Colorado's three renewal routes: online, mail, or in person
You can renew your Colorado driver's license through the Colorado Department of Revenue's online portal, by mail, or at a Driver License office in person. Which route works depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a Real ID, and how quickly you need the new one. Most people who don't need a Real ID can renew online in minutes; those who do need Real ID must go in person or use mail with certified documents.
The online option is fastest and costs nothing extra — you pay the renewal fee ($28 for a five-year license or $58 for a ten-year license as of 2024, though fees can change) and receive a temporary digital license when ready. Mail takes two to three weeks. In-person visits at a Driver License office take about an hour on average, but you walk out with a temporary paper license the same day.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through Colorado's DMV website works only if your license is not expired and you don't need or already have a Real ID.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment; processing takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a Driver License office is required if you need a Real ID for the first time or if your license is expired.
- You can find your nearest Driver License office and check wait times on the Colorado Department of Revenue website before you go.
- A temporary digital license appears in your phone's wallet when ready after online renewal; a paper temporary is issued at the office.
Online renewal: fastest option if your license is current
Go to dmv.colorado.gov and select "Renew Driver License Online." You'll need your current Colorado driver's license number, your date of birth, and a payment method (debit or credit card). The system checks whether you're may be able to access — mainly whether your license is not expired and whether you've had no major violations or address changes that require verification.
If the system approves you, you'll pay the renewal fee and when ready receive a temporary digital license in your phone's Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Your permanent license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days. You can drive legally using the digital license right away; you don't have to wait for the physical card.
Online renewal does not work if your license is expired, if you need a Real ID for the first time, or if you've had a suspension or revocation. If the online system rejects you, it will tell you why and direct you to mail or in-person options.
Mail renewal: no office visit required, but slower
Request a renewal by mail through the Colorado Department of Revenue website or call 303-205-5600. You'll receive a renewal packet by mail that includes Form DL-44 (process for Driver License) and instructions. Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail everything back with your payment (check or money order for the renewal fee).
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the office receives your packet. Your new license arrives by mail after that. Mail renewal works whether your license is current or expired, and it works if you don't need a Real ID. If you do need a Real ID, mail renewal is possible but requires you to include certified copies of documents proving your identity, Social Security number, and Colorado residency — the office will specify which documents in your renewal packet.
Mail renewal is useful if you have a schedule that doesn't allow an office visit or if you prefer not to go in person. Keep a copy of everything you mail and note the date you send it; if something goes wrong, you'll have a record.
In-person renewal at a Driver License office
Visit any Colorado Driver License office with your current license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment. If you need a Real ID, bring one document proving your identity (passport, birth certificate, or certified court record) and one document proving your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).
Wait times vary by location and time of day. The Colorado Department of Revenue website shows current wait times at each office, updated throughout the day. Many offices are busiest mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays; early morning or late afternoon visits often have shorter waits. You can also book an appointment online at some locations, which reserves your place and reduces wait time.
When you're called, bring all documents to the counter. The staff member will verify your information, take a new photo, and process your renewal. You'll pay the fee and receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. Your permanent license arrives by mail in seven to ten business days.
Real ID requirements: when you must go in person
If your current license does not have a gold star or "REAL ID" printed on it, and you want one on your renewed license, you must renew in person or by mail with certified documents. A Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting in 2025; without it, you'll need a passport or other federal ID instead.
In-person renewal for Real ID takes longer than a standard renewal because the office must verify your identity and Social Security number with original or certified documents. Bring one identity document (passport, birth certificate, or certified court record) and one Social Security document (card, W-2, or 1099). The office will copy these and return them to you.
If you renew by mail and want Real ID, include certified copies of the same documents. The office will process them and mail your Real ID license back. Mail processing for Real ID takes three to four weeks because the office must verify documents before issuing the license.
What to bring to a Driver License office
| Renewal Type | Required Documents | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard renewal (in person) | Current license, proof of residency | $28 (5-year) or $58 (10-year) |
| Real ID renewal (in person) | Current license, proof of residency, identity document, Social Security document | $28 (5-year) or $58 (10-year) |
| Standard renewal (mail) | Current license, completed Form DL-44 | $28 (5-year) or $58 (10-year) |
| Real ID renewal (mail) | Current license, completed Form DL-44, certified identity document, certified Social Security document | $28 (5-year) or $58 (10-year) |
Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within 60 days. A passport counts as both identity and residency proof. Certified documents for mail renewal must be certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.
Finding your nearest Driver License office and checking wait times
The Colorado Department of Revenue maintains a list of all Driver License offices on its website at dmv.colorado.gov. Each office listing shows the address, phone number, hours, and current wait time. Wait times update every 15 to 30 minutes, so you can check before you leave home to see whether it's a good time to visit.
Many offices allow you to book an appointment online. If your nearest office offers appointments, booking one reserves your place and typically cuts your wait time in half. Appointments fill up during peak times (lunch hours, Fridays, end of month), so book as soon as you know your renewal date.
If your local office has a long wait, check whether a nearby office in a different town or county has a shorter one. Colorado has offices in most counties, and you can renew at any office regardless of where you live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is expired?
No. Online renewal only works if your license is still valid. If your license is expired, you must renew by mail or in person. Expired licenses can be renewed up to five years after expiration, but you'll need to provide proof of residency and may need to retake the vision test.
How long does a temporary digital license work?
A temporary digital license from online renewal is valid when ready and works for driving, boarding flights, and entering federal buildings until your permanent license arrives by mail. Once your permanent license arrives, the digital license expires automatically. Keep the digital license in your phone's wallet until the permanent one shows up.
What if I need to renew but my address changed?
If you moved, you can renew online only if you've already updated your address with Colorado DMV. If you haven't, you must renew in person or by mail and bring proof of your new residency. You can update your address online at dmv.colorado.gov before renewing, or do both at the same time in person.
Do I have to take a new photo when I renew?
Yes. Every renewal requires a new photo, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Online renewal uses your phone's camera or a photo you upload. In-person renewal uses the office camera. Mail renewal uses the photo on file unless you've requested a new one.
What if I lost my license and need to renew?
You cannot renew online or by mail if you don't have your current license. You must visit a Driver License office in person and request a replacement. Bring proof of residency and payment. The office will issue you a new license with the same number and expiration date as your lost one.