What You Need to Do to Renew in Aurora
To renew your Colorado driver's license in Aurora, you have three routes: renew online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, renew by mail, or visit a driver's license office in person. Which route you can use depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time remains before expiration, and whether you need a Real ID-compliant license.
Aurora itself does not have a dedicated DMV office — the nearest Colorado Department of Revenue driver's license office is in Denver, about 10 miles away. However, you do not have to visit an office at all if you renew online or by mail, and both routes are faster than driving to Denver.
The fastest option for most people is online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website, which takes about 10 minutes and produces a temporary digital license you can use when ready while your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired or more than 6 months past expiration, and you receive a digital license when ready.
- You must renew in person if your license is expired by more than 6 months, if you need a Real ID upgrade, or if you have changed your name or address since your last renewal.
- The nearest driver's license office to Aurora is the Denver location at 405 South Downing Street, which is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Colorado driver's licenses expire on your birthday, five years after issue for standard licenses and eight years for Real ID licenses.
- Renewal fees are $28 for a five-year standard license or $48 for an eight-year Real ID license, and you pay by credit card online or by check or money order by mail.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Online renewal through the Colorado Department of Revenue website is available if your license is still valid or expired by no more than 6 months. You do not need to visit an office, and you can complete the entire process in about 10 minutes from your computer or phone.
To renew online, go to the Colorado Department of Revenue driver's license portal, log in with your Colorado driver's license number and date of birth, review and update your information, choose your license type (standard or Real ID), and pay the renewal fee by credit card. You will receive a temporary digital license on your phone when ready, which you can use for driving while your physical card is mailed to you.
Your physical license arrives in 7 to 10 business days at the address on file. If you have moved since your last renewal, update your address before you pay, or your card will be mailed to the old address and you will have to request a replacement.
Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required
You can renew by mail if your license is not expired or is expired by no more than 6 months. Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically 3 to 4 weeks from the time the Colorado Department of Revenue receives your form — but requires no office visit and no digital access.
Request a renewal form by calling the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613, or read the form from the state website. Complete the form, include a check or money order for the renewal fee ($28 for standard, $48 for Real ID), and mail it to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash.
Mail your renewal at least 4 weeks before your license expires to avoid a gap in validity. If your license expires before your renewal arrives, you cannot legally drive, even if your process is in the mail.
In-Person Renewal at the Denver Office
You must renew in person if your license is expired by more than 6 months, if you need a Real ID upgrade, if you have changed your name since your last renewal, or if you have a commercial driver's license. The nearest office to Aurora is the Colorado Department of Revenue driver's license office at 405 South Downing Street in Denver, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed on state holidays.
Bring your current Colorado driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or 1099), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you have changed your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
Processing at the office takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You pay the renewal fee by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. Your temporary license is valid when ready, and your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The office does not issue physical licenses on the spot.
Real ID Upgrade: What Changes
A Real ID is a federal standard that allows you to use your Colorado driver's license for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings without a passport. Colorado offers both standard licenses and Real ID licenses. If you currently have a standard license and want to upgrade to Real ID, you must renew in person at the Denver office.
To upgrade to Real ID, bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number, proof of your current address, and one additional document that proves your identity and citizenship: a U.S. passport, passport card, birth certificate (certified copy), or naturalization certificate. The Real ID license costs $48 for eight years, compared to $28 for a five-year standard license.
If you renew online or by mail without requesting a Real ID upgrade, you will receive a standard license. You cannot upgrade to Real ID online or by mail — you must visit the Denver office in person.
Renewal Fees and Payment Methods
Colorado driver's license renewal fees depend on the license type and validity period. A standard five-year license costs $28. A Real ID eight-year license costs $48. These are the only two options for renewal; Colorado does not offer shorter validity periods.
Online renewal accepts credit cards only. Mail renewal accepts checks or money orders only — do not send cash. In-person renewal at the Denver office accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you pay by check or money order by mail, make it payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue.
What Happens If Your License Expires
If your license expires before you renew, you cannot legally drive in Colorado or any other state. Driving with an expired license is a traffic violation and can result in a fine. If your license has been expired for more than 6 months, you must renew in person at the Denver office — online and mail renewal are no longer available.
If you realize your license is about to expire, renew online when ready to get a digital license you can use while your physical card arrives. If your license has already expired, visit the Denver office as soon as possible. Do not drive until your renewal is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I live in Aurora but my address is still registered in another state?
No. You must have a current Colorado address on file to renew a Colorado license. If you have moved to Aurora from another state, you must first obtain a Colorado license by visiting the Denver office in person with proof of your new address, Social Security number, and identity. After that, you can renew online or by mail.
How long does it take to get my physical license after I renew online?
Your physical license arrives in 7 to 10 business days at the address on file. This does not include weekends or state holidays. If you do not receive it within 12 business days, contact the Colorado Department of Revenue at 303-205-5613 to report it missing.
What if I need to renew before my birthday?
Colorado allows you to renew up to 6 months before your license expires. If you renew early, your new expiration date will be 5 or 8 years from the date you renew, not from your birthday. Renew early only if you need a Real ID upgrade or if you are about to travel internationally and want a fresh license.
Do I need a Real ID to drive in Colorado?
No. A standard Colorado driver's license is valid for driving anywhere in the state and the United States. Real ID is required only for domestic air travel and entry to federal buildings. If you do not fly or enter federal buildings, a standard license is sufficient.
What if my name has changed since my last renewal?
You must renew in person at the Denver office and bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Online and mail renewal do not allow name changes.