Renewing Your Colorado Driver's License in Denver
You can renew your Colorado driver's license in Denver through the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in person, by mail, or online — depending on your license type and how long it has been expired. Most Denver residents renew in person at one of two DMV offices in the city, though online renewal works for standard licenses that are not yet expired and meet other requirements. The process takes about 15 minutes in person, but wait times at Denver DMV locations often run 30 minutes to two hours, especially on weekday mornings and Fridays.
Colorado licenses expire on your birthday, five years after issue for standard licenses and eight years for REAL ID-compliant licenses. You can renew up to one year before expiration or up to two years after, though driving on an expired license is illegal. If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must retake the written test and vision screening, not just renew.
Key Takeaways
- Denver residents can renew at the DMV office on Evans Avenue or the one on Speer Boulevard, or online if the license is not yet expired and you have not changed your address or name.
- You need your current license, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 90 days), and payment by cash, check, debit card, or credit card — no personal checks at the Evans location.
- Standard license renewal costs $28.25; REAL ID renewal costs $48.25; the fee is the same whether you renew in person or by mail.
- If your license expired more than two years ago, you must pass the vision test and written knowledge test again, not just pay the renewal fee.
- Online renewal takes one to two business days; in-person renewal is when ready; mail renewal takes two to four weeks.
Where to Renew in Denver
Denver has two DMV offices that handle driver's license renewals. The Evans Avenue office (1881 S. Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210) is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Speer Boulevard office (2955 W. Speer Blvd, Denver, CO 80211) is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. only. Both offices are closed on Sundays and state holidays.
Wait times are typically shortest on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings before 11:00 a.m. Fridays and Monday afternoons are busiest. You can check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website before you go, though the estimate updates only every 15 to 20 minutes.
If you cannot reach a Denver office, you can renew by mail or online. Mail renewal is slower but avoids the wait. Online renewal is fastest but only works if your license is not yet expired, you have not moved, and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade.
Documents You Need to Bring
For in-person renewal, bring your current Colorado driver's license and one document proving your current Denver address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail — all must be dated within 90 days of your visit. A bill with your name and address is the fastest option.
If you have changed your name since your last license (through marriage, divorce, or legal change), bring the document that proves the change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you have moved since your last license but are still in Colorado, your proof of residency will update your address automatically.
Bring payment in the form of cash, debit card, or credit card. The Evans Avenue office does not accept personal checks; the Speer Boulevard office accepts checks. The renewal fee for a standard five-year license is $28.25. If you want to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license (required for federal building access and domestic air travel after May 7, 2025), the fee is $48.25.
Online and Mail Renewal Options
You can renew online through the Colorado DMV website if your license is not yet expired, you have not changed your address or name, and you do not need a REAL ID upgrade. Online renewal costs $28.25 and takes one to two business days. You will receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Mail renewal is available to anyone, including those whose licenses have expired. Fill out the renewal form (available on the Colorado DMV website or by calling 303-205-5600), include your current license, proof of residency, and a check or money order for $28.25 (or $48.25 for REAL ID). Mail the packet to the address listed on the form. Processing takes two to four weeks, and your new license arrives by mail.
If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot use online or mail renewal. You must visit a DMV office in person to retake the vision test and written knowledge test. The test fee is included in the renewal fee.
What Happens If Your License Is Expired
If your license expired fewer than two years ago, you can renew it without retesting. You pay the standard renewal fee and follow the normal process — in person, by mail, or online (if other conditions are met).
If your license expired more than two years ago, Colorado treats it as a new process, not a renewal. You must pass the vision screening and written knowledge test, both administered at a DMV office. You cannot renew by mail or online. The fee remains $28.25 for a standard license or $48.25 for REAL ID. You will need to bring the same documents as a standard renewal (current or expired license, proof of residency) plus proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return).
Driving on an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you have applied for renewal. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have submitted a renewal process, but that does not may provide you will avoid a citation.
REAL ID Upgrade During Renewal
A REAL ID-compliant license is required for federal building access and domestic air travel. Colorado's REAL ID important date is May 7, 2025. If your current license is not marked "REAL ID" in the upper right corner, you can upgrade during renewal for an additional $20 fee (total $48.25 instead of $28.25).
To upgrade to REAL ID, you must bring proof of your Social Security number in addition to your standard renewal documents. Acceptable documents include your Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, or a 1099 form. You do not need a passport or birth certificate unless you are renewing for the first time or your name has changed.
REAL ID licenses are valid for eight years instead of five, so the higher fee is offset by a longer validity period. If you do not upgrade now, you can upgrade at your next renewal or visit a DMV office to upgrade without renewing your license (though you will still pay the $20 upgrade fee).
Fees and Payment Methods
The renewal fee for a standard five-year Colorado driver's license is $28.25. The fee for a REAL ID-compliant eight-year license is $48.25. These fees are the same whether you renew in person, by mail, or online.
At the Evans Avenue office, payment must be by cash, debit card, or credit card. At the Speer Boulevard office, you can also pay by personal check. Online renewal accepts debit and credit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders only — do not send cash.
Colorado does not charge a separate fee for address changes or name changes during renewal. If you need a duplicate license (because yours was lost or stolen), that is a separate transaction with its own fee and cannot be combined with renewal.
Timeline and What to Expect
| Renewal Method | Processing Time | When You Get Your License |
|---|---|---|
| In person at DMV | 15 minutes (plus wait time) | when ready after appointment |
| Online | 1–2 business days | By mail within 7–10 business days |
| By mail | 2–4 weeks | By mail after processing |
If you renew in person, you will receive your new license when ready. You can drive legally on your old license until the new one arrives if you were renewing before expiration. If your license has already expired, you should not drive until you have the new one in hand.
If you renew online or by mail, your new license is mailed to the address on file. If you have moved recently, update your address before renewing to may support the license reaches you. If your renewal is delayed or you do not receive your license within the expected timeframe, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I just moved to Denver from another state?
No. If you hold a driver's license from another state, you must obtain a new Colorado license, not renew your old one. You will need to visit a DMV office with proof of residency, proof of Social Security number, and your out-of-state license. The fee is $28.25 for a standard license. This is treated as a new process, not a renewal.
What if I lost my license and need to renew at the same time?
You can renew and request a duplicate in one visit. Bring your proof of residency and payment for both the renewal fee ($28.25) and the duplicate fee (currently $20). You will receive both documents when ready at the DMV office. If you cannot locate your old license, you can still renew — the DMV can look up your record by name and date of birth.
Do I need an appointment to renew at a Denver DMV office?
No appointment is required, but you can request one online through the Colorado DMV website to reduce wait time. Walk-ins are accepted at both Denver offices during all business hours. If you schedule an appointment, arrive 10 minutes early with all required documents.
Can I renew my license if my address is a PO box?
No. Colorado requires a physical street address for driver's license renewal. A PO box alone is not acceptable proof of residency. If you live in Denver but only have a PO box, use a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your street address instead.
What happens if I renew online but then move before my new license arrives?
Contact the Colorado DMV when ready at 303-205-5600 with your new address. The DMV can redirect your license to your new address if it has not already been mailed. If it has been mailed to your old address, you may need to request a duplicate at your new address, which carries an additional fee.