Colorado's Online Renewal Process

Colorado allows you to renew your driver's license online through the Colorado Department of Revenue's website if you meet specific requirements. The process takes about 10 minutes, costs $28.50 for a standard five-year renewal, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Not every driver can use the online route. You must have a valid Colorado license that is not expired by more than one year, be a U.S. citizen, have no medical or vision restrictions that have changed, and not require a new photo. If your license is suspended, revoked, or you need to update your address, name, or medical information, you must renew in person at a Driver's License Office.

The online system is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card, credit card, or electronic check).

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your Colorado license is valid and not expired by more than one year, you are a U.S. citizen, and you have no changes to your photo, medical status, or address.
  • The online renewal fee is $28.50 for a five-year license, and you pay by debit card, credit card, or electronic check at the time of renewal.
  • Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives.
  • If your license is expired by more than one year, suspended, revoked, or you need to change your photo or address, you must renew in person at a Colorado Driver's License Office.

Step-by-Step Online Renewal Instructions

Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dmv.colorado.gov. Look for the "Renew Your License Online" link on the homepage. You will be directed to a find page where you enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.

Review the information displayed on your screen. This includes your name, address, date of birth, and current license expiration date. If any information is incorrect, stop the process and renew in person at a Driver's License Office, because the online system cannot change your address, name, or other personal details.

Confirm that you meet all renewal requirements by answering the may be able to access questions. These ask whether you are a U.S. citizen, whether your vision and medical status have changed, and whether you need a new photo. If you answer "no" to all questions, you can proceed. If you answer "yes" to any question, the system will direct you to schedule an in-person appointment.

Enter your payment information. Colorado accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards, and electronic checks. Your $28.50 fee is charged when ready. You will receive a confirmation number and email receipt. Write down or save your confirmation number—you may need it if you have questions about your renewal.

What Happens After You Submit Your Renewal

Your renewal request is processed within one business day. You do not need to do anything else. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 7 to 10 business days from the date your license is mailed.

You can continue driving on your current license while you wait for your new one to arrive. Your current license remains valid until its printed expiration date, even if you have already renewed online. When your new license arrives, destroy your old one or return it to a Driver's License Office if you prefer.

If your new license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613 or visit dmv.colorado.gov to check the status of your renewal. Have your confirmation number ready.

Who Cannot Renew Online

Your license is expired by more than one year. Colorado's online system only works for licenses that are current or expired within the past 12 months. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person and may be required to retake the written test and vision test.

Your license is suspended or revoked. The online system cannot process renewals for licenses under suspension or revocation. You must visit a Driver's License Office to resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew.

You need to change your address, name, or other personal information. The online renewal system only confirms existing information; it does not allow edits. If you have moved, changed your name, or need to update any detail, schedule an in-person appointment at a Driver's License Office.

You are not a U.S. citizen or your vision and medical status have changed. Online renewal is limited to U.S. citizens with no new medical conditions or vision problems. If you have a new medical restriction, vision issue, or are a permanent resident or visa holder, you must renew in person so a license examiner can assess your status and issue the correct license type.

In-Person Renewal at a Colorado Driver's License Office

If you do not meet the online requirements, you can renew in person at any Colorado Driver's License Office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days), and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that reflects the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

The in-person renewal fee is $28.50 for a five-year license. You pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. You will have your photo taken at the office. Your new license is mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Colorado Driver's License Offices are located in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Greeley, Pueblo, and several other cities. Hours vary by location. You can find the office nearest you and check hours at dmv.colorado.gov. Many offices accept walk-ins, but you can also schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Entering your driver's license number or Social Security number incorrectly will cause the system to reject your renewal. Double-check both numbers before you submit. If you make a mistake, you can start over and try again.

Attempting to renew online when your license is expired by more than one year. The system will reject your renewal. You must renew in person, and you may be required to retake written and vision tests. Check your license expiration date before you start the online process.

Trying to change your address or name through the online system. The online renewal only confirms existing information. If you need to update personal details, you must renew in person. Submitting an online renewal with outdated information will result in a new license with the wrong address or name.

Not saving your confirmation number. Write down or screenshot your confirmation number when ready after you submit your renewal. If your new license does not arrive or you have questions, you will need this number to check the status of your renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license online if it expired more than a year ago?

No. Colorado's online renewal system only works for licenses that are current or expired within the past 12 months. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person at a Driver's License Office. You may also be required to retake the written test and vision test.

How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew online?

Your new license is mailed within 7 to 10 business days after your renewal is processed. Processing takes about one business day. You can continue driving on your current license until the new one arrives. If your license does not arrive within 14 business days, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613.

What if I made a mistake when I renewed online?

If you entered incorrect information, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613 with your confirmation number. If the error is minor (such as a typo in your address), you may be able to correct it before your license is printed. If the error is significant, you may need to renew again or visit a Driver's License Office in person.

Can I renew my Colorado license online if I moved to a different state?

No. Online renewal requires that you remain a Colorado resident. If you have moved out of state, you must renew your license in the state where you now live. If you still live in Colorado but changed your address within the state, you must renew in person at a Driver's License Office.

Do I need to take a new photo for 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 Driver's License Office. The system will ask whether you need a new photo; if you answer "yes," you will be directed to schedule an in-person appointment.