How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

Colorado driver's licenses renew every 10 years, and you can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office

Colorado gives you three ways to renew: online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website (the fastest option), by mail if you prefer not to visit an office, or in person at any Driver's License office. Which route you take depends on whether your license is still valid, whether your information has changed, and how quickly you need the new one. Most people renew online and receive their license in the mail within two to three weeks.

Your Colorado license is valid for 10 years from the date it was issued. You can renew it up to one year before it expires, so you do not have to wait until the last moment. If your license has already expired, you can still renew by mail or in person, but you cannot renew online — you will need to visit a Driver's License office instead.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is available if your current license is still valid and you have not changed your name, address, or other key information.
If you have moved, changed your name, or your license is expired, you must renew in person at a Driver's License office or by mail.
The online process takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a standard 10-year license; your new license arrives by mail in two to three weeks.
In-person renewal at a Driver's License office requires your current license, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of Social Security number, and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.
Mail renewal takes longer (four to six weeks) but works if you cannot visit an office or prefer not to use the online system.

Renewing online through the Colorado Department of Revenue

Online renewal is the quickest and most straightforward path if your license is still valid and nothing about your identity or address has changed. Go to the Colorado Department of Revenue's online renewal portal, enter your driver's license number and date of birth, and follow the prompts. You will need to upload a new photo or use an existing one from your file. The fee is $28.25 for a standard 10-year license, paid by debit or credit card.

After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Your new license is printed and mailed to the address on file, arriving in two to three weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives. If you need to check the status of your renewal, you can use your confirmation number on the same portal.

You cannot renew online if your license has expired, if you have changed your name, if you have moved and need to update your address, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). In any of those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

Renewing in person at a Colorado Driver's License office

In-person renewal is required if your license is expired, if you have changed your name or address, or if you want a new photo taken on the spot. Visit any Driver's License office in Colorado with your current license (or expired license), proof of Colorado residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. Proof of Social Security number can be your Social Security card, W-2, or 1099 form.

The staff will take a new photo, verify your information, and process your renewal on the spot. You will pay $28.25 for a standard 10-year license. You will receive a temporary paper license when ready that is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your new license typically arrives within two to three weeks.

Wait times at Driver's License offices vary by location and time of day. Offices in larger cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins tend to be busier during lunch hours and late afternoon. Visiting early in the morning or mid-week often means shorter waits. You can check current wait times on the Colorado Department of Revenue website before you go.

Renewing by mail

Mail renewal is an option if you cannot visit an office in person. Request a mail renewal form from the Colorado Department of Revenue by calling 303-205-5600 or by visiting a Driver's License office. Fill out the form, include a copy of your current driver's license (front and back), and mail it along with a check or money order for $28.25 to the address provided on the form.

Mail renewal takes four to six weeks from the time the Department receives your packet. There is no way to track your process while it is in the mail, so allow extra time if your license is expiring soon. If you are renewing because your license has expired, mail renewal will take longer than in-person renewal, so plan ahead.

What happens if your Colorado license expires

If your license expires before you renew it, you cannot drive legally in Colorado or anywhere else. Driving on an expired license can result in a traffic ticket and a fine. You can still renew an expired license, but you must do so in person at a Driver's License office or by mail — the online system will not accept an expired license.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, Colorado may require you to retake the written test and vision test in addition to paying the renewal fee. Check with your local Driver's License office to confirm what you will need to bring if your license has been expired for an extended period.

Renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL) in Colorado

Commercial driver's licenses cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at a Driver's License office. Bring your current CDL, proof of Colorado residency, and proof of your Social Security number, just as you would for a standard license renewal. You will also need to pass a medical examination performed by a certified medical examiner and provide the Medical Examiner's Certificate (MCSA-5875) to the office.

The renewal fee for a CDL is $28.25, the same as a standard license. The process takes longer than a standard renewal because of the medical examination requirement, so plan for a longer office visit. Your temporary CDL is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.

Keeping your address and name current

If you move to a new address in Colorado before your license expires, you can update your address online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website without renewing your license. This keeps your license valid and ensures mail from the state reaches you. You do not need to update your address until your license renewal is due, but updating early prevents missed renewal notices.

If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal change, you must visit a Driver's License office in person to update your license. Bring your current license and a document proving your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. There is no fee to update your name on an existing license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if I do not live in Colorado anymore?

No. Colorado requires you to be a resident to hold a Colorado driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state instead. You can surrender your Colorado license by mail or at any Driver's License office.

What if I lost my license and need to renew it at the same time?

You will need to replace your lost license first, then renew it. Visit a Driver's License office with proof of identity and Colorado residency. The replacement fee is separate from the renewal fee. The office can process both at the same time, and you will receive a temporary license valid for 30 days.

How much does it cost to renew a Colorado driver's license?

A standard 10-year driver's license renewal costs $28.25. If you renew online or in person, you pay by debit card, credit card, or cash. If you renew by mail, you must send a check or money order. There are no additional fees unless you are renewing a CDL or need a replacement license at the same time.

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

Colorado does not automatically block license renewal for unpaid traffic tickets or fines. However, if a court has suspended your license for unpaid fines or other reasons, you cannot renew until the suspension is lifted. Contact the court that issued the ticket to find out whether your license is suspended and what you need to do to clear it.

What if my new license arrives with an error on it?

Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue when ready with your confirmation number and details of the error. You can request a corrected license by mail or visit a Driver's License office in person. Corrections are usually made at no additional charge if the error was made by the state.

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.