What to bring when you renew in Colorado

To renew your Colorado driver's license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, and your current license. The Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has a specific list of documents they accept for each category, and you must bring at least one from each. You do not need to take a written test or road test unless your license has been expired for more than one year, or unless the DMV has a reason to require testing.

You can renew in person at any DMV office, by mail if your license is still valid, or online if you meet certain conditions. The method you choose determines exactly which documents you need and how long the process takes.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring one form of identity (such as a passport or birth certificate), one proof of Colorado address (such as a utility bill or lease), and your current license to any DMV office.
  • If your license expired more than one year ago, you will need to pass the written test and vision test again, and may need to retake the road test.
  • Mail-in renewal is available only if your license is still valid and you have not changed your address, name, or other information since your last renewal.
  • Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is the fastest option if you are may be able to access, but not all drivers can use it.
  • The renewal fee in Colorado varies depending on how long your new license will be valid, so confirm the current fee before you go to the DMV.

Proof of identity documents Colorado accepts

Colorado DMV accepts a wide range of documents to prove who you are. A U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver's license from another state all work. If you do not have a passport, you can bring your birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Naturalization.

Military documents also count: a military ID card, a military discharge paper (DD-214), or a dependent ID card will satisfy the identity requirement. If none of these explore to you, ask the DMV office directly, because they maintain a full list and some documents vary by situation.

Proof of Colorado residency documents

You need one document showing your current Colorado address. A utility bill (electric, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days works. So does a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, a property tax bill, or a homeowner's insurance policy.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a utility bill in your name, a bank or credit card statement with your address, a government check, or a letter from your employer showing your address will work. The document must show your full name and current address. A post office change-of-address form does not count as proof of residency.

When you can renew by mail

Mail-in renewal is available only if your current Colorado license is still valid (not expired), you have not changed your name, and you have not changed your address since your last renewal. You will need to send your current license, a completed process form (available on the Colorado DMV website), and the renewal fee to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes longer than in-person renewal — typically four to six weeks. If you need your license sooner, renewing in person at a DMV office is faster. Mail renewal is not available if your license has expired or if you need to update any information.

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV

Colorado offers online renewal through its DMV website for drivers who meet specific requirements. You can renew online only if your license is still valid, you have not changed your name or address, and you do not need to update your photo. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method.

Online renewal is the fastest option — you receive your new license by mail within two to three weeks. However, if you need to change your address, name, or photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office instead.

What happens if your license has been expired for more than a year

If your Colorado license expired more than one year ago, you cannot use the straightforward renewal process. Instead, you must renew as if you were a new driver: you will need to pass the vision test, the written knowledge test, and the road test. You will also need to bring all the same documents (proof of identity, proof of residency, and your expired license).

Schedule an appointment at a DMV office as soon as you can, because testing appointments can fill up. Bring your study materials for the written test — the Colorado DMV handbook is available free on their website. The road test will be scheduled after you pass the written and vision tests.

Renewal fees and how long your new license lasts

Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five or ten years, depending on which you choose. A five-year license costs less than a ten-year license. The exact fee amounts change periodically, so check the Colorado DMV website or call your local office before you go in to renew.

When you renew, you can choose which length of validity you want. A longer license means you will not need to renew as often, but the upfront cost is higher. Either way, you pay the fee at the time of renewal, whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if I have changed my name?

No, you cannot use mail or online renewal if your name has changed. You must renew in person at a DMV office and bring proof of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring this document along with your identity and residency documents.

What if I lost my current license?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew by mail or online. Go to a DMV office in person and bring your identity and residency documents. You will be issued a replacement license, and you can renew it at the same time if it is close to expiration.

Do I need a new photo when I renew?

If you renew in person or by mail, the DMV will take a new photo or use your existing one. If you renew online, your current photo is kept. If you want a new photo and are renewing online, you will need to go to a DMV office instead.

How long does in-person renewal take at the DMV office?

In-person renewal usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how busy the office is. You receive your temporary license when ready and your permanent license by mail within two to three weeks. Making an appointment ahead of time can reduce your wait.

What if my address changed but I have not updated my license yet?

You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your new proof of residency along with your identity documents and current license. The DMV will update your address and issue your new license at the same time.