What You Can Do Online in Colorado
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few basic conditions. You must have a valid Colorado license that is not expired by more than one year, you must be between 21 and 64 years old, and you cannot have any medical or legal holds on your record. If all three explore to you, the online renewal process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25.
The renewal happens through the Colorado Department of Revenue's online portal. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method — a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Your new license will arrive by mail in about 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license is not expired by more than one year, you are between 21 and 64, and you have no medical or legal holds.
- The online renewal costs $28.25 and takes about 10 minutes to complete through the Colorado Department of Revenue website.
- You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a debit or credit card to pay the fee.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue using your old license until the new one arrives.
Step-by-Step: Completing Your Online Renewal
Start by visiting the Colorado Department of Revenue's online license renewal portal. You will see a button labeled "Renew Your Driver's License." Click it and you will be asked to enter your driver's license number and your date of birth to verify your identity.
Next, you will review your current information — name, address, and other details from your existing license. If anything has changed, update it now. This is your chance to correct an address, change your name, or add organ donor information. Once you confirm everything is correct, you will move to payment.
Enter your debit card, credit card, or electronic check information. The system will charge $28.25 when ready. You will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number in case you need to check on your renewal status later.
Who Cannot Renew Online
If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the online process. You will need to visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office in person and retake the written test and vision screening. The same applies if you are under 21 or over 64.
You also cannot renew online if you have a medical hold — for example, if the DMV has flagged your record because of a seizure disorder or vision problem that needs to be reassessed. A legal hold means there is an outstanding warrant, child support issue, or court order attached to your license. If you are unsure whether you have a hold, call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 before you attempt to renew.
If you need to change your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you can do that online during renewal, but you will need to upload a certified copy of the document that proves the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Have this ready before you start.
What Happens After You Submit
Once your payment goes through, your renewal is complete. You will see a confirmation page with your confirmation number. The Colorado DMV will begin processing your request when ready, though the actual printing and mailing takes time.
Your new license will arrive at the address you provided — or the address on file if you did not update it. Mail delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days from the time the DMV mails it. You can continue to drive using your old license until the new one arrives. You do not need to do anything else or visit an office.
If your new license does not arrive within 15 business days, contact the Colorado DMV. Have your confirmation number ready. They can check the status of your renewal and remail it if needed.
Changing Your Address or Other Information
The online renewal process includes a section where you can update your address, phone number, and email. If you have moved since your last license was issued, update your address during renewal. This ensures your new license arrives at the correct location and your DMV records stay current.
You can also add or remove organ donor status during online renewal. If you want to become an organ donor or no longer wish to be one, select that option when you review your information. This change takes effect when ready when your new license is issued.
If you need to change your name, you must upload proof — a certified marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The system will prompt you to upload the document as a PDF or image file. Make sure the document is clear and readable before you submit it.
Payment and Fees
The renewal fee is $28.25. This covers an eight-year license for drivers 21 to 64. Colorado does not offer a reduced fee for online renewal; the cost is the same whether you renew in person or online.
You can pay with a Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card. You can also pay with a debit card that carries one of these logos. If you prefer to pay by electronic check, the system will ask for your bank account and routing number. The DMV charges the fee when ready when you submit your renewal.
There are no additional fees for updating your address, adding organ donor status, or changing your name during renewal — these are all included in the $28.25 cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is expired?
Yes, as long as it expired less than one year ago. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must visit a DMV office in person and retake the written and vision tests. Check your license expiration date before you start the online process.
What if I move before my new license arrives?
Contact the Colorado DMV with your confirmation number and provide your new address. They can update your mailing address and remail your license. If your new license arrives at your old address, you can also pick it up there or ask the new resident to forward it to you.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you visit a DMV office in person and request a new one.
How do I know if I have a medical or legal hold on my license?
Call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 and provide your driver's license number. They can tell you when ready whether any holds exist. If there is a hold, they will explain what you need to do to clear it before you can renew.
Can I renew online if I have a commercial driver's license?
No. Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online in Colorado. You must visit a DMV office in person. The same applies if you hold a motorcycle endorsement or any other special endorsement.