How to Renew Your Driver's License in Colorado

Colorado driver's license renewal: what you need to know

In Colorado, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Most people renew online through the Colorado DMV website, which takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a five-year license. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired by more than one year, you have not had any address changes, and you do not need to update your photo.

If you cannot renew online—because your license is too old, you need a new photo, or you have moved—you will need to visit a DMV office in person or mail in an process. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your process.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is the fastest option and works if your license expired less than one year ago and you have not moved.
In-person renewal at a DMV office is required if your license has been expired for more than one year, you need a new photo, or your address has changed.
Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew up to one year before expiration.
You will need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method to renew online.
Mail renewal is an option but takes longer and requires you to submit original documents or certified copies.

Online renewal: the fastest route

The Colorado DMV website lets you renew online if you meet three conditions: your license expired less than one year ago, your address has not changed, and you do not need to update your photo. You can start the renewal up to one year before your license expires, so you do not have to wait until the last minute.

To renew online, you will need your current Colorado driver's license number, your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit card or credit card). The fee is $28.25 for a five-year license. Once you complete the online form and pay, the DMV will mail your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes seven to 10 business days.

If the online system tells you that you are not may be able to access to renew online, it will explain why and direct you to the next step—either in-person or mail renewal. Do not ignore this message; it means you cannot complete the process online and will need to choose another method.

In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office

You must renew in person if your license expired more than one year ago, you have moved to a new address, you need a new photo, or you want to change your name or other information on your license. You will also need to renew in person if you are upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license, which requires proof of citizenship and identity documents.

To renew in person, bring your current Colorado driver's license, proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and payment. If you are renewing a license that expired more than one year ago, you may also need to pass a vision test. The DMV will take a new photo during your visit.

Wait times at DMV offices vary widely depending on location and time of day. Smaller offices in rural areas often have shorter waits than Denver-area offices. You can check current wait times on the Colorado DMV website before you go. Many offices accept walk-ins, but some require you to make an appointment online or by phone. Check your local office's policy before you arrive.

Mail renewal for Colorado driver's licenses

You can renew by mail if your license expired less than one year ago and you do not need a new photo. Mail renewal takes longer than online or in-person renewal—typically two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your process—so plan ahead if you need your license by a specific date.

To renew by mail, read the process for Renewal of Driver's License form from the Colorado DMV website or pick one up at a DMV office. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it with your current license, proof of your current address, and payment ($28.25) to the address listed on the form. Do not send cash; use a check or money order.

The DMV will process your process and mail your new license to the address you provided. If there are any problems with your process, the DMV will contact you by mail. If you do not hear back within four weeks, contact the Colorado DMV to check the status of your renewal.

REAL ID-compliant licenses and when you need one

Colorado offers both standard driver's licenses and REAL ID-compliant licenses. A REAL ID license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. You will need a REAL ID license to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building starting May 7, 2025. If your current license is not REAL ID-compliant and you need one, you must renew in person.

To renew as a REAL ID license, bring your current Colorado driver's license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), proof of citizenship (U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), and two forms of proof of your current address. The fee is $28.25, the same as a standard license renewal.

If you are not sure whether your current license is REAL ID-compliant, look at the upper right corner. If there is a gold star, it is compliant. If there is no star, your license is standard, and you can continue to use it for driving and state ID purposes—you only need to upgrade if you plan to fly domestically or enter a federal building.

What to do if your license is expired or lost

If your Colorado driver's license is expired, you can still renew it using any of the three methods described above—online, in person, or by mail. However, if your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online and must either visit a DMV office or mail in an process. You may also need to pass a vision test if your license has been expired for a long time.

If your license is lost or stolen, you cannot renew it; you must replace it. Replacement is a different process that requires you to visit a DMV office in person and pay a replacement fee. Bring proof of your identity and current address. The DMV will issue you a new license with a new number and take a new photo.

Fees and payment methods for Colorado renewal

A five-year Colorado driver's license renewal costs $28.25. This is the standard fee for all renewal methods—online, in person, or by mail. If you are upgrading to a REAL ID license, the fee is the same.

Online renewal accepts debit cards and credit cards. In-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, and credit card. Mail renewal requires a check or money order; do not send cash through the mail. If you are paying by check or money order, make it out to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado driver's license before it expires?

Yes. You can renew your license up to one year before the expiration date. This is useful if you know you will be busy or traveling when your license is about to expire. Renewing early gives you a new five-year validity period from the date you renew, not from the date your old license expired.

How long does it take to get my new license after I renew online?

After you complete online renewal and pay the fee, the Colorado DMV mails your new license to the address on file. Delivery typically takes seven to 10 business days. If you do not receive your license within two weeks, contact the Colorado DMV to check the status.

What if I moved to a new address in Colorado?

If you moved within Colorado, you cannot renew online. You must renew in person at a DMV office or by mail. Bring proof of your new address, such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. The DMV will update your address on your new license.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license in person at a Colorado DMV office?

It depends on the office. Some Colorado DMV offices accept walk-ins, while others require appointments. Check the Colorado DMV website or call your local office to find out their policy. You can also check current wait times online before you go.

What happens if my Colorado driver's license is expired by more than a year?

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew online. You must visit a DMV office in person or mail in an process. You may also need to pass a vision test. Bring your expired license, proof of your current address, and payment to complete the renewal.

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.