How to Renew Your Colorado Driver License

Renewing Your Colorado Driver License: The Basic Path

In Colorado, you can renew your driver license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Most people renew online through the Colorado DMV website — it takes about 15 minutes, costs $28.75 for a five-year license, and you receive your new license by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired, you have not had any address changes, and your license was not suspended or revoked.

Your Colorado driver license expires on your birthday, five years after it was issued. The state sends you a reminder notice about 60 days before expiration, but you do not have to wait for it to start the renewal process. You can renew up to one year before your license expires.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is the fastest option and takes 7 to 10 business days for delivery; you need your current license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
If you have moved, changed your name, or had your license suspended, you must renew in person at a DMV office instead of online.
Mail renewal is available but slower — you send your current license and a completed form to the DMV, and processing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
In-person renewal at a DMV office takes about 30 minutes and you can walk out with a temporary license the same day.
Colorado driver licenses are valid for five years, and you can begin the renewal process up to one year before expiration.

Renewing Online Through the Colorado DMV Website

Online renewal is the most common path and works if your current license is valid, you have not moved, and your license was not suspended or revoked. Go to the Colorado DMV website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and log in with your Colorado Online Services account. If you do not have an account, you will create one using your driver license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

During the online process, you will confirm your personal information, your address, and your vision status. You will pay the $28.75 renewal fee by credit or debit card. After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number by email. Your new license will arrive at your address on file within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.

Renewing in Person at a Colorado DMV Office

You must renew in person if you have moved to a new address, changed your name, had your license suspended or revoked, or if you want to update your license class or restrictions. Bring your current driver license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and proof of your legal name if you have changed it (a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).

Visit your local DMV office during business hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some have extended hours. You can find your nearest office and check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website. The renewal takes about 30 minutes. You will pay $28.75 and receive a temporary paper license on the spot; your permanent license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Renewing by Mail

Mail renewal is available but takes longer than online or in-person renewal. You can use this option only if your license is valid and you meet the same conditions as online renewal — no address change, no name change, no suspension or revocation. read the process for Renewal of Driver License (Form DL-44R) from the Colorado DMV website, or call the DMV at 303-205-5600 to request one by mail.

Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver license and the $28.75 renewal fee (check or money order) to the address listed on the form. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date the DMV receives your process. You will not receive a temporary license, so plan ahead if your current license is close to expiring. Your new license will arrive by mail when processing is complete.

What Happens If Your License Has Expired

If your Colorado driver license has already expired, you cannot renew online or by mail. You must go to a DMV office in person and complete a new process. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and proof of your legal name. The process is the same as an in-person renewal, and you will pay the same $28.75 fee.

Driving on an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by law enforcement, you can show your confirmation number from an online renewal or your temporary paper license from an in-person renewal as proof that you have applied, but this does not may provide you will not be cited. If your license expired more than one year ago, you may need to retake the written test and vision test.

Updating Your License Information During Renewal

If you want to change your address, name, or license class during renewal, you must do so in person at a DMV office. You cannot make these changes online or by mail. Bring the same documents you would bring for a standard in-person renewal, plus any additional proof required for your specific change — for example, a marriage certificate if you are changing your name, or a new proof of address if you have moved.

If you want to add a motorcycle endorsement, a commercial driver license (CDL) class, or other restrictions or endorsements, you will need to pass the written test and vision test for that endorsement. The DMV office can tell you which tests you need and whether you can take them the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado driver license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew up to one year before your license expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid a rush near your birthday. Online and mail renewal take the same amount of time whether you renew early or close to expiration.

What if I lost my driver license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it — you must explore for a replacement. Go to a DMV office in person with proof of your identity and address. You will pay a replacement fee (different from the renewal fee) and receive a temporary license on the spot. Call the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 to confirm the current replacement fee and required documents.

How long does a Colorado driver license last?

Colorado driver licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. Your expiration date is your birthday, five years after you received the license. You will see the expiration date printed on the front of your license.

Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?

If you renew online or by mail, your photo from your current license is used on your new license — you do not need a new photo. If you renew in person at a DMV office, the office will take a new photo as part of the renewal process.

What if my address changed since I got my current license?

You must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license and proof of your new address (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days). You cannot renew online or by mail if your address has changed.

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.