Colorado driver's license renewal steps and timelines
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which option you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a Real ID, and how soon you need the new one. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require an in-person visit.
Your Colorado driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. The Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration. You do not have to wait for that notice to renew — you can start the process any time in the 180 days before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado offers online renewal through the DMV website for most drivers whose licenses are still valid and who do not need a Real ID.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.75; your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If you need a Real ID or your license is expired, you must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office with proof of identity, residency, and Social Security number.
- Mail-in renewal is available for some drivers but takes longer than online renewal and requires mailing documents to the state.
- You can drive on an expired license for up to 30 days after expiration while waiting for your renewed license to arrive.
Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers
Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is the quickest and easiest path if your current license is valid and you do not need a Real ID. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.75.
After you complete the online form and pay, the DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. While you wait, you can drive legally on your expired license for up to 30 days after the expiration date printed on your old license. If you need your new license faster, you cannot expedite an online renewal — you must renew in person instead.
Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have had a name change since your last renewal, or if you need to add a Real ID star to your license. In those cases, you must visit a DMV office in person.
In-person renewal: required for Real ID and expired licenses
You must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you need a Real ID, or if you have changed your name since your last renewal. In-person renewal takes longer than online renewal but is sometimes necessary.
Bring your current driver's license or state ID, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form), and proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 90 days). If you are renewing a Real ID for the first time, you will also need to bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and proof of legal presence in the United States (passport, visa, or employment authorization document).
Real ID renewal costs $28.75, the same as a standard renewal. The DMV mails your new license to you within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive before it arrives, you can request an interim license at the office, which is valid for 30 days and lets you drive while you wait for the permanent one.
Mail-in renewal: slower but available in some cases
Colorado offers mail-in renewal for drivers whose licenses are still valid and who do not need a Real ID. You request a renewal form from the DMV, fill it out, and mail it back with a check or money order for $28.75. This option takes longer than online renewal because of mail delivery time in both directions.
Mail-in renewal typically takes three to four weeks total, compared to 7 to 10 days for online renewal. You will need to include a copy of your current driver's license with your mailed form. If you choose this route, send your materials to the address listed on the DMV website for your region, as Colorado has multiple processing centers.
What happens if your license has expired
If your license expired more than 30 days ago, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring the same documents you would bring for an in-person Real ID renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, proof of residency, your birth certificate, and proof of legal presence.
Expired licenses that have been expired for more than one year may require you to retake the written knowledge test and vision test, depending on how long ago they expired. Call your local DMV office before you go to confirm what tests you will need. You can find your local office and its phone number on the Colorado DMV website.
Real ID vs. standard license: what you need to know
Colorado's Real ID is a driver's license with a gold star in the upper right corner. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID or another federally approved form of ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. A standard Colorado driver's license without the star will no longer be accepted for those purposes.
If your current license does not have the gold star and you fly or visit federal buildings, you should renew to a Real ID before May 2025. Real ID renewal requires an in-person visit and proof of legal presence in the United States, which means bringing your passport, visa, or employment authorization document. The cost is the same as a standard renewal ($28.75), but the process takes longer because of the additional documents and verification.
If you do not fly domestically or visit federal buildings, you can keep renewing to a standard license without the Real ID star. Colorado will continue to issue standard licenses to drivers who do not want or need Real ID.
Colorado DMV office locations and wait times
Colorado has DMV offices in most counties. You can find your nearest office, hours, and current wait times on the Colorado DMV website. Some offices are busier than others, and wait times vary by time of day and day of week. Weekday mornings typically have shorter waits than afternoons or weekends.
You do not need an appointment for most renewals, but some offices offer appointment scheduling. Check your local office's website to see if appointments are available in your area. If you are renewing in person, plan to spend 20 to 45 minutes at the office depending on how busy it is and whether you need additional tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I live out of state now?
No. Colorado requires you to be a resident to hold a Colorado driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a license from your new state. If you still have a Colorado address on file and have moved temporarily, contact your local DMV office to discuss your situation.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person and bring legal proof of your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot renew online or by mail if your name has changed. Bring your current license, the name change document, and the other documents required for in-person renewal.
How long can I drive on an expired Colorado license?
You can drive on an expired license for up to 30 days after the expiration date printed on it, as long as you have started the renewal process. After 30 days, you cannot drive legally. If your license expired more than one year ago, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written and vision tests.
Can I get my new license faster than 7 to 10 days?
If you renew in person, you can request an interim license at the office, which is valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive by mail. Online and mail-in renewals cannot be expedited. If you need your license when ready, in-person renewal with an interim license is your only option.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal?
For online and mail-in renewal, the DMV uses your photo from your current license. For in-person renewal, the DMV takes a new photo. If you want a new photo for an online renewal, you must renew in person instead.