What You Need to Renew in Colorado
Colorado lets you renew your driver's license in person at a Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or online through the state's Express Renewal system. Which route you can use depends on your age, how long your license has been expired, and whether you have a REAL ID-compliant license.
Your current license must not be expired by more than five years. If it is, you must renew in person. If your license is current or expired less than five years, you can renew by mail or online — but online renewal is only available if your license is not expired yet and you have no address changes to make.
Colorado's renewal window opens 90 days before your expiration date. You can renew anytime during that window, and your new license will be valid for eight years from the date you renew (not from your old expiration date).
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through Colorado's Express Renewal system is the fastest option if your license is not yet expired and your address has not changed.
- Mail renewal takes about two to three weeks and works if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no address changes.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license expired more than five years ago, you are changing your address, or you need a REAL ID upgrade.
- Colorado driver's licenses are valid for eight years, and you can renew starting 90 days before your expiration date.
- A REAL ID-compliant license requires proof of citizenship or legal residency, so plan for a longer in-person visit if you do not have one yet.
Online Renewal Through Express Renewal
The Colorado DMV's Express Renewal system is the fastest way to renew if you meet the requirements. You can renew online if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you have no medical or legal holds on your record. The process takes about 10 minutes, and your new license will arrive by mail in five to seven business days.
To renew online, visit the Colorado DMV website, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and pay the renewal fee with a credit or debit card. The fee for an eight-year renewal is $31.50. You will receive a confirmation number and a temporary digital license that you can use when ready on your phone while you wait for the physical card.
Online renewal does not include a vision test or photo update. If you want a new photo or need to update your address, you must renew in person instead.
Mail Renewal for Expired or Expiring Licenses
You can renew by mail if your license expired less than five years ago and your address has not changed. The Colorado DMV will mail you a renewal form 90 days before your expiration date. Fill it out, include a check or money order for $31.50, and mail it back in the prepaid envelope provided.
Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your form. You will not receive a temporary license during this time, so plan ahead if you need to drive before your new license arrives. Your old license remains valid until the new one is issued, so you can continue to use it for identification and driving.
If you do not receive a renewal form in the mail, you can request one from the DMV website or call 303-205-5600. Do not wait until your license expires — mail it back as soon as you receive it to avoid delays.
In-Person Renewal at a DMV Office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, you are changing your address, you want to update your photo, or you need a REAL ID upgrade. Bring your current driver's license (or expired license if it is less than five years old), proof of your current address, and payment for the renewal fee.
Proof of address can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. If you are upgrading to a REAL ID, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship or legal residency — a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card. A REAL ID upgrade costs an additional $5.25 on top of the $31.50 renewal fee.
Visit the Colorado DMV website to find your nearest office and check wait times before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require an appointment. You can book an appointment online or by phone at 303-205-5600. The in-person visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes if you have all your documents.
REAL ID Compliance and What It Means for Renewal
A REAL ID is a federal standard that Colorado began issuing in 2017. It is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025. If your current license does not have a gold star in the top right corner, it is not REAL ID-compliant.
When you renew, you can upgrade to a REAL ID at the same time if you renew in person. You will need to bring proof of citizenship or legal residency — a passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card. A REAL ID license costs $5.25 more than a standard renewal and is valid for eight years, just like a regular license.
If you renew online or by mail, you cannot upgrade to a REAL ID at that time. You will need to visit a DMV office in person to add REAL ID compliance to your license. You can do this at any time after your renewal is complete.
Fees and Payment Methods
A standard eight-year driver's license renewal in Colorado costs $31.50. A REAL ID upgrade costs an additional $5.25, for a total of $36.75 if you are upgrading during renewal. These fees explore whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online and in-person renewals accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Mail renewal requires a check or money order. Do not send cash by mail. If you are renewing by mail and do not have a check or money order, you can renew online or in person instead.
What Happens If Your License Expires
Driving with an expired license in Colorado is a traffic violation. If you are pulled over, you can be cited and fined. An expired license also cannot be used for identification at banks, airports, or government offices.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online — you must renew in person at a DMV office. The process is the same as a standard in-person renewal, but you will need to bring all required documents and may need to retake the written test or vision test depending on how long it has been expired. Call the DMV at 303-205-5600 to ask what documents you will need before you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license online if my address changed?
No. Online renewal through Express Renewal only works if your address has not changed. If you moved, you must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail if your license expired less than five years ago and you include your new address on the renewal form.
How long does it take to get my license after I renew online?
Your new license arrives by mail in five to seven business days after you complete the online renewal. You will receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready that you can use to drive while you wait for the physical card.
Do I need a REAL ID to renew my driver's license?
No. A standard driver's license renewal does not require REAL ID. However, you will need a REAL ID to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025. You can upgrade to REAL ID during renewal if you renew in person and bring proof of citizenship or legal residency.
What if I lost my renewal form that came in the mail?
You can request a new form from the Colorado DMV website or call 303-205-5600. You can also renew online through Express Renewal if your license is not expired yet and your address has not changed.
Can I renew my license if it expired more than five years ago?
Yes, but only in person at a DMV office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment. The DMV may require you to retake the written or vision test depending on how long your license has been expired — call ahead to confirm what you need to bring.