Colorado driver's license renewal: online, by mail, or in person
You can renew your Colorado driver's license through three routes: online at the Colorado Department of Revenue website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. The online method is fastest and available to most drivers whose licenses are not expired more than one year. If you cannot renew online, the mail option takes about two to three weeks, while an in-person visit at a local DMV office gives you a new license the same day.
Colorado issues licenses that are valid for five years from your birth date. You will receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for it to start the renewal process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website works for most drivers and takes about 10 minutes if your license is not expired more than one year.
- You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
- Mail renewal is an option if you have not had any address changes, violations, or medical suspensions, and it takes two to three weeks.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office requires an appointment in most counties and you must bring your current license plus proof of residency.
- Colorado charges a renewal fee that varies based on your license type and whether you choose a standard or REAL ID-compliant license.
Renewing online through the Colorado Department of Revenue
The Colorado Department of Revenue website lets you renew online if your license is not expired more than one year and you meet a few other conditions. You cannot renew online if you have had any address changes since your last license was issued, if you have had a medical suspension, or if you have any violations or holds on your record.
To renew online, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license renewal page. You will need your current license number, your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The process takes about 10 minutes. After you complete it, your new license will be mailed to the address on file, usually within 7 to 10 business days.
If the online system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will explain why and direct you to either the mail or in-person renewal option.
Renewing by mail
Mail renewal works if you have not moved since your last license was issued, have no violations or holds, and have not had a medical suspension. You cannot renew by mail if your license is expired more than one year.
To renew by mail, you must request a mail renewal form from the Colorado Department of Revenue. You can do this by calling the DMV at 303-205-5600 or by visiting a local DMV office. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. Your new license will be mailed to you after approval.
Keep your old license until you receive the new one. If your mail renewal is denied, the DMV will contact you and explain what you need to do next, which usually means visiting an office in person.
Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office
You can renew your license at any Colorado DMV office. Most counties now require an appointment, which you can schedule online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website or by calling 303-205-5600. Walk-in service is available in some locations but wait times can be long, so scheduling ahead is recommended.
Bring your current Colorado driver's license and one document that proves your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If your address has changed since your last license, bring two documents: one showing your old address and one showing your new address.
The renewal fee is paid at the office, and you will receive your new license the same day. You can choose a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license, which costs more but is required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings starting in 2025.
Understanding Colorado license types and fees
Colorado offers two types of licenses: a standard driver's license and a REAL ID-compliant license. A standard license costs less but cannot be used for domestic air travel or entry to federal facilities after May 7, 2025. A REAL ID license meets federal identification standards and can be used for these purposes.
The renewal fee depends on which type you choose and whether you are renewing online, by mail, or in person. Fees vary and can change, so check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for current pricing before you renew. If you renew online or by mail, the fee is charged to your payment method at the time you submit your process. If you renew in person, you pay at the office.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you may not be able to renew and may instead need to reapply as a new driver, which involves a written test and a road test. Contact the Colorado DMV to find out which path applies to your situation.
What to do if your license is already expired
If your Colorado license is expired by one year or less, you can still renew using any of the three methods. If it is expired more than one year, you cannot renew and must reapply as a new driver. This means you will need to pass the written test and the road test again.
To find out whether you can renew or must reapply, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 or visit a local office. They can tell you based on your specific situation. If you must reapply, the DMV staff can explain the steps and what documents you need to bring.
Changing your address or name during renewal
If your address has changed since your last license was issued, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license and two documents showing your address change: one with your old address and one with your new address.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you also must renew in person. Bring your current license and a certified copy of the document that shows your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your record and issue a new license with your current name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license before it expires?
Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. The Colorado Department of Revenue will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before the expiration date, but you do not have to wait for it. You can start the renewal process anytime within that one-year window.
What if I lost my license and need to renew?
If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person to report it and get a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. The DMV will issue a new license with the same expiration date as your old one, and you will pay a replacement fee.
How long does it take to get my renewed license after I submit online?
After you complete online renewal, your new license is mailed to the address on file and usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Mail times can vary depending on your location. You can continue to drive using your old license until the new one arrives.
Do I need a REAL ID license to drive in Colorado?
A standard Colorado driver's license is sufficient for driving within the state and for state identification. However, starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another federal ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you plan to fly domestically, renew to a REAL ID license during your next renewal.
What happens if I renew online but the system rejects my process?
If the online system cannot process your renewal, it will tell you why and direct you to renew by mail or in person. Common reasons include an address change, a violation on your record, or an expired license that is more than one year old. Follow the instructions provided, or call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 for guidance.