How to Renew Your Driver's License in Colorado

Colorado driver's license renewal by mail or online

Colorado lets you renew your driver's license without visiting a DMV office if you meet a few conditions. You can renew by mail or online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, as long as your license is not expired by more than five years, you have no medical holds, and your address hasn't changed. If your license expired more than five years ago or your situation doesn't fit the mail or online path, you'll need to visit a driver's license office in person.

The online renewal is the fastest route: you upload a new photo, review your information, pay the fee, and receive your renewed license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer — typically two to three weeks — but requires only a completed form and a check or money order.

Key Takeaways

Colorado offers online renewal through the Department of Revenue website if your license expired less than five years ago and you have no medical holds.
Online renewal costs $28 for a four-year license or $56 for an eight-year license, and you'll receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal requires form DR 2261, a check or money order, and takes two to three weeks; mail your packet to the address listed on the form.
If your license expired more than five years ago, your address changed, or you have medical holds, you must renew in person at a Colorado driver's license office.
Colorado licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age and the type of license you hold.

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue

The Colorado Department of Revenue website allows you to renew online if you meet the requirements. Go to the DMV section of the Colorado Department of Revenue website, select "Renew Your Driver's License," and follow the prompts. You'll need your current license number, date of birth, and a digital photo that meets Colorado's specifications: a clear, recent photo of your face against a plain background, taken straight-on, with your eyes open and looking at the camera.

The online fee is $28 for a four-year license or $56 for an eight-year license, paid by debit or credit card. After you submit your process and payment, Colorado mails your renewed license to the address on file. If you need to change your address, you cannot do this through online renewal — you'll need to renew by mail or in person.

Mail renewal using form DR 2261

To renew by mail, read or request form DR 2261 from the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Fill out the form completely, including your name, date of birth, current license number, and the address where you want your new license mailed. You do not need to include a photo for mail renewal.

Mail your completed form along with a check or money order for $28 (four-year license) or $56 (eight-year license) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash. Include a return envelope if you want Colorado to send you a confirmation. Mail renewal typically takes two to three weeks from the date Colorado receives your packet. If you need to change your address, you can do this on the form itself.

In-person renewal at a Colorado driver's license office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago, your address has changed since your last renewal, you have a medical hold on your license, or you want to change your name or other information on your license. Visit your local driver's license office with your current license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and payment.

Colorado has driver's license offices in most counties. You can find the office nearest you and check its hours on the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require appointments. Call ahead or check online before you go. In-person renewal is usually completed the same day, and you'll receive a temporary paper license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you.

What documents and fees you'll need

For online or mail renewal, you need only your current license number and the renewal fee. For in-person renewal, bring your current driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days), and payment.

Colorado renewal fees depend on the license type and validity period. A standard four-year license costs $28; an eight-year license costs $56. If you're over 65, your license costs less and is valid for eight years. If you're renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), the fee is higher and the process is different — you'll need to renew in person and may need to pass a written test depending on your renewal category.

How long your renewed license is valid

Colorado driver's licenses are valid for four or eight years depending on your age and the type of license you hold. Most adults can choose between a four-year and an eight-year license at renewal. If you're 65 or older, your license is automatically valid for eight years and costs $20. Commercial driver's licenses have different validity periods based on federal requirements.

Your renewal date is printed on your new license. Colorado recommends renewing your license at least two weeks before it expires to avoid driving with an expired license. You can renew up to one year before your current license expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. If you no longer live in Colorado, you cannot renew your Colorado license. You'll need to obtain a driver's license from your new state of residence. However, if you still live in Colorado but moved to a new address within the state, you can renew by mail or in person and update your address on the form or at the office.

What if my name changed since my last license?

You cannot change your name through online or mail renewal. You must visit a driver's license office in person with your current license and a document showing your legal name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Bring proof of your current address as well.

How do I know if I have a medical hold on my license?

Colorado places a medical hold on your license if a doctor or the DMV has concerns about your ability to drive safely. If you try to renew online and see a message about a medical hold, you cannot proceed online. Contact your local driver's license office or call the Colorado Department of Revenue to find out what's required to clear the hold.

Can I renew my license if it's been expired for more than five years?

No, you cannot renew online or by mail if your license expired more than five years ago. You must renew in person at a driver's license office. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment. You may also need to pass a written test depending on how long your license has been expired.

What if I don't receive my renewed license in the mail?

If you renewed online or by mail and don't receive your license within three weeks, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue. Have your confirmation number or process date ready. They can check the status of your renewal and reissue your license if needed.

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.