What You Need to Do to Renew in Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs residents renew their driver's licenses through the Colorado Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a local DMV office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, how much time you have left, and whether you need to update your address or other information.
Your renewal notice will arrive in the mail 60 to 90 days before your license expires. That notice contains your renewal code, which you will need for online or mail renewal. If you do not receive a notice, you can still renew, but you will need your driver's license number and date of birth to start the process.
Colorado licenses are valid for eight years for most drivers. Renewal fees are $32 for a standard eight-year renewal. If you are renewing early or need a replacement, the cost may differ. Military members stationed in Colorado may have different renewal periods.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado Springs residents can renew online at dmv.colorado.gov, by mail using the renewal notice, or in person at the local DMV office on East Bijou Street.
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and is the fastest option if your address has not changed and your license is not expired.
- Mail renewal takes two to three weeks from the time the DMV receives your completed form and payment.
- If your license is expired by more than one year, you must renew in person and may need to retake the written test.
- The renewal fee is $32 for an eight-year license, and you will need a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or check for mail renewal).
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Online renewal at dmv.colorado.gov is available if your license is not expired, your address has not changed, and you do not need to update your photo. You will need your renewal code from the notice the DMV mailed you, or your driver's license number and date of birth if you did not receive a notice.
The process takes about 10 minutes. You enter your personal information, verify your address, pay the $32 fee with a credit or debit card, and submit. Your new license will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
Online renewal is not available if you are changing your address, updating your photo, or if your license has been expired for more than one year. If any of those explore, you must use mail or in-person renewal instead.
Mail Renewal: What to Send and When to Expect It
Mail renewal uses the renewal notice the DMV sends you. Fill out the form, sign it, and mail it with your payment to the address printed on the notice. Do not send your current license unless the form specifically asks for it. Include a check or money order for $32, made payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue.
The DMV typically processes mail renewals within two to three weeks of receiving your completed form and payment. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so plan for four to five weeks total from the day you mail the form. If you are close to your expiration date, online or in-person renewal is faster.
If you did not receive a renewal notice, you can request a form by calling the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5600 or visiting the DMV website. You will need to provide your driver's license number and date of birth.
In-Person Renewal at the Colorado Springs DMV Office
The Colorado Springs DMV office is located at 1015 East Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. In-person renewal is required if your license is expired by more than one year, if you need to update your photo, or if you are changing your address and prefer not to renew online or by mail.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of Colorado residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $32. If your address has changed, bring a document showing your new address. You do not need an appointment; the office operates on a walk-in basis, though wait times vary by time of day and day of week.
The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and closed on state holidays. Your new license will be issued on the spot if you are renewing with an updated photo, or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days if you kept your existing photo. Call 303-205-5600 to confirm current hours before you go.
When Your License Is Expired or Expiring Soon
If your license expired fewer than 30 days ago, you can still renew using any method (online, mail, or in person). If it expired more than 30 days ago but fewer than one year ago, you must renew in person or by mail; online renewal is not available. Bring your expired license to the DMV office along with proof of residency.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, Colorado requires you to renew in person. You may also be asked to retake the written knowledge test, depending on how long it has been expired. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and be prepared to spend extra time at the office.
If your license is expiring within 30 days, renew when ready. Do not wait until the expiration date; processing delays could leave you without a valid license. Online renewal is the fastest option if you are may be able to access.
Address Changes and Other Updates
If you are moving within Colorado Springs or to another Colorado address, you can update your address during renewal. Online renewal allows address changes as long as you provide proof of your new address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement). Mail renewal also allows address changes; include a copy of your proof of residency with your form.
If you are moving out of Colorado or changing your name, you must renew in person at the DMV office. Bring your current license, proof of your new address (if moving within Colorado), and a certified copy of any legal document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
You can also update your address without renewing your license by visiting the DMV office in person or calling 303-205-5600. Address-only changes do not require a fee.
Documents You Will Need
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Renewal code or driver's license number and date of birth; no address change | Credit or debit card |
| Completed renewal form; proof of residency if address changed | Check or money order | |
| In Person | Current or expired license; proof of residency; proof of new address if changed | Cash, check, debit card, or credit card |
Proof of Colorado residency must be dated within 60 days and can be a utility bill, lease agreement, bank statement, or mortgage statement. If you are renewing in person and your address has not changed, you only need your current license and payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I live out of state now?
No. Colorado requires you to be a resident to hold a Colorado driver's license. If you have moved out of state, you must obtain a license from your new state. If you are temporarily out of state but still a Colorado resident, you can renew by mail or online if you are may be able to access.
What if my renewal notice got lost in the mail?
You can still renew online or by mail without the notice. For online renewal, use your driver's license number and date of birth instead of the renewal code. For mail renewal, call 303-205-5600 to request a renewal form, or visit the DMV website to read one.
How long does it take to get my new license after I renew?
Online and mail renewals take 7 to 10 business days from the time the DMV processes your request. Mail delivery adds time on both ends, so expect four to five weeks total for mail renewal. In-person renewal with a new photo is issued the same day; with your existing photo, it is mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
Do I need to take a new photo when I renew?
No. You can keep your existing photo if you renew online or by mail. If you renew in person, you can choose to update your photo for an additional fee, or keep your existing one. A new photo is required only if your license is expired by more than one year.
What if I need my license before the new one arrives?
You can continue to drive on your current license while your renewal is being processed. If your current license is expired, you should not drive. If you need a temporary license, visit the DMV office in person and ask about a temporary driving permit.