Colorado Renewal: Online, by Mail, or In Person
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles office. Which route you take depends on how much time you have and whether your license is still valid. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must go to a DMV office and pass the vision and written tests again.
Most people renew online through the Colorado DMV website. It takes about 10 minutes, costs $28.75 for a five-year license, and you can do it from home. By-mail renewal is also available but slower — expect two to three weeks for your new license to arrive. In-person renewal at a DMV office is fastest if you need your license the same day, but you will wait in line and may need an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is the quickest and cheapest option if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago.
- You must renew in person at a DMV office if your license expired more than two years ago, because you will need to retake the vision and written tests.
- Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
- The renewal fee is $28.75 for a standard five-year license, and you will need a valid payment method (debit or credit card) for online renewal.
- If you renew online or by mail, your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks; in-person renewal can be completed the same day.
Online Renewal Through the Colorado DMV Website
Go to dmv.colorado.gov and select "Renew Your Driver's License" from the main menu. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will pull up your record and show you whether you are may be able to access to renew online — if your license is valid or expired less than two years ago, you are.
Review your personal information on the screen and update anything that has changed: address, name, or emergency contact. You cannot change your vision correction status online; if you now need glasses or contacts and did not before, you must renew in person. Answer the medical history questions (whether you have any conditions that affect your ability to drive safely). Pay the $28.75 fee with a debit or credit card. The system will confirm your renewal and tell you when to expect your new license in the mail — usually within two to three weeks.
Your temporary license is your current driver's license, which remains valid during the renewal period. You do not receive a temporary document. If you need to drive before your new license arrives and your current one has expired, contact the DMV to request a temporary paper license.
By-Mail Renewal
To renew by mail, read the process for Driver's License or Identification Card form (DR 2251) from the Colorado DMV website. Fill it out completely, including your current license number, date of birth, and any address or name changes. Sign and date the form. Do not use a pen that is not black or blue ink.
Mail the completed form, a check or money order for $28.75 made payable to "Colorado Department of Revenue," and a copy of your current driver's license to the address listed on the form. Include a return envelope with your address and postage. Mail processing takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your envelope. There is no way to track your process by mail, so allow extra time if you are close to your expiration date.
By-mail renewal is only available if your license is still valid or expired less than two years ago. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person.
In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office
Find your nearest DMV office on the Colorado DMV website and check whether it requires an appointment. Many offices now use an online appointment system; others accept walk-ins during specific hours. Bring your current Colorado driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment of $28.75 (cash, check, debit card, or credit card — policies vary by office).
At the office, you will have your photo taken and your vision tested. If you are renewing a standard license and have no medical changes, you will not retake the written test. If your license expired more than two years ago, you must pass the vision test and the written knowledge test before you can renew. Your new license will be issued the same day, though the photo may take a few minutes to process.
In-person renewal is the only option if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you need to change your vision correction status, or if you need your license the same day.
Documents and Fees You Will Need
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Fee | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Current driver's license number, date of birth, last four digits of SSN | $28.75 | 2–3 weeks by mail |
| By Mail | Completed DR 2251 form, copy of current license, payment | $28.75 | 2–3 weeks |
| In Person | Current driver's license, proof of residency (dated within 60 days), payment | $28.75 | Same day |
Proof of Colorado residency for in-person renewal must be a document dated within the last 60 days. A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail with your name and address will work. A driver's license or ID card is not accepted as proof of residency.
When Your License Expires and How Long You Can Wait
Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is printed on the front of your license. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last day. The DMV recommends renewing at least two weeks before expiration if you are using online or mail renewal, to make sure your new license arrives before the old one expires.
If your license has expired, you can still renew by mail or online as long as it expired less than two years ago. If it expired more than two years ago, you must renew in person and retake both the vision and written tests. There is no grace period — once your license expires, it is no longer valid for driving, even if you have already submitted a renewal process.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is waiting until after your license expires to renew by mail or online. If your license has already expired and you need to drive, you cannot use mail or online renewal — you must go to a DMV office. Plan ahead and renew at least two weeks before expiration.
Another frequent error is providing an outdated address. If you moved and did not update your address with the DMV, your new license will be mailed to your old address and you will not receive it. Update your address online through the Colorado DMV website before you renew, or bring proof of your new address to a DMV office.
Do not forget to bring proof of residency if you are renewing in person. A driver's license or ID card does not count — you need a utility bill, lease, or similar document dated within the last 60 days. If you show up without it, you will have to go home and come back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I moved out of state?
No. You must hold a valid Colorado address to renew a Colorado driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. If you still have a Colorado address (such as a family member's home) and intend to return, you can renew online or by mail using that address.
What happens if I renew online but my information is wrong?
Review your information carefully before you submit payment. If you notice an error after you have paid, contact the Colorado DMV by phone or visit a local office to request a correction. Corrections to your name, date of birth, or address may require additional documents or an in-person visit.
Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail or online?
No. If you renew by mail or online, your photo from your current license will be used on your new license. Only in-person renewal includes a new photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew at a DMV office.
How long does it take to get my license if I renew in person?
Your new license is issued the same day you renew in person. The photo processing may take a few minutes, but you will leave the office with your new license or a temporary paper license if the photo is still being processed.
What if my license was suspended or revoked?
You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must contact the Colorado DMV to find out the reason for the suspension or revocation and what steps you need to take to restore your driving privileges. This may include paying fines, completing a driver improvement course, or waiting out a suspension period.