How to renew your Colorado driver's license online
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online through the Department of Revenue's website if you meet specific requirements. You do not need to visit a DMV office, and the process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Online renewal is only available if your current license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical or vision restrictions that need updating, and your license is not expired by more than five years. If any of those conditions explore, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
The fee for online renewal is $28.25 for a five-year license or $56.50 for a ten-year license. You pay by debit card or credit card during the online transaction. Colorado does not mail a temporary license, so plan accordingly if you need to drive before your new card arrives.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your current license is valid (not expired more than five years), not suspended, and has no medical or vision restrictions.
- The online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for five years or $56.50 for ten years, paid by debit or credit card.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; Colorado does not issue a temporary license for online renewals.
- You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, Social Security number, and date of birth to start the renewal.
- If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired more than five years, you must renew in person at a DMV office instead.
Step-by-step process for online renewal
Start at the Colorado Department of Revenue website and locate the Driver License Renewal section. You will see a button labeled "Renew Your Driver License Online." Click it to begin.
On the first screen, enter your current Colorado driver's license number, your date of birth, and your Social Security number. The system verifies this information against the DMV database. If the information does not match or your license status shows a suspension or restriction, the system will stop and direct you to renew in person.
If verification succeeds, you will see a summary of your current license information: name, address, height, eye color, and other details. Review this carefully. If anything is incorrect, you cannot fix it online—you must visit a DMV office to correct your record before renewing.
Next, you confirm your mailing address. Your new license will be sent to the address you provide here. If you have moved since your last renewal, update your address now. You cannot change your address after you submit payment.
Payment and confirmation
After confirming your address, you will see the renewal fee based on the license term you choose: five years or ten years. Enter your debit card or credit card information. Colorado does not accept payment by check, money order, or cash for online renewals.
Once payment processes, you will receive a confirmation number on screen. Write this number down or take a screenshot. You will also receive a confirmation email at the address on file with the DMV. Keep both for your records.
The confirmation page will tell you the expected delivery date for your new license. This is typically 7 to 10 business days from the date you complete the renewal. If your license does not arrive within this window, contact the Colorado DMV to check the status.
What happens after you submit your renewal
Your current license remains valid until it expires on the date printed on the card. You can continue to drive and use your license for identification during the waiting period. The DMV does not mail a temporary license or a paper receipt for online renewals.
The DMV processes online renewals in batches, not when ready. Your renewal enters the queue and is printed and mailed according to the schedule. If you need to drive out of state or need your license for a critical purpose before the new one arrives, you cannot expedite an online renewal—you would have needed to renew in person and request expedited service at the office.
Once your new license arrives, destroy your old one or keep it for personal records. Colorado does not require you to return the old license to the DMV.
Who cannot renew online
Your license status disqualifies you from online renewal if it is suspended, revoked, or cancelled. You also cannot renew online if your license has been expired for more than five years. In both cases, you must visit a Colorado DMV office in person.
If your license has medical or vision restrictions, or if you need to add or remove restrictions, online renewal is not available. Examples include restrictions for corrective lenses, hearing aids, or automatic transmission only. You must renew in person so a DMV staff member can verify your current medical or vision status.
If your name has changed since your last renewal, you can renew online only if you have already updated your name with the Colorado DMV. If you have not yet changed your name on file, visit a DMV office with proof of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, or other legal document).
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not assume your address is correct in the DMV system. Many online renewals fail because the address on file is outdated. Log in and verify your address before you start the renewal process. If the address is wrong, you must visit a DMV office to correct it first.
Do not enter your information incorrectly. The system matches your license number, date of birth, and Social Security number exactly as they appear in the DMV database. A typo will cause the verification to fail. Double-check each field before you submit.
Do not expect to renew if your license is expired by more than five years. The system will reject the renewal and tell you to visit an office. If you are unsure whether your license is within the five-year window, check the expiration date on your card before you start.
Do not plan to drive out of state when ready after renewing online. Your new license will not arrive for 7 to 10 business days. If you need to travel before then, you will need your old license or another form of ID.
What to do if your online renewal fails
If the system rejects your renewal during verification, it will display a reason. Common reasons include a suspended license, an expired license (more than five years old), or information that does not match the DMV database. Read the message carefully—it will tell you what to do next.
If the reason is a suspension or revocation, contact the Colorado DMV to resolve the issue before you can renew. You may need to pay a reinstatement fee or clear a traffic violation. Once your license status is cleared, you can attempt the online renewal again.
If the reason is an address mismatch or other data error, visit a Colorado DMV office with your current license and proof of your correct information (utility bill, lease, or other document showing your name and address). A staff member will update your record, and then you can renew online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license online if it is already expired?
Yes, if it expired less than five years ago. If it expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Check the expiration date on your current license to be sure.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew online?
The DMV typically mails your new license within 7 to 10 business days of your online renewal. This does not include weekends or state holidays. If you do not receive it within two weeks, contact the Colorado DMV with your confirmation number.
What if I move after I renew online but before my new license arrives?
Your new license will be mailed to the address you provided during renewal. If you move before it arrives, contact the Colorado DMV with your confirmation number and provide your new address. They can redirect your license or reissue it to the new address, though this may delay delivery.
Can I renew online if my license has a medical restriction?
No. If your license has any medical or vision restrictions, you must renew in person at a DMV office. A staff member will review your restrictions and determine whether they still explore.
Do I need to take a new photo for an online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.