Where to renew your Fort Collins driver license

In Fort Collins, you renew your driver license at the Colorado Department of Revenue Driver License Division office. The main office is located at 1881 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521. You can renew in person during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though hours may vary by season. Call ahead at (970) 416-2000 to confirm current hours before you go.

Colorado also allows you to renew online if you meet certain conditions: your license is not expired by more than one year, you have no address changes, and you have no medical or vision restrictions. Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal and takes about 10 minutes. You can start the process at the Colorado Department of Revenue website, though you will still receive your new card by mail.

If you cannot visit Fort Collins in person, you can also renew by mail. You will need to submit your current license, a completed process form, and the renewal fee. Mail processing takes longer than in-person or online renewal — typically two to three weeks after the office receives your materials.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fort Collins driver license office is at 1881 West Mountain Avenue and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though you should call (970) 416-2000 to confirm hours.
  • Online renewal is the fastest and cheapest option if your license is not expired by more than a year and you have no address or medical changes.
  • In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes and requires your current license, proof of residency, and payment; bring documents in the order the office lists them to avoid delays.
  • Mail renewal takes two to three weeks but works if you cannot visit in person; include your current license, the completed process, and the correct fee.
  • Colorado driver licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration to avoid a lapsed license.

What documents you need for in-person renewal

For in-person renewal at the Fort Collins office, bring your current Colorado driver license and one document proving your current address. Acceptable proof of residency includes a recent utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address. The document must be dated within the last 60 days.

You will also need to bring payment. In-person renewal costs $28 for a five-year license. The office accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. If you are renewing an expired license — one that has been expired for more than one year — you may need to retake the written test and vision test, which adds time and cost to the process.

If you have changed your name since your last license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. Bring the original or a certified copy, not a photocopy.

How to renew online in Colorado

Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is available if your license expires within the next year, you have not changed your address, and you have no medical conditions or vision restrictions noted on your license. The process takes about 10 minutes and costs $20, which is $8 less than in-person renewal.

To start, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue website and select the online renewal option. You will need your current license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. You will also need to upload a new photo or use the photo from your current license. After you submit your information and payment, your new license will be mailed to your address on file within 7 to 10 business days.

If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements for online renewal, the website will tell you during the process. If you do not may have access to, you can stop and schedule an in-person appointment instead.

Renewing by mail from outside Fort Collins

If you live outside Fort Collins or cannot visit the office in person, you can renew by mail. Request the renewal process form from the Colorado Department of Revenue website or call (970) 416-2000 to have one mailed to you. Complete the form, include your current license, and enclose the $28 renewal fee.

Mail your packet to the Fort Collins office at 1881 West Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521. Processing takes two to three weeks after the office receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to the address on your process. If you need your license sooner, in-person or online renewal is faster.

Keep a copy of what you mail and consider using certified mail with tracking so you know when the office receives your packet. If your license expires before your new one arrives, you will have a gap in validity, so plan ahead if your renewal date is approaching.

What happens if your license has expired

If your Colorado license has been expired for less than one year, you can renew it using the same process as a non-expired license — online, by mail, or in person. The cost is the same: $20 online or $28 in person or by mail.

If your license has been expired for more than one year, renewal is more complicated. You will need to visit the Fort Collins office in person and retake the written knowledge test and the vision test. You will also need to bring proof of residency and pay the standard renewal fee. The office will schedule you for testing when you arrive. Plan for the appointment to take longer than a standard renewal — usually 45 minutes to an hour.

Driving with an expired license is illegal in Colorado, even if you have submitted a renewal process. If you are stopped by police, you can show proof that you have applied for renewal, but that does not may provide you will avoid a citation. Renew as soon as your license expires to avoid this risk.

Real ID and driver license renewal in Fort Collins

Real ID is a federal security standard for state-issued identification. Colorado driver licenses issued after January 1, 2020 are Real ID compliant by default. If your current license was issued before that date, you can upgrade to a Real ID license during renewal.

To upgrade to Real ID, you must renew in person at the Fort Collins office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and one document proving your identity and citizenship — such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers. The cost is the same as a standard renewal: $28. Your new Real ID license will have a gold star in the upper right corner.

Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 7, 2025. If you travel by air or visit federal offices, upgrading during your renewal is worth doing. If you renew online or by mail, you will not receive a Real ID license — you must renew in person to upgrade.

Scheduling an appointment in Fort Collins

The Fort Collins driver license office does not require appointments for standard renewals, but you can schedule one to reduce wait time. To schedule, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue website or call (970) 416-2000. Appointments are typically available within one to two weeks.

Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary. During busy seasons — typically mid-month and before holidays — wait times can exceed one hour. Scheduling an appointment guarantees you a specific time slot and usually means you will be seen within 15 minutes of your appointment time.

If you arrive without an appointment and the wait is longer than you can manage, you can leave and return another day. The office is open Monday through Friday, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically less busy than Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. Renewing early does not extend your license validity — your new license will still expire five years from the date you renew, not five years from when your old one would have expired. Renewing early is useful if you want to avoid a lapsed license or if you need a Real ID upgrade.

What if I have a commercial driver license or a license with restrictions?

Commercial driver licenses and licenses with medical or vision restrictions cannot be renewed online or by mail. You must renew in person at the Fort Collins office. Bring your current license, proof of residency, and any medical documentation your license requires. Call (970) 416-2000 before you visit to confirm what documents you need.

How long does it take to get my renewed license after I explore?

Online renewal takes 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal means you receive your license when ready if you are renewing a non-expired license; if your license has been expired for more than one year, you will take the tests on the spot and receive your license the same day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks after the office receives your materials.

What if I moved out of Colorado but still have a Colorado license?

You should renew your license in the state where you now live. If you still have a Colorado address on file and want to keep your Colorado license, you can renew by mail. However, most states require you to get a license in your new state within 30 to 60 days of moving. Check your new state's requirements before renewing in Colorado.

Can I renew my license if I have unpaid traffic fines or child support obligations?

Colorado can suspend your license if you have unpaid traffic fines or child support obligations. Before you renew, check your driving record at the Colorado Department of Revenue website or call (970) 416-2000 to see if your license is suspended. If it is, you will need to resolve the underlying issue before the office will renew your license.