How to Renew Your Driver License in Aurora, Colorado

Where to Renew Your License in Aurora

Aurora residents can renew their driver license at the Colorado Department of Revenue Driver License Division office located at 13101 E. 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011. This is the only full-service office in Aurora itself. If you cannot reach this location, the Denver office at 405 South Kipling Street handles renewals for the metro area, though wait times are typically longer.

You can also renew by mail if you meet specific conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have no medical restrictions, your address has not changed, and your license is not damaged. Mail renewal takes 7 to 10 business days after Colorado receives your process. Online renewal is not available in Colorado for standard driver licenses.

Walk-in appointments are not may provide at the Aurora office. You must schedule an appointment through the Colorado DMV website or by calling 303-205-5613. Appointment slots fill quickly, especially on weekdays, so book as early as possible—ideally 4 to 6 weeks before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

The Aurora DMV office is at 13101 E. 17th Avenue; you must schedule an appointment in advance through the Colorado DMV website or by phone.
Your Colorado driver license expires on your birthday, and you can renew it up to 6 months before expiration or up to 1 year after expiration.
Mail renewal is available only if your license is valid, your address has not changed, and you have no medical restrictions or suspensions.
Bring your current license, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment by debit card, credit card, or check.
The renewal fee is $28.50 for a standard 5-year license; a REAL ID-compliant license costs $33.50 and requires additional identity documents.

Documents You Need for In-Person Renewal

For a standard renewal at the Aurora office, bring your current Colorado driver license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail—all must be dated within 60 days of your appointment. A phone bill or credit card statement does not count.

If you are renewing a REAL ID-compliant license (marked with a gold star in the top right corner), you must also bring a document proving your legal name and date of birth. A certified birth certificate, passport, or passport card works. You will also need a second document proving your Social Security number: a Social Security card, W-2 form, or 1099 form. REAL ID renewal requires these extra documents even if your standard license did not originally require them.

Bring your payment method: debit card, credit card, or a check made out to the Colorado Department of Revenue. The Aurora office does not accept cash. If you are renewing by mail, include a check or money order; you cannot pay by card through the mail.

Renewal Fees and License Validity Period

A standard Colorado driver license renewal costs $28.50 and is valid for 5 years from the date of issue. If you choose to upgrade to a REAL ID-compliant license during renewal, the fee is $33.50. REAL ID licenses are required for federal building access and domestic air travel starting May 7, 2025, though Colorado has not yet enforced this important date strictly.

Your license expires on your birthday. You can renew it starting 6 months before your birthday or up to 1 year after your birthday expires. If you renew after your birthday has passed, your new license will still be valid for 5 years from the date you renew, not from your birthday. Renewing early does not extend your expiration date; it straightforward resets the 5-year clock.

If your license has been expired for more than 1 year, you cannot renew it. You must explore for a new license instead, which requires a written test, vision test, and in-person appointment. Contact the Aurora DMV office for new license requirements.

Mail Renewal: When It Works and What to Send

Mail renewal is the fastest option if you meet all conditions. Your license must not be suspended, revoked, or marked with medical restrictions. Your address must not have changed since your last renewal. Your license must not be damaged, faded, or difficult to read. If any of these conditions do not explore, you must renew in person at the Aurora office.

To renew by mail, complete the process for Renewal of Driver License (Form DL-43), available on the Colorado DMV website. Include your current license, a check or money order for $28.50 (or $33.50 for REAL ID), and proof of residency if your address has changed since your last renewal. Mail the packet to Colorado Department of Revenue, Driver License Section, P.O. Box 173343, Denver, CO 80217-3343.

Processing takes 7 to 10 business days after Colorado receives your process. Your new license will arrive by mail 3 to 5 days after processing is complete. Do not plan to drive on your old license during this time if it has already expired; you will be driving with an invalid license. Mail renewal works best if you renew before your birthday.

What Happens If Your License Is Suspended or Revoked

If your Colorado license is suspended or revoked, you cannot renew it. You must first resolve the suspension or revocation with the Colorado DMV. Common reasons include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, medical conditions reported to the DMV, or DUI convictions.

Contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you must take to restore it. Some suspensions lift automatically after a set period; others require you to pay fines, complete a defensive driving course, or provide medical clearance. Once the suspension is lifted, you can renew your license at the Aurora office or by mail, depending on your circumstances.

If you are unsure whether your license is suspended, check your status on the Colorado DMV website before scheduling an appointment. Arriving at the Aurora office only to learn your license is suspended wastes your appointment slot.

Scheduling Your Appointment and What to Expect

Schedule your appointment through the Colorado DMV website at dmv.colorado.gov or by calling 303-205-5613. The website allows you to choose your preferred date and time at the Aurora location. Phone appointments are available but typically have longer wait times to speak with a representative. Book your appointment at least 4 to 6 weeks before your license expires to find a convenient time slot.

Arrive at the Aurora office 10 minutes early with all required documents. The office 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. Processing time at the office is typically 15 to 20 minutes. Your new license will be mailed to you within 3 to 5 business days. You will receive a temporary paper license valid for 30 days while you wait for your permanent license to arrive.

If you miss your appointment, you forfeit the slot. Rescheduling requires calling the DMV again and waiting for the next available time. If you are running late, call the Aurora office when ready to ask whether you can still be seen; some staff will accommodate minor delays, but this is not may provide.

Common Mistakes That Delay Renewal

The most common mistake is bringing the wrong proof of residency. Utility bills, leases, and mortgage statements must be dated within 60 days of your appointment. Bank statements and government mail older than 60 days will not be accepted. If your bill is older, bring a recent one or contact your utility company for a current statement before your appointment.

A second frequent error is attempting to renew a REAL ID license without the required identity documents. Many people assume their current license is standard and do not bring a birth certificate or Social Security card. Check your license before your appointment: if it has a gold star in the top right corner, it is REAL ID-compliant and requires extra documents.

Scheduling an appointment too close to your expiration date is another trap. If your appointment is after your birthday and you need to drive before then, you will be driving with an expired license. Plan to renew at least 2 to 3 weeks before your birthday to may support your new license arrives in time. If your birthday is approaching and no appointments are available, consider mail renewal if you meet the conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I have moved out of Aurora but still live in Colorado?

Yes. You can renew at any Colorado DMV office, not just Aurora. However, you must update your address with the DMV before or during renewal. Bring proof of your new address dated within 60 days. If you have moved out of state, you must explore for a new license in your new state; Colorado will not renew a license for a non-resident.

What if my name has changed since my last license?

You cannot renew by mail if your name has changed. You must renew in person at the Aurora office and bring a certified copy of the document showing the name change: a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The document must be certified or an official copy from the issuing agency.

How long can I drive on an expired license in Colorado?

You cannot legally drive on an expired license in Colorado. Once your birthday passes, your license is invalid. If you are caught driving with an expired license, you can be cited and fined. The temporary paper license issued at the Aurora office is valid for 30 days and counts as a valid license during that period.

Can I renew my license if I do not have a current address in Colorado?

No. Colorado requires proof of current residency to renew a driver license. If you are homeless or living in temporary housing, contact the Aurora DMV office at 303-205-5613 to ask about alternative documentation. Some programs accept letters from shelters or social service agencies as proof of residency.

What if my license was damaged or the photo is unreadable?

You cannot renew by mail if your license is damaged or the photo is unclear. You must renew in person at the Aurora office. Bring your damaged license and all other required documents. The staff will issue a new license with a new photo during your appointment.

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.