Colorado driver's license renewal: in-person, online, or by mail

Colorado lets you renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Which option you use depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you need a Real ID, and how soon you need the new one. Most people can renew online or by mail without visiting an office, but some situations require you to show up in person.

Your Colorado license is valid for five years if you're under 21, or eight years if you're 21 or older. You can start the renewal process up to one year before it expires. If your license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail — you must go to a DMV office.

Key Takeaways

  • Colorado allows online renewal for most people whose licenses are still valid and who don't need a Real ID upgrade.
  • Online renewal costs $25.50 and takes about two weeks for your new license to arrive by mail.
  • You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need a Real ID, or if you've changed your name or address since your last license.
  • In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office requires an appointment, which you can book on the state DMV website.
  • Mail-in renewal is an option for people who cannot renew online and do not need a Real ID, though it takes longer than in-person renewal.

Online renewal: fastest option if your license is still valid

If your Colorado driver's license is still valid and you do not need a Real ID, you can renew online through the Colorado DMV website. You will need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes.

Online renewal costs $25.50. Your new license will be mailed to the address on file, and it typically arrives within two weeks. You can continue to drive on your current license while you wait for the new one to arrive, as long as it has not expired.

You cannot renew online if your license has expired, if you need to change your name or address, or if you want to upgrade to a Real ID. In those cases, you must renew in person or by mail.

In-person renewal: required for Real ID and expired licenses

You must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office if your license has expired, if you need a Real ID, or if you've changed your name or address since your last license was issued. In-person renewal also allows you to get a new photo, which online renewal does not.

To renew in person, you must book an appointment on the Colorado DMV website. Walk-ins are not accepted. Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). If you're upgrading to a Real ID, you'll also need to bring proof of citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate.

In-person renewal costs $25.50 for a standard license or $35.50 for a Real ID. You'll receive your new license on the spot if you're renewing a valid license, or within two weeks if you're renewing an expired one. Real ID licenses take longer to process and are mailed to you.

Real ID requirements: what you need to bring

Colorado Real ID licenses are required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building. If your current license is not a Real ID and you want to upgrade, you must renew in person. You cannot add Real ID to your license online or by mail.

To get a Real ID, bring proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Real ID licenses cost $35.50 and are mailed to you within two weeks of your appointment. Your current license remains valid while you wait.

Mail-in renewal: slower but no appointment needed

If you cannot renew online and do not need a Real ID, you can renew by mail. Mail-in renewal takes longer than in-person renewal — typically four to six weeks — but you do not need to book an appointment or visit a DMV office.

To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License form from the Colorado DMV website. Fill it out, include a copy of your current driver's license, and mail it to the address listed on the form along with a check or money order for $25.50. Do not send cash.

Mail-in renewal is not an option if your license has expired or if you need to change your name or address. You also cannot use mail-in renewal to upgrade to a Real ID.

What happens if your license has expired

If your Colorado driver's license has expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must renew in person at a DMV office. Expired licenses cannot be driven on, even if you have a renewal process pending.

Book an appointment at a Colorado DMV office and bring your expired license, proof of your Social Security number, and proof of your current address. The process is the same as renewing a valid license, but your new license will take about two weeks to arrive by mail rather than being issued on the spot.

If you need to drive before your new license arrives, you can request a temporary driving permit at your appointment. This permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while you wait for your permanent license.

Changing your name or address during renewal

If you've changed your name or address since your last license was issued, you must renew in person. You cannot make these changes online or by mail.

Bring your current driver's license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and a document showing your name change (such as a marriage certificate or court order, if applicable). The DMV will update your information and issue a new license with your new name or address.

If you've only changed your address and your license is still valid, you can also update your address without renewing your license by visiting a DMV office or using the online address change form on the Colorado DMV website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. Colorado requires the last four digits of your Social Security number to renew your license online or by mail. If you do not have a Social Security number, you must renew in person at a DMV office and bring an alternative form of identification, such as a passport or visa. Contact your local DMV office before visiting to confirm what documents they will accept.

How long does it take to get a Real ID in Colorado?

Real ID licenses are mailed to you and typically arrive within two weeks of your in-person appointment. Standard licenses issued in person are given to you at your appointment. If you need to drive before your Real ID arrives, ask the DMV for a temporary driving permit at your appointment.

What if I move out of Colorado before my renewed license arrives?

Contact the Colorado DMV as soon as possible and provide your new address. They can remail your license to your new state. You may also need to get a license in your new state, depending on how long you plan to live there. Check your new state's DMV website for residency requirements.

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

No. If your license is suspended, you cannot renew it until the suspension is lifted. Contact the Colorado DMV or the court that issued the suspension to find out what you need to do to clear it. If you have unpaid traffic tickets, you may be able to renew, but the DMV may hold your new license until the tickets are paid or resolved.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado DMV offices require appointments for all services, including license renewal. You can book an appointment on the Colorado DMV website. Walk-ins are not accepted, and you will be turned away if you arrive without an appointment.