You can renew an expired Colorado license by mail, online, or in person at a DMV office, depending on how long it has been expired and whether you need a new photo
Colorado allows you to renew an expired driver's license through three different routes. The fastest and easiest is online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you do not need a new photograph. Mail renewal takes about two weeks and works for licenses expired less than five years. If your license expired more than five years ago, you must renew in person at a DMV office, and you will need to pass the vision test and written exam again.
The method you choose depends on when your license expired and whether you want to update your photo. Online renewal is available 24 hours a day and costs $28.25. Mail renewal costs the same but requires you to mail documents and wait for processing. In-person renewal at a DMV office costs $28.25 and takes about 30 minutes, though you may need to schedule an appointment in advance.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado allows online renewal for licenses expired fewer than five years if you do not need a new photo and your address has not changed.
- Mail renewal takes approximately two weeks and costs $28.25, and works for licenses expired less than five years.
- In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago, and you must pass the vision test and written exam again.
- You can schedule a DMV appointment online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website to avoid waiting in line.
- Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days of approval, whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online Renewal for Recently Expired Licenses
Online renewal is the fastest option if your Colorado license expired fewer than five years ago and you do not need a new photograph. You do not need to visit a DMV office or mail any documents. Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue website, select the driver's license renewal option, and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information against state records.
You will need a valid payment method — debit card, credit card, or electronic check. The fee is $28.25. After you complete the transaction, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 10 business days. You cannot change your address online; if you have moved, you must renew by mail or in person.
Online renewal does not allow you to update your photograph. If you want a new photo on your license, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
Mail Renewal When You Cannot Visit an Office
Mail renewal works for licenses expired fewer than five years and takes about two weeks from the time the DMV receives your documents. read the Driver License Renewal by Mail form from the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Complete the form with your current information, sign it, and mail it along with a copy of a document that proves your current address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
Include a check or money order for $28.25 payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue. Mail the envelope to the address listed on the form. Do not mail cash. The DMV will process your renewal and mail your new license to the address you provided. Keep your confirmation number or a copy of what you mailed in case you need to track the status.
Mail renewal does not include a new photograph, so your current photo will appear on your renewed license. If you need a new photo, you must renew in person.
In-Person Renewal at a Colorado DMV Office
In-person renewal is required if your license expired more than five years ago. You must also renew in person if you want to update your photograph, change your address, or add or remove endorsements such as a motorcycle endorsement. Bring your expired driver's license, proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form).
You will take a new photograph at the DMV office. You will also pass a vision test. If your license has been expired more than five years, you must pass the written knowledge exam as well. The exam covers Colorado traffic laws and road signs. You can study using the Colorado Driver Handbook, available free on the Department of Revenue website.
Schedule an appointment online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted but may face longer delays, especially during peak hours. The fee is $28.25, paid at the time of renewal. Your new license will be mailed to you within 10 business days.
What Happens If Your License Expired More Than Five Years Ago
If your Colorado license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a new license. This means you must visit a DMV office in person, pass the vision test, and pass the written knowledge exam. You will need to bring proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address.
The written exam covers Colorado traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices. The Colorado Driver Handbook is the official study guide and is available free on the Department of Revenue website. You can also take practice tests online through the DMV website. Most people pass the exam on their first attempt if they study the handbook.
The fee for a new license is $28.25. Your license will be valid for eight years from the date of issue. You will receive your new license by mail within 10 business days of passing the exam.
Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Expired license number, date of birth, last four digits of SSN | $28.25 | 10 business days by mail |
| Completed renewal form, proof of address (dated within 60 days), check or money order | $28.25 | 2 weeks from receipt | |
| In-person (expired less than 5 years) | Expired license, proof of address, proof of SSN | $28.25 | 10 business days by mail |
| In-person (expired more than 5 years) | Proof of identity, proof of SSN, proof of address, pass vision and written exam | $28.25 | 10 business days by mail |
Common Mistakes That Delay Colorado License Renewal
The most common mistake is mailing documents without a proof of address. Colorado requires a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. A utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work. A credit card statement or insurance document does not. If you mail your renewal without this document, the DMV will send your process back, adding two weeks to the process.
Another frequent error is sending cash in the mail. The DMV will not process a renewal if you include cash. Use a check or money order only. Write the check to the Colorado Department of Revenue.
If you are renewing by mail and your address has changed, make sure the proof of address document you include matches the address you write on the renewal form. If they do not match, the DMV may reject the process.
For in-person renewal, bring the correct proof of Social Security number. A Social Security card works, but so does a W-2 form or 1099 form. A birth certificate or passport does not count as proof of your Social Security number in Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired Colorado license while my renewal is being processed?
No. Once your license expires, you cannot legally drive. If you are renewing online or by mail, your new license will not arrive for 10 business days or more. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you must renew in person at a DMV office and request a temporary paper license, which is valid for 30 days.
What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it for renewal?
You can still renew online or by mail without your physical license. For online renewal, you will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not remember your license number, you can call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 to look it up. For mail renewal, you do not need the physical license — just the completed form and proof of address.
Do I have to renew in person if I want to change my address?
Yes. Online and mail renewal do not allow address changes. You must visit a DMV office in person to update your address on your driver's license. Bring your expired license, proof of your new address, and proof of your Social Security number.
How long is a renewed Colorado driver's license valid?
A renewed license is valid for eight years from the date of issue. Your new expiration date will be printed on the front of your license. Set a reminder about six months before the expiration date so you have time to renew before it expires.
Can I renew my Colorado license if I am out of state?
Yes. Online renewal works from anywhere as long as your license expired fewer than five years ago. Mail renewal also works from out of state — send your documents to the address on the renewal form. If you need to renew in person and are out of state, you must visit a Colorado DMV office when you return to the state, or you can contact the DMV to ask about reciprocal agreements with your current state.