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

Colorado allows online renewal through its Department of Revenue website, but only for standard license renewals — not for the first time you get a license, a replacement after suspension, or a change of address. You must have a valid Colorado driver's license that is not expired by more than one year, and you cannot have any medical or legal holds on your record. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a five-year renewal.

Your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive legally on your current license until the new one arrives. If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, you will need to visit a Department of Revenue office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal works only if your current license is valid and expired no more than one year ago, and you have no medical or legal holds.
  • The renewal costs $28.25 for five years and takes about 10 minutes on the Colorado Department of Revenue website.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until it arrives.
  • If you need to change your address, add Real ID status, or have a suspension on your record, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office.

Who can renew online and who cannot

You can renew online if all of these are true: your Colorado driver's license is currently valid (not suspended or revoked), it expired no more than 12 months ago, you have no medical holds or court orders against your license, and you are renewing a standard Class D (passenger vehicle) license. You also cannot be renewing because of a name change, address change, or to add Real ID status.

You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked, if you have an active medical hold, if you are a commercial driver (Class A, B, or C), or if you need to change any information on your license. In those cases, you must visit a Department of Revenue office in person with proof of identity and proof of residence.

Steps to renew online through the Colorado Department of Revenue

Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online services portal at dor.colorado.gov. Look for the "Driver License Services" section and select "Renew Your Driver License." You will need your current Colorado driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in or create an account.

Review your current information on the screen. If any details are incorrect — name, date of birth, address — stop and renew in person instead, because you cannot change information online. If everything is correct, proceed to payment. You will pay $28.25 by debit card or credit card. After payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot.

Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you have moved recently but have not yet updated your address with the state, your license will go to your old address. In that case, you will need to pick it up in person or contact the Department of Revenue to have it reissued to your new address.

What happens after you renew online

Once your payment is processed, your renewal is complete. The state will print your new license and mail it to you within 7 to 10 business days. During that time, your current license remains valid and you can use it to drive, vote, or prove your identity.

If your new license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Department of Revenue at 303-205-5600 with your confirmation number. They can check the status of your license and reissue it if it was lost in the mail. If you need to drive out of state before your new license arrives, your current license is still legal to use.

When you must renew in person instead

If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online. You must visit a Department of Revenue office, bring proof that you have met the conditions for reinstatement (such as proof of insurance or completion of a DUI course), and pay a reinstatement fee in addition to the renewal fee. The reinstatement fee varies depending on why your license was suspended.

If you need to change your address, add Real ID status, or correct your name, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or certified court document), and proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). Real ID renewal takes longer — usually 15 to 20 minutes — because the state must verify your documents.

If you have a medical hold on your license, you cannot renew until you provide the required medical documentation to the Department of Revenue. Contact your local office to find out what documents your doctor must submit.

Cost and timeline for online renewal

Online renewal costs $28.25 for a five-year license. This is the standard renewal fee; there are no additional charges if you renew online instead of in person. Payment is by debit card or credit card only — the Department of Revenue does not accept cash, check, or money order online.

The entire process takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you need your license faster, you cannot expedite an online renewal — you would need to renew in person at a Department of Revenue office and request a temporary paper license to use while your permanent one is being printed.

What to do if online renewal is not an option for you

If you do not meet the requirements for online renewal, find your nearest Department of Revenue office on the state website. Bring your current license, proof of identity, and proof of residence. In-person renewal takes 15 to 20 minutes and costs the same as online renewal ($28.25 for five years). You can request a temporary paper license to use when ready while your permanent license is being printed and mailed.

If your license is suspended or revoked, call the Department of Revenue at 303-205-5600 before you visit. They can tell you what documents you need to bring to show that you have met the conditions for reinstatement. Visiting without the right documents will waste a trip.

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 12 months. If it has been expired longer than that, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Bring your expired license, proof of identity, and proof of residence.

What if I moved and my address on my license is wrong?

You cannot change your address online. You must visit a Department of Revenue office in person with your current license and proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days). The office will update your address and issue your new license on the spot or mail it to your new address.

Do I need Real ID to renew online?

No. You can renew online with a standard Colorado driver's license. If you want to add Real ID status, you must renew in person and bring a passport, birth certificate, or certified court document, plus proof of residence. Real ID renewal takes longer and costs the same amount.

What if my new license does not arrive after 10 days?

Contact the Department of Revenue at 303-205-5600 with your confirmation number. They can check whether your license was mailed and reissue it if it was lost. You can continue using your current license while you wait.

Can I renew online if my license is suspended?

No. You must renew in person and bring proof that you have met the conditions for reinstatement (such as proof of insurance or completion of a required course). The Department of Revenue will collect a reinstatement fee on top of the renewal fee.