Documents and information you must bring to renew
Colorado requires you to bring your current driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of Colorado residency. Your current license serves as your identity document if it is still valid. If your license has expired more than five years ago, you will need a separate form of ID — a passport, passport card, or military ID.
For proof of residency, bring one document dated within the last 60 days showing your current Colorado address. Acceptable documents include a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or bank statement. A government-issued ID with your current address also works. If you have changed your name since your last license, bring a certified copy of the document that changed your name — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
You do not need to bring your Social Security card, but you must know your Social Security number. Bring your current Colorado address and any phone number or email address you want on file.
Key Takeaways
- Your current Colorado driver's license, proof of identity, and proof of residency dated within 60 days are the three documents you must bring in person.
- If your license expired more than five years ago, you need a passport, passport card, or military ID instead of using your license as proof of identity.
- Colorado offers online renewal for most drivers whose licenses expire within the next six months, which costs less and requires no documents in person.
- The in-person renewal fee is $31.50 for a five-year license or $63.00 for a ten-year license, and you must visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles office.
- If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that changed it — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
When you can renew online instead of in person
Colorado allows online renewal through its Express Renewal system if your license expires within the next six months and you meet certain conditions. You must have a valid Colorado license, a Social Security number on file with the state, and a valid email address. You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or if you have an active medical condition that requires a medical certificate.
Online renewal costs $21.50 for a five-year license or $43.00 for a ten-year license — $10 less than in-person renewal. You complete the process on the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles website, pay by credit or debit card, and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You do not need to bring any documents or visit an office.
If you do not meet the conditions for online renewal, or if you prefer to renew in person, you must visit a Division of Motor Vehicles office with your documents.
Step-by-step process for in-person renewal
Step 1: Gather your documents. Collect your current Colorado driver's license, proof of identity (if your license expired more than five years ago), and proof of residency dated within 60 days. If you changed your name, include the certified document that changed it.
Step 2: Find your nearest DMV office. Visit the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles website and use the office locator tool to find the office closest to you. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. Check the office hours and whether you need to book ahead.
Step 3: Arrive with your documents and payment. Bring all required documents and either cash or a card. The fee is $31.50 for a five-year license or $63.00 for a ten-year license. You will be called to a window, where staff will check your documents, take a new photo, and process your renewal.
Step 4: Receive your temporary license. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. Your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
How to renew if your license is expired or suspended
If your Colorado license expired fewer than five years ago, you can renew it using the same process as a current license — bring your expired license as proof of identity, along with proof of residency and payment. If your license expired more than five years ago, it is no longer valid as proof of identity, and you must bring a passport, passport card, or military ID instead.
If your license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first resolve the reason for the suspension or revocation — usually by paying outstanding fines, completing a required course, or meeting other conditions set by the court or the Division of Motor Vehicles. Contact the Division of Motor Vehicles directly to learn what you must do before you can renew.
Medical certificates and vision requirements
Most drivers do not need a medical certificate to renew. However, if you are 61 years old or older, or if the Division of Motor Vehicles has flagged your record for a medical condition, you may be required to submit a medical certificate signed by a licensed physician. The certificate confirms that you are physically able to drive safely.
Colorado also requires a vision test at renewal. The Division of Motor Vehicles will test your vision at the office when you renew in person. If you renew online, you must have had a vision test within the past 12 months — the office will ask about this during the online process. If you have not had a recent vision test, you must renew in person so the office can test your vision before issuing your new license.
What happens if you renew late or let your license expire
If you renew your license after it expires, you can still renew it as long as it expired fewer than five years ago. You pay the same fee and follow the same process. However, you cannot legally drive until your new license arrives, so plan ahead and renew before your expiration date.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, the Division of Motor Vehicles treats it as a new license process rather than a renewal. You will need to pass a written test, a vision test, and a driving test. You will also need to bring additional documents — a birth certificate or passport, proof of Social Security number, and proof of residency. This process takes longer and costs more than a standard renewal, so renewing before your license expires is much simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license by mail?
No. Colorado does not offer mail-in renewal. You can renew online through Express Renewal if you meet the conditions, or you must renew in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles office. Online renewal is faster and cheaper than in-person renewal if you are may be able to access.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Colorado DMV office?
It depends on the office. Some offices accept walk-ins during certain hours; others require an appointment. Check the office locator on the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles website to see the policy for your nearest office. If appointments are required and you do not have one, you may wait a long time or be turned away.
What if I changed my name but do not have a certified copy of the document?
You must bring a certified copy — a photocopy certified by the court, county clerk, or the agency that issued the original document. A notarized copy is not sufficient. Contact the court or county clerk where the name change occurred to request a certified copy. This usually costs $5 to $15 and takes a few days.
How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?
Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days after you renew. You receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait. If your permanent license does not arrive within 10 business days, contact the Division of Motor Vehicles to check the status.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Yes, you can renew your license even if you have an unpaid ticket or fine. However, if you do not pay the fine, the court may eventually suspend your license. Renewing does not clear unpaid fines — you must pay them separately to the court.