How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

How to renew your Colorado driver's license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Colorado driver's license three ways: online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is fastest and costs $28.25 for a five-year license. You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If you can't renew online—because your license is expired by more than five years, you've changed your legal name, or you need a Real ID—you must visit a DMV office in person or use mail renewal if you're out of state. Mail renewal takes longer but works if your license expired within the last five years and you haven't changed your address or name.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the fastest option and takes 10 minutes, with your new license arriving in 7 to 10 business days.
You can renew by mail if your license expired within five years and you haven't changed your legal name or address, but the process takes 2 to 3 weeks.
In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you've changed your name, or you need a Real ID.
Your Colorado license is valid for five years from the date of issue, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
You'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and proof of Colorado residency for any renewal method.

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website

The Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal system is the simplest path if your license is current or expired less than five years ago. Go to the DMV's official website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and enter your license number and date of birth. The system will pull up your record and ask you to confirm your address, emergency contact, and organ donation status.

You'll pay $28.25 for a five-year renewal using a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The system accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. After you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation number by email. Your new physical license will arrive at the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your old license until the new one arrives.

Online renewal is not available if your license expired more than five years ago, you've changed your legal name since your last license was issued, you need to correct information on your license, or you're explore for a Real ID. In those cases, you must visit a DMV office.

Mail renewal for out-of-state residents or those with recent expiration

Mail renewal works only if your license expired within the last five years, your name and address haven't changed, and you don't need a Real ID. Request a renewal form by calling the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 or by visiting a DMV office to pick one up in person. You can also read the form from the Colorado Department of Revenue website.

Complete the form, sign it, and mail it with a copy of your current license and a check or money order for $28.25 to the address listed on the form. The Colorado DMV processes mail renewals in the order received. Your new license will arrive 2 to 3 weeks after the DMV receives your completed process. Mail your renewal at least four weeks before your license expires to avoid a gap in validity.

If you're renewing from outside Colorado, mail renewal is often your only option if you can't travel to a DMV office. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years or you need a Real ID, you'll need to visit a Colorado DMV office in person, even if you're out of state.

In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office

Visit a Colorado DMV office if your license expired more than five years ago, you've changed your legal name, you need to correct information on your license, or you're explore for a Real ID. Bring your current license, proof of Colorado residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If you've changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Colorado has DMV offices in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Pueblo, and Greeley, as well as smaller offices in other towns. Hours vary by location, but most are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some Saturday hours. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for the office nearest you and its current hours before you go.

In-person renewal takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You'll pay $28.25 for a five-year license in cash, by debit card, or by credit card. Your new license is printed on the spot, and you can use it when ready. The physical card is yours to take home.

Real ID requirements for Colorado driver's licenses

Colorado offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If you want to upgrade to a Real ID during renewal, you must do so in person at a DMV office.

To get a Real ID, bring your current license, proof of Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and a document proving your legal name and date of birth (passport, birth certificate, or certified court order). The cost is the same as a standard renewal: $28.25 for five years.

If you don't need a Real ID, you can keep renewing a standard license online or by mail. A standard license is valid for domestic travel by car, train, or bus, and for most everyday identification purposes. The choice is yours at each renewal.

What to do if your Colorado license has been expired for more than five years

If your license expired more than five years ago, the Colorado DMV treats your renewal as a new process. You cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person with your expired license, proof of Social Security number, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of your legal name and date of birth.

The in-person process is the same as a standard renewal—you'll complete a form, have your photo taken, and pay $28.25 for a five-year license. Your new license is printed on the spot. There is no additional fee or penalty for the long gap in validity, but you do have to go to the office rather than renewing remotely.

Renewal fees and payment methods in Colorado

A five-year Colorado driver's license renewal costs $28.25, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This is the standard fee as of 2024 and covers the license itself and processing. There are no additional fees for standard renewals.

Online renewal accepts debit cards, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), and electronic checks. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit cards, and credit cards. If you're paying by check or money order in the mail, make it out to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before it expires. This is useful if you're planning to travel or want to avoid the rush near your expiration date. The new license will be valid for five years from the date it's issued, not from your old expiration date.

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

Your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. You can continue using your old license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you must visit a DMV office in person to get it printed on the spot.

What if my address has changed since my last license?

If you've moved within Colorado, you can update your address during online renewal. If you've moved out of state or your address change is complex, visit a DMV office in person. Bring proof of your new Colorado residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license at a Colorado DMV office?

Appointments are not required at most Colorado DMV offices, but some locations offer them to reduce wait times. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for your local office's policy. Walk-ins are generally accepted, but arriving early in the day or mid-week may mean shorter waits.

What happens if my Colorado license expires while I'm waiting for my renewal?

If you've already submitted your renewal process (online, by mail, or in person), your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. If your license expires before you've started the renewal process, you cannot legally drive. Renew at least two weeks before your expiration date to avoid this gap.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.