Colorado lets you renew online if your license is not suspended and you meet a few basic requirements
You can renew your Colorado driver's license online through the Colorado Department of Revenue's website if your current license is valid (not expired by more than five years), you have no medical or legal holds on your record, and you are renewing a standard Class D license. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $28.75 for a five-year renewal, and your new card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You will need your current license number, a valid email address, and a payment method.
If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired by more than five years, you cannot use the online system — you must visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office in person. The same applies if you are renewing a commercial license, a motorcycle endorsement, or if you need to update your address, name, or other information on the license itself.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado's online renewal works only for standard Class D licenses that are currently valid and have no suspension or legal holds.
- The renewal costs $28.75 for five years and takes 10 minutes online, with your new card arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
- You cannot change your address, name, or other information during online renewal — those changes require an in-person visit.
- If your license is suspended, expired by more than five years, or you hold a commercial or motorcycle license, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
What you need before you start the online renewal
Gather these items before you log into the Colorado DMV website: your current driver's license number, your date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a debit or credit card for the $28.75 fee. You will also need to confirm your current address as it appears on your license — if it has changed, you cannot complete the renewal online and must visit an office instead.
Make sure your license is not suspended or revoked. You can check the status of your license on the Colorado DMV website by entering your license number and date of birth. If the system shows any holds, suspensions, or revocation, the online renewal will not work and you will need to resolve the issue at a DMV office before you can renew.
The step-by-step process on the Colorado DMV website
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dmv.colorado.gov. Click on "Renew Your License" and select "Online Renewal." You will be asked to enter your license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will pull up your current license information and ask you to confirm it is correct.
Review your address, name, and other details. If anything is wrong, stop here — you cannot fix it online and must visit a DMV office instead. If everything matches, proceed to the payment screen. Enter your debit or credit card information and pay the $28.75 renewal fee. You will receive a confirmation number by email when ready after payment.
Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your confirmation number to track the status of your card on the DMV website. Your current license remains valid until the new one arrives, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification during that time.
When you cannot renew online and must visit a DMV office
If your license is suspended or revoked, you will see a message on the Colorado DMV website when you try to start the online renewal. You must visit a Division of Motor Vehicles office in person to address the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Bring the notice you received about the suspension and any documents showing you have resolved the underlying issue — such as proof of payment for unpaid fines, a court order, or completion of a required program.
You also cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years. In that case, you will need to retake the written test and vision test at a DMV office and pay a higher renewal fee. If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) or have motorcycle endorsements, those renewals must happen in person as well.
If you need to change your address, legal name, or any other information on your license, you cannot do that during online renewal. You must visit a DMV office and bring proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease) or a court order showing your name change. The office will issue you a new license with the updated information.
How long the renewal takes and when your card arrives
The online renewal itself takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. Once you submit your payment, the Colorado DMV processes your request when ready and sends a confirmation email with your confirmation number. Your new physical card is printed and mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
During those 7 to 10 days, your current license is still valid for driving and identification. You do not need to do anything else or visit an office. If you need to know where your card is in the mail, you can check the status on the DMV website using your confirmation number. If your card does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 to report it.
The cost of renewing online versus in person
Online renewal costs $28.75 for a five-year license. This is the same price you would pay at a DMV office for a standard renewal. There are no extra fees for renewing online, and you do not pay for shipping — the cost of mailing your new card is included in the renewal fee.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, the renewal fee is higher, and you must renew in person. If you are renewing a commercial license or adding endorsements, those fees vary and must be handled at an office. Check the Colorado DMV website for current fees if your situation is different from a standard five-year renewal.
What to do if the online system rejects your renewal
If you enter your information and the system says you cannot renew online, it is because one of these conditions applies: your license is suspended or revoked, it has been expired for more than five years, you have a medical or legal hold on your record, or the system cannot verify your identity. The error message will usually tell you which one it is.
If the message is unclear, or if you believe the information is wrong, contact the Colorado DMV directly at 303-205-5600 or visit a local DMV office. Bring your current license and any documents related to the issue — such as court paperwork, medical records, or proof of payment for outstanding fines. The office staff can tell you exactly what needs to be resolved before you can renew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my license online if it is already expired?
Yes, if it expired less than five years ago. If it has been expired for five years or longer, you must renew in person at a DMV office and retake the written and vision tests. Check the expiration date on your license before you start the online process.
What if I moved and my address changed since my last license?
You cannot update your address during online renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person and bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement. The office will issue a new license with the correct address.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. Your new card will have the same photo. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
How do I know if my license is suspended?
Visit the Colorado DMV website and use the license status checker. Enter your license number and date of birth. If your license is suspended or revoked, the system will tell you and explain why. You can also call 303-205-5600 to ask.
Can I renew my license online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial licenses and all endorsements must be renewed in person at a DMV office. Standard Class D licenses can be renewed online, but CDL renewals require an office visit.