Where to renew your license in Larimer County

In Larimer County, you renew your driver's license at a Colorado Department of Revenue driver's license office. The main office is located in Fort Collins at 1901 Fall River Drive. This is the office most Larimer County residents use, and it handles all standard renewals, replacements, and license changes.

You can also renew at the Loveland office at 810 East 11th Street if that location is more convenient. Both offices handle the same services and accept the same documents. Hours vary by location, so check the Colorado Department of Revenue website for current hours before you go.

You do not need an appointment for a standard renewal, but you may wait in line. Some offices offer online scheduling through the state website, which can reduce your wait time.

Key Takeaways

  • Larimer County residents renew at the Colorado Department of Revenue office in Fort Collins or Loveland, not at a county office.
  • You can renew in person up to one year before your license expires or up to six months after it expires.
  • A standard renewal requires your current license, proof of residency, and your Social Security number or ITIN.
  • Standard renewals take about 30 minutes in the office, and your new license arrives by mail within two to three weeks.
  • If your license is expired by more than six months, you must take the written test and vision test again, not just renew.

Documents you need to bring

For a standard renewal, bring your current Colorado driver's license and one document that proves you live in Larimer County. Proof of residency can be a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days. A government-issued ID with your current address also works.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN. If you do not have your Social Security number memorized, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it, such as a tax return or W-2.

If your name has changed since your last license was issued, bring a document that shows the legal change—a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. If you are renewing a REAL ID-compliant license and your documents have changed, you may need additional proof of citizenship or legal residency.

When you can renew and how long it takes

You can renew your Colorado license up to one year before it expires. This means you do not have to wait until the last minute. You can also renew up to six months after your license expires if you have not been driving on an expired license.

If your license expired more than six months ago, you cannot straightforward renew. You will have to retake the written test and vision test, which means going through a more involved process than a standard renewal.

At the office, a standard renewal usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. Your new license is mailed to you, and it typically arrives within two to three weeks. You will receive a temporary paper license at the office that you can use while you wait for the plastic card.

REAL ID and standard license renewals

Colorado offers two types of driver's licenses: a standard license and a REAL ID-compliant license. When you renew, you can choose which type you want. A REAL ID license meets federal requirements for entering federal buildings and boarding domestic flights. A standard license does not meet these requirements but is still valid for driving.

If you renew a standard license, you need only your current license and proof of residency. If you renew a REAL ID license or upgrade from a standard license to REAL ID, you need additional documents: proof of citizenship (a birth certificate or passport) and proof of your Social Security number. The process takes the same amount of time at the office, but your documents must be in order before you arrive.

Both types of licenses cost the same and are valid for five years. The choice is yours at renewal.

What happens if your license is suspended or has restrictions

If your license is suspended or has restrictions (such as a requirement to wear corrective lenses), you cannot renew it at the standard office. You must first clear the suspension or address the restriction through the Colorado Department of Revenue.

If you have unpaid traffic fines, child support obligations, or medical conditions that affect your driving, the state may have flagged your license. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue before you go to the office to find out what you need to do. Attempting to renew with an active suspension will not work, and you will waste a trip.

Renewing online or by mail

Colorado does not currently offer online renewal for driver's licenses. You must renew in person at a Department of Revenue office. Mail-in renewal is also not available for standard licenses.

However, if you have a REAL ID license and your documents have not changed, you may be able to renew by mail in some cases. Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue to ask whether you are may be able to access. Most people still need to come to the office in person.

Replacing a lost or stolen license before renewal

If your license is lost or stolen before your renewal date, you can get a replacement at the same Fort Collins or Loveland office. Bring the same documents you would bring for a renewal: proof of residency and your Social Security number. The replacement costs the same as a renewal and is valid until your original expiration date.

If you report your license as stolen to local police, bring a copy of the police report to the office. This is not required but can speed up the process. Your replacement license arrives by mail in two to three weeks, and you receive a temporary paper license on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my license if I just moved to Larimer County?

Yes, but you need proof of your new address in Larimer County. A utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days works. You can renew at the Fort Collins or Loveland office even if you just arrived.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You can use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead. Bring a document that shows your ITIN, such as a tax return or IRS letter. The renewal process is the same.

Do I have to take a new photo at renewal?

Yes. A new photo is taken at the office during every renewal. You cannot use your old photo. Wear something you are comfortable being photographed in, and avoid hats or sunglasses unless required for medical reasons.

What if my temporary paper license gets lost before my plastic license arrives?

Contact the Colorado Department of Revenue and request a replacement temporary license. You can pick it up at the office or have it mailed. Your plastic license is still on the way and will arrive separately.

Can I renew if I have an out-of-state address on my current license?

No. You must update your address to a Larimer County address before you renew. Bring proof of your new address and go to the office to update it first, then renew. You can do both in one visit.