will expire eight years later. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your license expires, reminding you to renew again.
Keep your new license in a safe place once it arrives. If you lose it or it is damaged before it expires, you will need to replace it at a DMV office. A replacement license costs less than a full renewal and can usually be done the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license online if I'm 64 and will turn 65 before my new license arrives?
No. You must be 65 or older on the day you submit your online renewal. If you are still 64, you will need to renew in person or wait until after your birthday to renew online.
What if I made a mistake when I renewed online and need to fix it?
Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue as soon as possible with your confirmation number. If the error is on your part, you may need to renew again and pay another fee. If the error is the DMV's, they can usually correct it without charging you again.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. The online renewal uses the photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you choose to visit a DMV office and request a new one.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) cannot be renewed online in Colorado, regardless of your age. You must renew a CDL in person at a DMV office.
What if my new license doesn't arrive within 10 business days?
Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue with your confirmation number and ask them to check the status of your license. If there is a delay, they can issue you a temporary paper license that you can use while you wait for the physical card to arrive.