Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet a few straightforward requirements
You can renew your Colorado driver's license through the Colorado Department of Revenue's online portal without visiting an office, as long as your license is not expired by more than one year and you have no medical suspensions or restrictions that need updating. The process takes about 15 minutes, costs $28.25 for a five-year renewal, and you'll receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Not everyone can use the online route. If your license expired more than a year ago, if you need to change your address, if you're renewing a commercial license, or if you have certain medical conditions on your record, you'll need to visit a Driver License Office in person instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can renew online only if your license expired within the last year and you have no medical holds or restrictions.
- The online renewal costs $28.25 for a five-year license and takes about 15 minutes to complete.
- You'll need your current Colorado driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.
- Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving on your expired license until it arrives.
- If your license expired more than a year ago or you need to change your address, you must renew in person at a Driver License Office.
Who can renew online and who cannot
Colorado's online renewal system works for most people, but there are clear limits. You're may be able to access if your license is currently expired or will expire within 30 days, and your license has not been expired for longer than one year. You also cannot have any medical suspensions, medical restrictions, or vision restrictions on your record.
You cannot renew online if you need to update your address, change your name, add or remove endorsements (like motorcycle or hazmat), renew a commercial driver's license, or if you're under 21 and need to renew a graduated driver's license. In any of these cases, you must visit a Driver License Office in person.
What you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the online renewal process. You'll need your current Colorado driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. You'll also need a valid payment method — Colorado accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
Have your license in front of you when you sit down to renew. The system will ask you to confirm information printed on it, and you'll need the license number to log in. If you've lost your license or it's too damaged to read, you cannot renew online and must visit an office instead.
Step-by-step: how to renew online
Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal at dor.colorado.gov and look for the Driver License Services section. Click on "Renew Your Driver's License Online." You'll be asked to enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity.
Review the information the system pulls up — your name, address, date of birth, and current license details. If everything is correct, proceed to confirm that you meet the renewal requirements (your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no medical restrictions, and so on). Answer any questions about changes to your vision, medical conditions, or organ donation status.
Enter your payment information and submit. You'll receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. You can continue to drive on your expired license until your new one arrives.
How long it takes and what to expect
The online renewal itself takes 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Processing happens quickly — the state typically confirms your renewal within one business day. Your physical license card is printed and mailed to you, and delivery usually takes 7 to 10 business days from the date you renew.
You do not need to wait for your new license to arrive before driving. Colorado law allows you to drive on your expired license while your renewal is in process. Keep your confirmation email or confirmation number handy in case you're stopped by law enforcement, though most officers will be able to see your renewal status in the system.
What to do if you cannot renew online
If your license expired more than a year ago, you'll need to visit a Driver License Office to renew in person. The same applies if you need to change your address, update your name, add endorsements, or if you have medical restrictions on your record. You can find the nearest office and book an appointment at dor.colorado.gov under Driver License Services.
Appointments are strongly recommended, especially in busy areas. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times can be long. Bring your expired license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease works), and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). If you're renewing after a suspension or medical hold, bring any required medical clearance documents.
Payment and fees
Online renewal costs $28.25 for a five-year license. This is the standard renewal fee in Colorado. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover — no cash, check, or money order options are available for online renewal.
The fee covers the license itself and processing. There are no additional charges for online renewal compared to renewing in person, and no hidden fees appear after you submit payment. The $28.25 is the total cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew online if my license is suspended?
No. If your license is suspended for any reason — medical, administrative, or due to unpaid fines — you cannot renew online. You must resolve the suspension first by visiting a Driver License Office or contacting the Colorado Department of Revenue directly.
What happens if I renew online but my information was wrong?
Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue as soon as possible. If you submitted incorrect information before your new license was mailed, they may be able to stop the order and reissue it correctly. Once the card is printed and in the mail, you'll need to visit an office to correct it after you receive it.
Can I renew online if I'm changing my address?
No. Address changes require an in-person visit to a Driver License Office. You can update your address online through the Colorado Department of Revenue's portal separately, but you must renew your license in person if you're doing both at the same time.
Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?
No. Online renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. Your new license will have the same photo unless you visit an office in person, where you can request a new photo if you want one.
What if my payment is declined?
The system will tell you when ready if your payment fails. Check that your card number, expiration date, and security code are correct, and try again. If the problem persists, contact your bank to make sure the transaction is not being blocked, or use a different card.