Colorado driver license renewal: what you need to know

Colorado allows you to renew your driver license in person at a DMV office, by mail, or online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website — but which method you can use depends on your license type and how long it has been expired. Standard licenses can be renewed up to one year before expiration or up to two years after expiration. If your license is expired by more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test. The renewal fee is $28.75 for a four-year license or $43.75 for an eight-year license, paid at the time of renewal.

The Colorado DMV processes most in-person renewals the same day you visit. Mail renewals typically take two to three weeks. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access — you can complete it in minutes from home, though you will still need to visit a DMV office within 30 days to have your photo taken and receive your physical card.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado offers three renewal paths: online (fastest but requires in-person photo visit within 30 days), by mail (two to three weeks), or in person at a DMV office (same day).
  • You can renew online or by mail only if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have not had certain violations or medical suspensions in the past five years.
  • The renewal fee is $28.75 for a four-year license or $43.75 for an eight-year license, and you must bring proof of residency and identity to any in-person visit.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may be required to retake the written knowledge test.
  • Colorado does not require a vision test for standard license renewal unless you are over 61 years old or renewing after a medical suspension.

Online renewal: fastest option with a required in-person step

The Colorado DMV online renewal system is available through the Department of Revenue website and is the quickest way to start the process. You will need your current driver license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will verify your information against state records and confirm your may be able to access in real time.

Online renewal is available only if your license is not currently expired, has not been expired for more than two years, and you have not had a medical suspension, DUI conviction, or certain traffic violations within the past five years. If you meet these requirements, you can complete the renewal in five to ten minutes and pay the fee by debit or credit card.

After you complete the online renewal, you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days. You must visit a Colorado DMV office within that 30-day window to have your photo taken and pick up your permanent plastic license. If you do not visit within 30 days, your temporary license expires and you will need to start the renewal process over.

Mail renewal: no office visit required, but slower processing

Mail renewal is available if your license is not expired by more than two years and you have no medical suspensions or certain violations on your record in the past five years. You will need to complete the process for Driver License or Identification Card (Form DL-43), which you can read from the Colorado DMV website or request by phone.

Include with your process a copy of your current driver license (front and back), proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the form — currently the Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver License Section, in Denver. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet.

Mail renewal does not require a new photo, so the DMV will use your existing photo from your current license. Your renewed license will be mailed to the address on file. If your address has changed, update it on the process before mailing, or call the DMV to change it after renewal.

In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office

In-person renewal is required if your license has been expired for more than two years, if you are renewing after a medical suspension, or if you do not meet the requirements for online or mail renewal. You can also choose in-person renewal at any time if you prefer to walk out with your license the same day.

Bring your current driver license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or other state ID), and proof of residency (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days). If your name has changed since your last license, bring a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change. The DMV will take a new photo during your visit.

Visit any Colorado DMV office during business hours — most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website. Most in-person renewals are completed within 30 minutes to one hour, and you will receive your new license before you leave.

Documents and fees: what to bring and what it costs

The renewal fee in Colorado is $28.75 for a four-year license or $43.75 for an eight-year license. You can pay by cash, debit card, or credit card at any DMV office. For mail renewal, send a check or money order. Online renewal accepts debit or credit card only.

For any renewal method, you will need to provide proof of identity and proof of residency. Acceptable proof of identity includes a valid passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, or another state ID. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government document showing your current Colorado address, dated within the past 60 days.

If you are renewing after your license has been expired for more than two years, you may be required to pass the written knowledge test again. The DMV will notify you at the time of renewal if this applies to your situation. If you need to retake the test, you will take it at the DMV office during your in-person visit, and there is no additional fee.

Vision testing and medical requirements

Colorado does not require a vision test for standard driver license renewal unless you are 61 years old or older. If you are over 61, you must pass a vision screening at the time of renewal — the DMV will conduct this at the office, or you can bring a vision test completed by an eye care professional within the past 60 days.

If you have a medical suspension on your record or are renewing after a period of medical suspension, you must renew in person and may be required to provide medical documentation or pass additional tests. Contact the Colorado DMV before your visit if you have questions about medical requirements for your specific situation.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is attempting online renewal when you are not may be able to access — the system will reject your process if your license has been expired for more than two years or if you have certain violations on your record. Check your may be able to access before starting the online process to avoid wasting time.

For mail renewal, the second most common error is forgetting to include proof of residency or using a document that is too old (more than 60 days). Double-check that your utility bill or lease is dated within the past two months before you mail your packet.

If you choose online renewal, remember that your temporary paper license is valid for only 30 days. Mark your calendar for your DMV office visit to have your photo taken — if you miss the important date, you will need to start over. Also, do not assume your address is current in the system; if you have moved recently, update your address before you renew or bring proof of your new address to your in-person photo visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if it expired more than two years ago?

Yes, but only in person at a DMV office. You may also be required to retake the written knowledge test. Online and mail renewal are not available if your license has been expired for more than two years.

What if I do not have proof of residency?

You will need to bring a document dated within the past 60 days showing your current Colorado address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement. If you cannot provide this, contact the Colorado DMV before your visit to ask about alternative documents they may accept.

How long does it take to get my license after I renew online?

You receive a temporary paper license when ready after completing the online renewal. You must visit a DMV office within 30 days to have your photo taken and pick up your permanent plastic license, which you will receive before you leave the office.

Do I need a new photo if I renew by mail?

No. Mail renewal uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

What happens if I let my license expire while I am out of state?

You can still renew by mail or online if your license has not been expired for more than two years and you meet other may be able to access requirements. If it has been expired for more than two years, you will need to return to Colorado to renew in person at a DMV office.