What You Need to Know About Colorado License Renewal
Colorado sends renewal notices 60 days before your license expires, but you do not have to wait for the notice to renew. You can renew online through the Colorado Department of Revenue's website, by mail, or in person at a Driver's License Office. The method you choose depends on whether your license is still valid, whether you have had a name change, and whether you need to update your address or medical information.
If your license is still valid and you have not changed your name, address, or vision status, you can renew online or by mail without visiting an office. If your license has already expired, you will need to renew in person. Colorado licenses are valid for five years for drivers under 61 and eight years for drivers 61 and older.
Key Takeaways
- Online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25 for a standard five-year license; mail renewal costs the same but takes two to three weeks.
- You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you need to change your name, or if you have a medical condition affecting your driving.
- Colorado requires proof of identity, proof of residence, and your Social Security number for any renewal method.
- In-person renewal at a Driver's License Office takes about 30 minutes and requires an appointment booked through the Colorado DMV website.
Online Renewal: The Fastest Route
Online renewal through Colorado's DMV website is the quickest option if your license is still valid and you have not changed your name or address. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will ask you to verify your current address and confirm your medical information.
The fee is $28.25 for a standard five-year renewal. Payment is by credit or debit card only. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file 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 renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL), if you need to change your name, if you have a medical condition that requires a new vision test, or if your license has already expired.
Mail Renewal: No Office Visit Required
Mail renewal follows the same rules as online renewal: your license must still be valid, your name and address must not have changed, and you cannot have any medical restrictions that need updating. You will need to complete Form DL-43, which you can read from the Colorado DMV website or request by phone at 303-205-5613.
Include your completed form, your current driver's license, a check or money order for $28.25 made payable to the Colorado Department of Revenue, and a copy of proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Mail everything to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes two to three weeks from the date Colorado receives your packet. Your new license will be mailed to your address on file. Keep your current license until the new one arrives, since you can legally drive on an expired license while your renewal is being processed.
In-Person Renewal at a Driver's License Office
You must renew in person if your license has expired, if you have changed your name, if you have a medical condition affecting your driving, or if you are upgrading to a REAL ID-compliant license. In-person renewal takes about 30 minutes, but you must book an appointment first through the Colorado DMV website. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Bring your current driver's license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residence (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days), and your Social Security number. If you have changed your name, bring the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order).
The fee for a standard five-year renewal is $28.25. If you are renewing a commercial driver's license or need a REAL ID upgrade, fees are higher and vary by license type. Payment is accepted in cash, check, debit card, or credit card at the office.
What Documents You Need for Each Renewal Method
| Renewal Method | Documents Required | Processing Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Driver's license number, date of birth, last 4 digits of SSN | 7–10 business days | $28.25 |
| Form DL-43, current license, proof of residence, check/money order | 2–3 weeks | $28.25 | |
| In-Person | Current license, proof of identity, proof of residence, SSN | 30 minutes (with appointment) | $28.25 |
REAL ID Upgrade During Renewal
A REAL ID-compliant license is required for federal building access and domestic air travel. If your current license does not have a gold star in the top right corner, it is not REAL ID-compliant. You can upgrade during renewal, but only in person at a Driver's License Office.
To upgrade, bring your current license, proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or military ID), proof of residence, and proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). The fee is $33.25 for a five-year REAL ID license. Processing takes about 30 minutes, and your new license will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days.
If you do not upgrade to REAL ID during renewal, your standard license will remain valid for driving within Colorado and for state identification purposes. You will straightforward need a passport or other federal ID for air travel.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
The most common mistake is attempting to renew online or by mail when your license has already expired. Colorado requires in-person renewal for expired licenses. Check your license expiration date before choosing your renewal method.
Another frequent error is submitting mail renewal without proof of residence. Colorado requires a document dated within the last 60 days showing your current address. Utility bills, lease agreements, and bank statements all work, but expired documents will delay your renewal.
If you have changed your name, do not attempt online or mail renewal. You must renew in person and bring the legal document proving the name change. Attempting to renew without this document will result in rejection and you will have to start over.
Finally, do not wait until your license expires to renew. Colorado allows renewal up to 60 days before expiration. Renewing early prevents the inconvenience of driving on an expired license and gives you time to correct any errors before your new license arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I live out of state?
Yes. You can renew online or by mail if your license is still valid and you have not changed your name or address. If you need to renew in person or upgrade to REAL ID, you will need to visit a Colorado Driver's License Office in person, which means traveling to Colorado.
What happens if I renew by mail and my form gets lost?
Mail your renewal packet using a method that provides tracking, such as certified mail. Keep a copy of your completed form and a list of what you sent. If you do not receive your new license within four weeks, contact the Colorado DMV at 303-205-5613 to check the status of your renewal.
Do I need a new vision test to renew my license?
Not unless you have a medical condition affecting your vision or your license has a medical restriction. If you are renewing online or by mail, you will confirm your current vision status. If you have had a significant change in vision, renew in person so the office can assess whether you need a new test.
Can I renew my license if I have an outstanding traffic ticket or fine?
Yes. Colorado does not hold license renewals for unpaid traffic fines or tickets. However, you should resolve outstanding violations to avoid additional penalties or license suspension for other reasons.
How long can I drive on an expired Colorado license while waiting for my renewal?
You can legally drive on an expired license while your renewal is being processed by mail or online. Once you receive your new license, you must stop using the expired one. If you renew in person, your new license is valid when ready after the office issues it.