How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

Renewing your Colorado license online, by mail, or in person

You can renew your Colorado driver's license through three routes: online at the Colorado Department of Revenue website, by mail if you meet certain conditions, or in person at a local driver's license office. Online renewal is fastest and costs less than in-person renewal. Mail renewal takes longer but works if you haven't changed your address, physical appearance, or name. In-person renewal is required if you're over 61, if your license has been expired for more than a year, or if you need to update your information.

Your renewal notice arrives about 60 days before your license expires. The expiration date is printed on the front of your card. Colorado licenses expire on your birthday, five years after issue for most drivers under 61, and eight years after issue if you're 61 or older.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website costs $28.75 and takes about 10 business days; you'll receive your new card by mail.
Mail renewal is free if you haven't moved, changed your appearance, or updated your name, but takes three to four weeks.
In-person renewal at a driver's license office is required if you're over 61, if your license expired more than a year ago, or if you need to change your address or other information.
You'll need your current Colorado license, proof of residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement), and proof of Social Security number if renewing in person.
If your license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it; you must resolve the suspension or revocation first through the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Online renewal: fastest and least expensive

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is the quickest option if you're may be able to access. You pay $28.75, answer questions about your current information, and upload a new photo or use your existing one. The process takes about 10 minutes. Your new license arrives by mail in about 10 business days.

You're may be able to access for online renewal if your license is not suspended or revoked, you haven't changed your address in the last five years, your physical appearance hasn't changed significantly, and your name hasn't changed. If any of these conditions don't explore to you, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead.

To renew online, visit dmv.colorado.gov, log in or create an account, and follow the prompts. You'll need your current Colorado license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Payment is by credit or debit card only.

Mail renewal: free but slower

Mail renewal is free and works if you haven't moved, changed your appearance, or updated your name since your last license was issued. You'll receive a renewal notice in the mail about 60 days before your license expires. The notice includes a prepaid envelope and instructions. Fill out the form, include your current license, and mail it back. Processing takes three to four weeks from the date the Colorado Department of Revenue receives your envelope.

Mail renewal does not include a new photo. Your new license will use the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person or online.

If you don't receive a renewal notice, you can request one by calling the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613 or visiting a local driver's license office. Do not mail your license to the state without a prepaid envelope; the cost of postage is your responsibility if you use your own envelope.

In-person renewal: required for drivers 61 and older

You must renew in person if you're 61 or older, if your license has been expired for more than a year, if you've changed your address or name, or if you need to update your physical description. In-person renewal costs $28.75. Bring your current Colorado license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).

You'll also need to pass a vision test at the office. The vision requirement is 20/40 in each eye with or without correction, or 20/40 in one eye and 20/70 in the other. If you don't meet the standard, you may be issued a restricted license or denied renewal.

Find your nearest driver's license office on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours and whether you need to book a time slot. Processing usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

What happens if your license is suspended or revoked

You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license. If your license is suspended, you must resolve the reason for suspension first. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to pay child support, or a DUI conviction. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613 to find out why your license is suspended and what steps you need to take to lift the suspension.

If your suspension is due to unpaid fines or fees, you'll need to pay them. If it's due to a DUI or reckless driving conviction, you may need to complete a substance abuse course or install an ignition interlock device. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license through any of the three methods described above.

A revoked license is more serious than a suspension. Revocation means your license has been permanently cancelled and you must reapply for a new license through the full process process, not renewal. This typically happens after multiple suspensions or serious violations. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to understand the revocation and what you must do to reapply.

Real ID compliance and what it means for renewal

Colorado offers both standard driver's licenses and Real ID-compliant licenses. A Real ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal requirements for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. A standard license does not.

When you renew, you can choose which type you want. If you want a Real ID license, you'll need to provide additional documents: proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers) and two forms of proof of residency. The cost is the same as a standard license renewal. If you're renewing online, you cannot upgrade to Real ID; you must renew in person or by mail and request the Real ID option.

Starting May 7, 2025, a Real ID license will be required for domestic air travel in the United States. A standard Colorado driver's license will no longer be accepted at airport security checkpoints. If you plan to fly domestically, renew to a Real ID license before your current license expires.

Timeline and what to expect after renewal

Your renewal timeline depends on which method you choose. Online renewal takes about 10 business days. Mail renewal takes three to four weeks. In-person renewal is when ready—you receive a temporary paper license at the office and your plastic card arrives by mail in about 10 business days.

Your new license will have a new expiration date five years from the date of renewal if you're under 61, or eight years from the date of renewal if you're 61 or older. The expiration date will be your birthday in the year it expires. For example, if you renew on March 15, 2024, and you're 45 years old, your new license will expire on your birthday in 2029.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, the temporary paper license issued at in-person renewal is valid for 30 days. If you renewed online or by mail, you can continue using your current license until the new one arrives, as long as your current license hasn't expired yet. If your current license has already expired, do not drive until your new license arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if I've moved out of state?

No. You must have a current Colorado address to renew a Colorado license. If you've moved to another state, you need to explore for a license in your new state. Contact that state's driver's license agency to find out what documents you need. You can surrender your Colorado license to them, or you can keep it as a form of identification.

What if I lost my renewal notice?

Call the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613 or visit a local driver's license office to request a new notice. You can also renew online or in person without the notice if you have your current license and the required documents. The notice is helpful but not required.

How much does it cost to renew in person versus online?

Both cost $28.75. Mail renewal is free. If you're upgrading to a Real ID license, the cost is the same regardless of method. If you renew in person and need a new photo, there is no additional charge.

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for two years?

No. If your license has been expired for more than one year, you must explore for a new license, not renew. This requires an in-person visit, a written test, and a driving test. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue or visit a local driver's license office to start the process process.

Do I need an appointment to renew in person?

It depends on the office. Some Colorado driver's license offices accept walk-ins during all hours, while others require appointments for certain times or days. Check the Colorado Department of Revenue website or call your local office before you go to confirm their policy and current wait times.

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.