What SB251 Changed About Colorado License Renewal

Senate Bill 251, which took effect in Colorado in 2024, made significant changes to how you renew your driver license. The most important change: you can now renew online for your first renewal, and you have more time to complete the process before your license expires. Previously, most renewals required an in-person visit to a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office.

The law also extended the validity period for certain licenses and created a new pathway for people who cannot renew in person. If you're renewing a standard Colorado driver license for the first time, you now have options that didn't exist before SB251 passed.

This guide walks you through what SB251 means for your renewal and which path makes sense for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado driver licenses can now be renewed online for your first renewal, without visiting a DMV office in person.
  • You must renew before your license expires, but SB251 gives you a grace period to complete the process after expiration in some cases.
  • Online renewal requires a valid email address, your current license number, and proof of Colorado residency.
  • If you cannot renew online or in person, you may be able to use a remote notarization option under SB251.
  • Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and certain other license types still require in-person renewal at a DMV office.

Who Can Renew Online Under SB251

You can renew your Colorado driver license online if you hold a standard Class D license (the most common type for regular drivers) and it is your first renewal since the law took effect. You must also meet these conditions: your license must not be suspended or revoked, you must have a valid email address on file or be willing to provide one, and you must be a Colorado resident.

Online renewal is not available if you hold a commercial driver license (CDL), a motorcycle endorsement that requires testing, or a license that has been suspended or revoked. If any of these explore to you, you will need to renew in person at a DMV office or through another method outlined in SB251.

You also cannot renew online if your license has expired by more than a certain period — Colorado law sets this limit, so check the current rules on the Colorado DMV website or call your local office to confirm your may be able to access before you start the online process.

How to Renew Online Through the Colorado DMV

Start by visiting the Colorado DMV website and locating the online renewal portal. You will need your current driver license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The system will verify your identity using this information.

Next, you will be asked to confirm your address and provide a valid email address if one is not already on file. Review all information carefully — any errors here can delay your renewal. You will then answer questions about your health and driving record, similar to what you would answer on a paper renewal form.

Once you submit the form, you will receive a confirmation email. The Colorado DMV will process your renewal and mail your new license to your address on file. The entire process typically takes two to three weeks from submission to delivery, though this can vary depending on mail processing times.

In-Person Renewal at a Colorado DMV Office

If you cannot or do not want to renew online, you can still visit a Colorado DMV office in person. Bring your current driver license, proof of Colorado residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and your Social Security card or a document showing your Social Security number. Some offices accept appointments; others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

In-person renewal is faster than online renewal — you typically receive your new license on the spot or within a few days. However, you will need to take time to visit an office, and wait times vary by location and time of day. Check the Colorado DMV website to find the office nearest you and see current wait times before you go.

If you hold a CDL or another license type that requires in-person renewal, you must visit a DMV office. You may also need to pass a vision test or answer additional questions depending on your license type and how long it has been since your last renewal.

Remote Notarization and Other Options Under SB251

SB251 created a remote notarization option for people who cannot visit a DMV office or complete online renewal. This process allows you to have your renewal documents notarized remotely and submit them to the DMV. You will need to work with a Colorado notary public who offers remote services — these are available online and can notarize your documents through video call.

To use this option, contact the Colorado DMV to request the renewal forms and instructions for remote notarization. The DMV will tell you exactly what documents you need and how to submit them. This process takes longer than online renewal or in-person renewal, typically four to six weeks, because the DMV must receive and process your notarized documents by mail.

Remote notarization is most useful if you live outside Colorado temporarily, have mobility issues that prevent you from visiting an office, or have a work schedule that makes in-person renewal impossible. However, it is not available for all license types — CDLs and certain other licenses still require in-person renewal.

What to Do If Your License Expires Before You Renew

SB251 provides some protection if your license expires while your renewal is being processed. If you submitted your renewal process before your license expired, you may be able to drive legally while you wait for your new license to arrive in the mail. However, you must carry proof that you submitted your renewal — usually a confirmation email or receipt from the online portal.

Do not wait until your license expires to start the renewal process. Begin online or in-person renewal at least four to six weeks before your expiration date to avoid any gaps. If your license has already expired and you did not submit a renewal process before expiration, you cannot legally drive, and you will need to renew when ready.

If you are unsure whether your renewal was submitted in time or whether you have a grace period, contact the Colorado DMV directly. They can look up your renewal status and tell you whether you can drive legally while waiting for your new license.

License Types That Still Require In-Person Renewal

Even under SB251, certain license types cannot be renewed online or through remote notarization. Commercial driver licenses (CDLs) must be renewed in person at a Colorado DMV office, and you may need to pass a written test or skills test depending on your endorsements and how long since your last renewal.

Licenses with motorcycle endorsements that require a skills test, licenses that have been suspended or revoked, and licenses for drivers under 21 may also require in-person renewal. If you are unsure whether your license type qualifies for online renewal, check the Colorado DMV website or call your local office before you attempt to renew online.

The Colorado DMV can tell you in one phone call whether you are may be able to access for online renewal and which method is best for your situation. This is worth doing before you invest time in the online process, especially if your license has special endorsements or restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Online renewal under SB251 requires Colorado residency. If you have moved out of state, you will need to renew your license in your new state or contact the Colorado DMV about other options, such as remote notarization if you still have a Colorado address on file.

What happens if I submit my online renewal and then move before my new license arrives?

Contact the Colorado DMV when ready with your new address. They can update your mailing address on file so your new license is sent to the correct location. Do this as soon as you move to avoid your license being sent to an old address.

Do I need to take a new photo for online renewal?

No. Online renewal under SB251 uses your existing photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DMV office.

How much does online renewal cost compared to in-person renewal?

The renewal fee is the same whether you renew online or in person. Check the Colorado DMV website for the current fee, as it may change. You will pay this fee when you submit your online process or at the DMV office if you renew in person.

Can I renew my license early under SB251?

Yes. You can renew your license up to six months before it expires, whether you choose online or in-person renewal. Renewing early is a good idea if your expiration date is coming up and you want to avoid any gaps in your driving privileges.