How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

What you need to know about Colorado driver's license renewals

Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office — and which method you can use depends on how much time is left before your license expires. If your license is not yet expired, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If it has already expired, you must renew in person. The renewal process itself is straightforward: you'll pay a fee, verify your information, and receive your new license by mail or in hand.

Your Colorado driver's license is valid for five years from the date of issue. The state sends renewal notices to your mailing address about 60 days before expiration, but you don't have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Colorado offers online and mail renewal for unexpired licenses, and both methods take about two to three weeks for your new license to arrive.
If your license has already expired, you must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office and cannot use online or mail options.
The renewal fee is $28.75 for a five-year license, and you'll need to provide your current license number and verify your address.
You can renew up to one year before your license expires, so you don't have to wait until the last moment.
If your address, name, or other information has changed, you may need to visit a DMV office in person instead of using online or mail renewal.

Renewing online through the Colorado DMV website

Online renewal is the fastest option if your license has not yet expired. Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license renewal page, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts to verify your current information. You'll confirm your address, review your license details, and pay the $28.75 renewal fee using a credit or debit card.

After you submit your online renewal, the Colorado DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes two to three weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. Online renewal is available only if your license is not expired and you have not changed your name, address, or other key information since your last renewal.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal works the same way as online renewal in terms of timing and may be able to access — your license must not be expired, and your information must not have changed. To renew by mail, contact the Colorado DMV to request a renewal form, or read the form from the state website. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $28.75 to the address provided on the form.

Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal because of postal delays on both ends. Plan for four to six weeks from the time you mail your process until your new license arrives. Like online renewal, you can continue driving on your current license during this time.

Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office

You must renew in person if your license has expired, or if you have changed your name, address, or other information since your last renewal. Visit your local Colorado DMV office with your current license (or expired license), proof of your current address, and payment for the $28.75 renewal fee. Bring a document that shows your name and address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.

In-person renewal is faster than mail or online in one sense: you walk out with a temporary paper license that is valid when ready while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Your new license will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you have changed your name, you'll also need to bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

What to do if your license has already expired

Once your Colorado driver's license expires, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and the $28.75 renewal fee. You'll receive a temporary paper license on the spot that is valid for driving while your permanent license is being printed.

Driving with an expired license can result in a traffic citation, so renewing as soon as possible after expiration is important. The in-person process itself is the same as any other in-person renewal — you verify your information, pay the fee, and receive your temporary license when ready.

Fees and what to bring

The renewal fee for a five-year Colorado driver's license is $28.75. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. If you are renewing in person, bring your current or expired license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement from the last 60 days), and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card — accepted payment methods vary by office, so call ahead if you're unsure.

If you have changed your name since your last renewal, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change. If you have changed your address, bring proof of your new address. If you are renewing online or by mail and your information has not changed, you only need your current license number and the renewal fee.

Finding a Colorado DMV office near you

Colorado has DMV offices in most counties and larger cities. To find the office nearest you, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue website and use their office locator tool. You can search by city or county, and the tool will show you the address, phone number, and hours for each office. Some offices require appointments, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis — call ahead to confirm before you visit.

Wait times at DMV offices vary by location and time of day. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter waits than visiting on Friday afternoons or the first of the month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado driver's license if I'm out of state?

Yes. If your license has not expired, you can renew online or by mail from anywhere. If your license has expired, you must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office, so you would need to visit when you're back in the state or arrange for someone else to handle it on your behalf.

What happens if I renew online but my information is wrong?

If you notice an error after submitting your online renewal, contact the Colorado DMV when ready. Depending on what was wrong and how far along your renewal is, they may be able to correct it before your license is printed. If the license has already been mailed, you can visit a DMV office to request a correction.

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

No. For standard online and mail renewals, Colorado uses your photo from your previous license. You only need a new photo if you're renewing in person and the DMV determines your previous photo is no longer acceptable — this is rare and usually happens only if your photo is damaged or very old.

How long is my temporary paper license valid?

Your temporary paper license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. Your permanent license should arrive by mail within two to three weeks, so the temporary license covers you until then. If your permanent license does not arrive within 30 days, contact the Colorado DMV.

Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?

Colorado does not block license renewals based on unpaid traffic fines or tickets. You can renew your license regardless of outstanding traffic violations, though the state may pursue collection of unpaid fines separately.

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.