Colorado Driver License Renewal: What You Need to Know

Colorado allows you to renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Revenue office. Which method you use depends on your license type, how much time you have before expiration, and whether you need to update your address or other information. Most people renew online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a five-year license.

Your Colorado license expires on your birthday. You can renew it up to one year before that date, and you have a grace period of up to 30 days after expiration to renew without penalty. After 30 days past expiration, you must renew in person and may face additional requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the fastest option and works for most drivers whose licenses are not suspended or revoked.
  • You must renew in person if your license has been suspended, revoked, or if you need to change your address, name, or other personal information.
  • A standard five-year license renewal costs $28.25; a ten-year license costs $56.50 and is available only to drivers age 21 and older.
  • You can renew up to one year before your birthday and have 30 days after expiration before you must renew in person.
  • If you renew online, your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days; you can drive on your expired license until the new one arrives.

Online Renewal Through the Colorado Department of Revenue

Online renewal is available at dmv.colorado.gov and is the fastest and most common route. You will need your current Colorado driver license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The fee is $28.25 for a five-year renewal or $56.50 for a ten-year renewal if you are age 21 or older.

To renew online, log into your account on the Colorado DMV website, verify your personal information, select your license type and renewal period, and pay the fee. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is not available if your license is suspended, revoked, or if you have an outstanding warrant or court order.

If you need to change your address, name, or other personal information, you cannot do this online. You must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office and bring documents that support the change.

In-Person Renewal at a Colorado DMV Office

You must renew in person if your license is suspended or revoked, if you need to update your personal information, or if you have not renewed within the past 30 days after expiration. In-person renewal takes place at any Colorado Department of Revenue office. You can find the office nearest you and check wait times at dmv.colorado.gov.

Bring your current Colorado driver license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the past 60 days), and your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number. If you are changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that supports the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are changing your address, bring a document that shows your new address.

The fee for in-person renewal is the same as online: $28.25 for five years or $56.50 for ten years. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can drive on the temporary license when ready.

Renewal by Mail

Mail renewal is available only if you meet specific conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must not have any outstanding warrants or court orders, and you must not need to change your personal information. To renew by mail, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613 or visit dmv.colorado.gov to request a mail renewal form.

Complete the form, include a check or money order for $28.25 (five-year) or $56.50 (ten-year), and mail it to the address provided on the form. Mail renewal takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the Department of Revenue receives your form. You can continue to drive on your expired license during this time.

What Happens If Your License Expires

You have a 30-day grace period after your license expires. During this time, you can still drive, but you should renew as soon as possible. If you renew within 30 days of expiration, you can renew online or by mail if you meet the conditions for those methods.

After 30 days past expiration, you must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. You will need to bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Driving with an expired license after the 30-day grace period is a traffic violation and can result in a fine.

License Types and Renewal Options

Colorado offers several license types, and the renewal process is the same for all of them: standard driver licenses, commercial driver licenses (CDL), and motorcycle endorsements. However, if you hold a CDL, you must renew in person and may need to pass a medical examination depending on your endorsement type. If you hold a motorcycle endorsement, you can renew online or by mail if you meet the standard conditions.

If you are renewing a license with a REAL ID designation (marked with a gold star), the renewal process is the same, and your new license will also have the REAL ID designation as long as your documents are still valid. REAL ID licenses are required for federal air travel and entry to federal buildings.

Fees and Payment Methods

The renewal fee for a standard Colorado driver license is $28.25 for a five-year license or $56.50 for a ten-year license. The ten-year option is available only to drivers age 21 and older. You can pay by debit card or credit card for online renewal, or by check or money order for mail renewal. In-person renewal accepts cash, debit, credit, and check.

If you are renewing a commercial driver license, the fee is higher and depends on your endorsement type. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue for specific CDL renewal fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if I have moved out of state?

No. You must have a Colorado address to hold a Colorado driver license. If you have moved out of state, you must surrender your Colorado license and obtain a license from your new state. You can mail your Colorado license to the Department of Revenue or turn it in at any DMV office.

What if my name has changed since my last renewal?

You must renew in person and bring a certified copy of the document that supports the change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. You cannot change your name online or by mail. Bring your current license, the name-change document, proof of residency, and your Social Security card.

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

Your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your expired license until the new one arrives. If you need your license sooner, you can renew in person and receive a temporary paper license on the spot.

Can I renew my license if it has been suspended?

No. You cannot renew online or by mail if your license is suspended or revoked. You must contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to resolve the suspension before you can renew. Call 303-205-5613 or visit dmv.colorado.gov to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take.

What if I miss my renewal important date by more than 30 days?

You must renew in person at a Colorado Department of Revenue office. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and your Social Security card. Driving with an expired license after the 30-day grace period is a traffic violation and can result in a fine.