Colorado driver's license renewal: what you need to know

Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Revenue office. Most people renew online through the Colorado DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.75 for a five-year license. You can renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had a name change, and you do not need to update your address or medical information. If any of those conditions do not explore to you, you will need to renew in person or by mail instead.

Your Colorado license is valid for five years from the date it was issued. The state will send you a reminder postcard about 60 days before expiration, 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 DMV website is the fastest option and works if your license is current and you have no name or address changes.
  • Renewing online costs $28.75 for a five-year license and takes about 10 minutes from your computer or phone.
  • If you need to change your address, name, or medical information, or if your license is already expired, you must renew in person or by mail.
  • Colorado licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
  • In-person renewal at a Department of Revenue office requires a current ID and proof of residence, and appointments are recommended but walk-ins are accepted.

Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website

Online renewal is available at dmv.colorado.gov. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your identity using information from your driver's license record and may ask security questions based on your personal history.

Once you complete the online form and pay the $28.75 fee, your renewal is processed when ready. Colorado will mail your new physical license to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to update your address before renewing, you must do that in person or by mail first.

Online renewal is not available if your license has been expired for more than one year, if you have a medical condition that affects your driving, or if you are under 21 years old. In those cases, you will need to renew in person.

Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office

Visit any Colorado Department of Revenue office to renew in person. You can find office locations and hours at dmv.colorado.gov. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residence (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and a valid payment method. If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than one year, bring your Social Security card as well.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You can book an appointment online through the DMV website, which is recommended during busy times, or walk in during office hours. The cost is $28.75 for a five-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready and your permanent license by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In-person renewal is required if you need to change your address, update your name, report a medical condition, or if your license has been expired for more than one year. It is also the only option if you do not have internet access or prefer to handle the transaction face-to-face.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail if your license is current and you do not need to make changes to your address or name. Request a mail renewal form by calling the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 or by visiting a DMV office in person. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for $28.75 made payable to "Colorado Department of Revenue," and mail it to the address provided on the form.

Mail renewal typically takes 3 to 4 weeks from the time the DMV receives your completed form. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file. During this time, you can continue to drive on your current license. Keep a copy of your mailed form or receipt for your records in case questions arise.

What to do if your license has expired

If your Colorado license has been expired for one year or less, you can renew it using any of the three methods above. If it has been expired for more than one year, you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of residence, and your Social Security card.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you could face a fine. If your license expired while you were out of state or unable to renew due to circumstances beyond your control, explain the situation to the DMV staff when you renew in person—they may be able to help you.

Changing your address or name during renewal

If you have moved to a new address in Colorado, you must update your address before or during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you will need to renew in person or by mail. At a DMV office, bring proof of your new residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days) along with your current license and payment.

If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you must renew in person. Bring your current license, a certified copy of the document that shows your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order), and proof of residence. The DMV will issue a new license with your updated name.

Costs and payment methods

A five-year Colorado driver's license renewal costs $28.75. This is the standard fee for all renewal methods. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit, credit cards, and checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order.

If you are renewing a license that has been expired for more than one year, there may be an additional late fee. Contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 to confirm the total cost before you renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if I have an out-of-state address?

No. Colorado requires you to have a Colorado address to hold a Colorado driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. If you still have a Colorado address (such as a family member's home), you can renew online or by mail using that address.

How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew?

After online or in-person renewal, your new physical license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 3 to 4 weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid until your permanent license arrives.

What if I lose my license before the new one arrives?

Contact the Colorado DMV when ready at 303-205-5600 or visit a DMV office to report the loss. You can request a replacement license, which costs $20. If your renewal was already in progress, the DMV can help you track your new license or issue a replacement if needed.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

Appointments are recommended but not required. You can book an appointment online at dmv.colorado.gov or call 303-205-5600. Walk-ins are accepted during office hours, though wait times may be longer during peak times.

Can I renew my license if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. You must resolve the suspension or revocation first by paying any fines, completing required courses, or meeting other conditions set by the court or DMV. Contact the Colorado DMV for details about your specific situation.