Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet specific requirements
You can renew your Colorado driver's license through the state's online portal if your license is not expired, you have no medical or legal holds, and you have not had certain violations in the past five years. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs the standard renewal fee, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
Not everyone can renew online. If your license has been suspended, revoked, or expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office. The same applies if you have had a DUI conviction, reckless driving charge, or certain other violations within the past five years, or if you have a medical condition flagged on your record.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal works only if your license is current, you have no suspensions or holds, and you meet Colorado's five-year violation history requirement.
- The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or in person, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a debit or credit card to complete the transaction online.
- If your license is expired by more than one year or you have a suspension, DUI, or reckless driving on your record, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
How to start the online renewal process
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dmv.colorado.gov. Click the link for driver's license renewal and select "Renew Online." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to pull up your record. The system will then tell you whether you are may be able to access to renew online or whether you must visit an office in person.
If you are may be able to access, the portal will show you the current information on file — your name, address, and license class. Review this carefully. If your address has changed, you can update it during the renewal process. If other information is wrong, you may need to visit an office to correct it before renewing online, depending on what needs to change.
What information and payment you will need
Have your current Colorado driver's license in front of you. You will need the license number printed on the front. You will also need your Social Security number and your date of birth. The system will ask you to confirm your address; if you have moved, you can enter your new address and the system will mail your new license there.
Payment is by debit card or credit card only — the state does not accept checks, money orders, or cash through the online system. The renewal fee varies depending on how long your new license will be valid. A standard renewal is typically $28 to $32, but the exact amount appears on screen before you submit payment, so you will know the total before you are charged.
Timeline from payment to receiving your new license
Once you submit your renewal online and your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your new physical license is printed and mailed to the address you provided, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days. During this time, your current license remains valid, so you can continue to drive and use it for identification.
If you need your new license faster than the mail delivery window, you cannot expedite an online renewal. In that case, you would need to renew in person at a DMV office, where you can sometimes receive a temporary license or a new license the same day, depending on the office's capacity and current wait times.
When you cannot renew online and must visit an office
Colorado requires in-person renewal if your license has been suspended or revoked, if it expired more than one year ago, or if you have a medical condition or legal hold on your record. You also cannot renew online if you have a DUI conviction, reckless driving charge, or certain traffic violations within the past five years. The online system will tell you this when you enter your license number — it will not let you proceed and will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead.
If you are unsure whether you have a suspension or hold, you can call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 before attempting to renew online. They can tell you your current status and whether you are may be able to access for online renewal. If you are not may be able to access, they can also explain what you will need to bring to an office visit.
Updating your address during online renewal
If you have moved since your last license was issued, you can change your address during the online renewal process. The portal will ask whether your address is still the one on file. If it is not, enter your new Colorado address. Your new license will be mailed to that address.
If you are moving out of Colorado or need to change your address to a non-Colorado location, you cannot complete the renewal online. You must visit a DMV office in person to update your address to an out-of-state location or to handle any other address-related changes that the online system does not allow.
What happens after you submit your online renewal
You will see a confirmation page with a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. You will also receive a confirmation email at the address on file with the state. Keep this email until your new license arrives. If there is a problem with your renewal or your payment does not go through, the DMV will contact you using the phone number on your record.
Your old license remains valid while you wait for the new one. You do not need to do anything else — no forms to sign, no additional steps. When your new license arrives in the mail, your old one is no longer valid, though you can keep it for your records if you wish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license expired more than a year ago?
No. Colorado requires in-person renewal if your license has been expired for more than one year. You will need to visit a DMV office and bring proof of identity, proof of residency, and your Social Security number. The online system will not allow you to proceed if your license is expired by more than one year.
What if my address changed but I do not live in Colorado anymore?
You cannot renew online if you are moving out of state. You must visit a Colorado DMV office in person to update your address to an out-of-state location. Bring your current license, proof of your new address, and your Social Security number.
Will my new license have the same number as my old one?
Yes. When you renew online, your new license will have the same number as your current license. The number does not change unless you renew in person and request a new number, which is rare.
What if my payment fails during online renewal?
The system will tell you when ready if your payment was declined. You can try again with the same card or a different card. If the problem persists, you can call the DMV at 303-205-5613 or renew in person at an office instead.
Can I renew online if I have a DUI on my record?
No. Colorado does not allow online renewal if you have a DUI conviction within the past five years. You must renew in person at a DMV office. The online system will block your renewal and direct you to schedule an appointment.