The fastest way to renew in Denver is the DMV office on Evans Avenue or online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website
Denver has two Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations where you can renew in person. The main office is at 2955 W. Evans Avenue, and there is also a satellite office in the downtown area. However, most people renew online through the Colorado DMV website (dmv.colorado.gov), which takes about 15 minutes and costs less than going in person because you skip the service fee.
If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need a license sooner or cannot renew online because your license is expired by more than five years, you must go to an office in person. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary — early morning (before 10 a.m.) and mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) are typically shorter.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through dmv.colorado.gov is the fastest and cheapest option for most Denver residents and takes 7 to 10 days for delivery.
- The main Denver DMV office is at 2955 W. Evans Avenue; a second location serves downtown Denver residents.
- You can renew in person without an appointment, but arriving early in the day or mid-week reduces wait times.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew online and must visit an office in person with proof of identity and residency.
Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website
To renew online, go to dmv.colorado.gov and select "Renew a Driver's License" from the homepage. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system checks your information against state records and, if everything matches, you pay the renewal fee and you are done.
Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired by more than five years and you have no medical or legal holds on your record. The new license is mailed to the address on file with the DMV. If you have moved recently, update your address on the website before you renew, or your license will arrive at your old address.
The renewal fee for online processing is lower than the in-person fee because the state does not charge a service fee. As of 2024, the online fee is $28 for a four-year license, but fees change periodically — the website shows the current amount before you pay.
In-person renewal at Denver DMV offices
The main Denver DMV office at 2955 W. Evans Avenue is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The downtown satellite office has different hours; check the DMV website for current times before you go. Both locations accept walk-ins, and you do not need an appointment.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and a valid payment method. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). The in-person renewal fee is higher than online because it includes a service fee; as of 2024, it is $36 for a four-year license.
You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed. The permanent license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before the permanent license arrives, the temporary license is sufficient for traffic stops and vehicle registration.
When you must renew in person instead of online
You cannot use online renewal if your license has been expired for more than five years. You also cannot renew online if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, a court order restricting your license, or an outstanding warrant. The online system will tell you when ready if you are ineligible and direct you to visit an office.
If your license was suspended or revoked, you must visit an office in person and may need to provide additional documents, such as proof that you completed a required course or paid a fine. The DMV staff can tell you what documents are needed before you make the trip.
What to expect at the Evans Avenue office
The Evans Avenue location is the busiest DMV office in Denver. On weekday mornings, especially Monday and Friday, wait times can exceed one hour. Mid-week mornings (Tuesday through Thursday, before 10 a.m.) typically have shorter waits. Afternoon visits (after 2 p.m.) are sometimes faster, but this varies.
The office has a ticket system: take a number when you arrive, and the screen will call your number when it is your turn. You can wait in your car or outside if the office is crowded. The entire process at the counter usually takes 10 to 15 minutes once you are called.
Renewing by mail from outside Colorado
If you have moved out of Colorado but still hold a Colorado license, you can renew by mail. read the process for Renewal of Driver's License (form DR 2642) from the DMV website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order to the address on the form. Include a copy of your current license and proof of your new address.
Mail renewal takes 3 to 4 weeks because the DMV must receive your process, process it, and mail the new license back to you. This option is slower than online renewal but does not require you to visit an office or return to Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license if it expired more than a year ago?
Yes, you can renew online if it expired within five years. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office with your current license or another form of ID. The in-person process is the same as a standard renewal.
Do I need an appointment to renew at the Evans Avenue office?
No, the Evans Avenue office accepts walk-ins without an appointment. However, you can check the DMV website for current wait times before you go, which may help you choose the best time to visit.
What if I move after I renew online but before my license arrives?
Contact the DMV when ready with your new address. If the license has already been mailed, the post office may be able to forward it, but this is not may provide. It is faster to update your address before you renew online.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket?
An unpaid traffic ticket does not prevent renewal. However, if you have a court order suspending your license because of the ticket, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court or the DMV to check your status before you attempt to renew.
How long is a renewed Colorado driver's license valid?
A standard renewal is valid for four years from the date of issue. If you are 65 or older, your license is valid for eight years. The expiration date is printed on your new license.