Colorado driver's license renewal: what you need to do
Colorado allows you to renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. The method you choose depends on your license type, how much time you have, and whether your address or other information has changed. Most people can complete an online renewal in minutes without leaving home, but some situations require a visit to a physical office.
Your Colorado license is valid for five years from the date of issue. The state will mail you a renewal notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for that notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website takes about 10 minutes, costs $28.75, and works for most standard driver's licenses that have not been suspended or revoked.
- Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DMV; processing takes 7 to 10 business days after the office receives your packet.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been suspended, if you need to update your address or name, or if you are renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL).
- You must bring proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days) and a valid form of identification if you renew in person.
- Colorado charges $28.75 for a standard five-year renewal; the fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person.
Online renewal: fastest option for most drivers
Online renewal is available through the Colorado DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov. You will need your current driver's license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The system will verify your identity and check whether you are may be able to access to renew online.
You cannot renew online if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you are renewing a CDL, if you need to change your address or legal name, or if your license was issued outside the United States. If any of these explore, you must renew by mail or in person.
Once you complete the online form and pay the $28.75 fee, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue to drive while you wait for the new one to arrive.
Mail renewal: no office visit required
To renew by mail, read and print the process for Driver's License Renewal (Form DL-44) from the Colorado DMV website, or request a copy by calling the DMV at 303-205-5613. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for $28.75 to the address listed on the form.
The DMV processes mail renewals in the order they are received. After the office receives your packet, processing takes 7 to 10 business days. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. Do not mail cash; use a check or money order only.
Keep a copy of your completed form and proof of mailing (such as a receipt from certified mail) in case questions arise. If your renewal is not processed within two weeks of mailing, contact the DMV to confirm receipt.
In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office
Visit a DMV office if you are renewing a CDL, if your license has been suspended or revoked, if you need to update your address or legal name, or if you were unable to complete an online or mail renewal. You can also renew in person if you prefer not to use online or mail options.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and a valid form of identification if your name has changed. If you are changing your address, bring the proof of residency showing your new address.
Most DMV offices accept walk-ins, but wait times vary by location and time of day. You can check current wait times and book an appointment online at dmv.colorado.gov. Appointments are not required but can save you time. In-person renewal is completed on the spot, and you will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while your permanent license is mailed to you.
What to do if your license has been suspended or revoked
If your Colorado license has been suspended or revoked, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person. The DMV will check the status of your license during the renewal process and inform you of any holds or issues that must be resolved before a new license can be issued.
Common reasons for suspension include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or driving under the influence (DUI) convictions. If your license is suspended, you may need to pay outstanding fines, complete a court-ordered program, or provide proof of insurance before the suspension is lifted. Contact the DMV or the agency that issued the suspension to understand what steps are required.
Changing your address or legal name during renewal
If you have moved or changed your legal name, you must renew in person at a DMV office. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your new address (dated within 60 days), and proof of your legal name change if applicable (such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
The DMV will update your record during the renewal process. Your new license will reflect your updated address and name. If you have changed your address but do not need to renew your license yet, you can update your address separately by visiting a DMV office or by mail using Form DL-43.
Renewal fees and payment methods
Colorado charges $28.75 for a standard five-year driver's license renewal, regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. This fee is set by state law and does not vary based on your age, license class, or renewal method.
Online and in-person renewals accept debit cards, credit cards, and cash. Mail renewals require a check or money order only — do not send cash through the mail. If you are renewing in person and do not have exact change, DMV offices can process card payments or provide change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if it has already expired?
Yes. Colorado allows you to renew an expired license up to five years after expiration. However, if your license has been expired for more than five years, you must explore for a new license rather than renew. Contact the DMV to determine which process applies to you.
How long does it take to receive my new license after I renew online?
The DMV mails your new license after processing your online renewal, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days. Delivery by U.S. mail adds another 3 to 5 business days depending on your location. Your current license remains valid until it expires, so you can continue to drive.
What if I need my new license before the standard mailing time?
If you need your license urgently, renew in person at a DMV office. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days when ready, and your permanent license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days. This is the fastest way to get a valid license in your hands.
Do I need a new photo for my renewal?
For online and mail renewals, the DMV uses your existing photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DMV will take a new photo. You cannot request a photo update during an online or mail renewal unless you are also changing your address or legal name, which requires an in-person visit.
What happens if I move out of state before my renewal is processed?
If you move to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from your new state rather than renew your Colorado license. Contact your new state's DMV for information about obtaining a license there. Your Colorado license will remain valid until it expires, but you are required by law to obtain a license from your new state of residence within a specified timeframe.