Colorado lets you renew your license online if you meet a few conditions

You can renew your Colorado driver's license through the Department of Revenue's online portal if your license is still valid (not expired more than one year ago) and you have not had any major changes to your information — like a name change, address change outside Colorado, or a medical condition that affects your driving. The process takes about 10 minutes and you will receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If your license expired more than a year ago, or if you need to change your address, name, or other personal details, you will need to renew in person at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office instead.

Key Takeaways

  • You can renew online only if your license is still valid or expired less than one year ago, and your personal information has not changed.
  • The Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal system is available 24/7 and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
  • You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
  • Your renewed license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can continue driving with your old license until the new one arrives.
  • If you cannot renew online, you must visit a DMV office in person, and appointments are recommended but walk-ins are accepted.

Who can renew online in Colorado

Online renewal is available to Colorado residents whose driver's license is still valid or expired less than one year ago. You also must not have any address changes outside of Colorado, name changes, or changes to your medical status that could affect your driving ability.

If you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), you cannot renew online — you must visit a DMV office in person. The same applies if you are renewing a motorcycle endorsement or if you need to add or remove any endorsements from your license.

Steps to renew your license online

Start by going to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online services portal at dmv.colorado.gov. Look for the "Driver License Services" section and select "Renew Your Driver License." You will be asked to log in or create an account if you do not already have one.

Once you are logged in, you will enter your driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. Review the information on your current license and confirm that nothing has changed — your name, address, date of birth, and any medical conditions must all match what is on file. If anything is different, you cannot complete the online renewal and must visit a DMV office instead.

After you confirm your information, you will choose whether to keep your current address or update it to a new Colorado address. You will then select your renewal term (typically four or eight years) and review the renewal fee, which varies depending on the term you choose. Complete your payment using a credit card, debit card, or electronic check.

Once your payment is processed, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number for your records. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue driving with your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewal fees and payment methods

Colorado charges different fees depending on how long you want to renew your license for. A four-year renewal costs less than an eight-year renewal. The exact amount changes periodically, so check the DMV website for the current fee before you start the renewal process.

The online system accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. There is a small processing fee added to your total if you pay by credit or debit card. If you pay by electronic check, there is no additional fee, but the payment may take a few extra days to process.

What to do if you cannot renew online

If your license expired more than one year ago, or if you have changed your name, address outside Colorado, or your medical status, you must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office. You can find the office nearest you on the DMV website and schedule an appointment online, though walk-ins are also accepted.

Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if you still have it), proof of Colorado residency such as a utility bill or lease, and proof of your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The in-person renewal process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Tracking your renewed license

After you complete your online renewal, you will receive a confirmation email with a confirmation number. You can use this number to track the status of your license on the DMV website. The tracking system will tell you whether your license has been printed, shipped, or delivered.

If your license does not arrive within 10 business days, or if you need to check on it sooner, contact the DMV directly through their website or by phone. Have your confirmation number ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license online if I just moved to Colorado?

No. If you moved to Colorado from another state, you must visit a DMV office in person to get a Colorado license. You will need to surrender your out-of-state license and provide proof of Colorado residency. Online renewal is only for people who already have a valid Colorado license and are not changing their address.

What happens if I submit my online renewal and then realize I made a mistake?

If you catch the error before you submit payment, you can go back and correct it. If you have already paid, contact the DMV as soon as possible. Depending on the type of error, they may be able to cancel the transaction and refund your fee, or they may issue a corrected license. Call the DMV or use the contact form on their website.

Do I need to take a new photo for my online renewal?

No. Online renewal uses the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You can request a new photo during an in-person renewal, though there may be an additional fee.

Can I renew my license online if it is suspended or revoked?

No. You cannot renew online if your license is suspended or revoked. You must contact the DMV to resolve the suspension or revocation first, then visit an office in person to renew. The DMV website has information about why a license may be suspended and what steps you need to take to restore it.

What if my address changed but I am still in Colorado?

You can update your address to a new Colorado address during the online renewal process. straightforward select the option to update your address and enter your new Colorado address. If you moved out of Colorado, you cannot renew online and must visit a DMV office in person.