Yes, you can renew your Colorado driver's license online if you meet certain requirements

Colorado allows you to renew your driver's license through its online system if your license is still valid (not expired more than one year) and you have not had any major changes to your information since your last renewal. The process takes place on the Colorado Department of Revenue website, and you can complete it from home without visiting a driver's license office.

Not every renewal situation qualifies for online renewal. If your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need to change your address, if you have a medical condition to report, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you will need to renew in person at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your Colorado license expired within the last year and your personal information has not changed.
  • The online renewal process happens on the Colorado Department of Revenue website and requires your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method.
  • Online renewal costs the same as in-person renewal and takes about 7 to 10 business days for your new license to arrive by mail.
  • If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DMV office in person with your current license and proof of residency.
  • Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years, so you will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your expiration date.

Who can renew online and who cannot

You are may be able to access for online renewal if all of these are true: your current Colorado driver's license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, your name has not changed, your address has not changed, and you do not have any new medical conditions or restrictions to report. You also cannot have a suspended or revoked license.

You must renew in person if your license expired more than one year ago, if you need to update your address, if you are changing your name, if you have a new medical condition, if you are renewing a CDL, or if you are a commercial driver renewing a hazmat endorsement. Minors under 18 also cannot renew online and must visit a DMV office with a parent or guardian.

What you need before you start the online renewal

Have your current Colorado driver's license in front of you. You will need to enter your driver's license number and your date of birth exactly as they appear on the card. You will also need a valid payment method — Colorado accepts debit cards, credit cards, and electronic checks.

Make sure your mailing address on file is correct and current. Your new license will be mailed to the address Colorado has for you, so if you have moved recently and have not updated your address through the DMV, you should do that before renewing online. If your address has changed, you must renew in person instead.

Steps to renew your license online

Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue website and look for the online driver's license renewal section. You will create or log into your account using your email address. Enter your driver's license number and date of birth to verify your identity.

Review your personal information on the screen. Confirm that your name, date of birth, and address are all correct. If anything is wrong, stop and renew in person at a DMV office instead — do not proceed with incorrect information.

Answer any questions about medical conditions, restrictions, or changes since your last renewal. Answer honestly; lying on a license renewal form is a crime. Pay the renewal fee using your debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Colorado's renewal fee varies depending on your license type and how many years you are renewing for, but it is the same whether you renew online or in person.

You will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. Your new license will be mailed to your address within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

How long it takes and what to expect

Online renewal is processed when ready after you submit your payment, but your physical license card takes time to print and mail. Most people receive their new license within 7 to 10 business days of completing the online renewal. During this time, your old license remains valid for driving.

If you do not receive your new license within two weeks, contact the Colorado DMV using the phone number on their website. Have your confirmation number ready. If your license arrives damaged or with errors, you can request a replacement at a DMV office or through the online system if the error is minor.

What to do if you cannot renew online

If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you will need to visit a Colorado DMV office in person. Bring your current driver's license and one form of proof of residency, such as a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The DMV office will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot.

You can find your nearest DMV office and check their hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Some offices accept walk-ins, while others require you to schedule an appointment. Call ahead or check online before you go to avoid a long wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if it expired more than a year ago?

No. Colorado only allows online renewal if your license expired within the last year. If it has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and be prepared for a new photo and vision test.

What happens if I move to a new address before my license expires?

You must update your address in person at a DMV office or through the mail before you can renew online. If you try to renew online with an outdated address, your new license will be mailed to the old address. It is faster to update your address at a DMV office and then renew online the same day.

Do I need to take a vision test or written test to renew online?

No. Online renewal does not include a vision test or written test. You only answer questions about your medical history and confirm your personal information. If you are renewing in person, the DMV will give you a vision test but not a written test unless your license was suspended or revoked.

Can I renew my commercial driver's license online?

No. Commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a Colorado DMV office. You will need to bring your current CDL, proof of residency, and medical certification if your CDL requires it. The DMV will give you a vision test and may ask about your driving record.

What if I made a mistake on my online renewal form?

Contact the Colorado DMV as soon as possible using the phone number on their website. If you caught the mistake before your new license was mailed, they may be able to correct it. If your new license arrives with an error, you can request a corrected license at a DMV office or through the online system depending on what was wrong.