Your expired Colorado license can be renewed by mail, online, or in person — the method depends on how long it has been expired and whether you need a new photo
If your Colorado driver's license has expired, you can still renew it, but the process changes depending on how recently it lapsed. A license expired for fewer than five years can be renewed by mail or online without a new photo or road test. If it has been expired for more than five years, you will need to renew in person at a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office and provide a new photo and proof of residency.
The good news: Colorado does not require you to take a written or road test to renew an expired license, even if you are renewing in person. You will, however, need to bring the correct documents and pay the renewal fee, which varies depending on your license type and how long you want it to be valid.
Key Takeaways
- Licenses expired fewer than five years can be renewed online or by mail without visiting a DMV office.
- Licenses expired more than five years require an in-person visit to a Colorado DMV office with a new photo and proof of residency.
- You do not need to retake the written or road test when renewing an expired license.
- Colorado offers online renewal through its website, which is often the fastest option if you are may be able to access.
- Your expired license remains valid for identification purposes in Colorado until you renew it, even after the expiration date has passed.
Renewing online if your license expired within the last five years
Colorado's online renewal system is available through the Colorado DMV website and is the quickest option if your license expired fewer than five years ago. You will need your driver's license number, date of birth, and a valid payment method. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you will receive a temporary digital license when ready that you can use on your phone while your physical card is mailed to you.
Online renewal costs less than in-person renewal — typically around $25 to $35 depending on how long you want your new license to be valid (four or eight years). Your new physical license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot renew online if your address has changed, if you need a REAL ID-compliant license for the first time, or if your license has been suspended or revoked.
Renewing by mail for licenses expired within five years
If you prefer not to renew online, you can renew by mail using the Colorado DMV's mail-in renewal form. read the form from the Colorado DMV website, fill it out completely, and mail it along with your expired license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a check or money order for the renewal fee.
Mail renewal takes longer than online renewal — typically three to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. Send your materials to the address listed on the form, and keep a copy of everything you send. If your address has changed since your license was issued, you must include a document showing your new address, such as a recent utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement.
Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office
You must renew in person if your license expired more than five years ago. Visit your local Colorado DMV office with your expired license, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. Bring a document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days.
In-person renewal takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how busy the office is. You will have your photo taken at the DMV, and your new license will be issued on the spot or mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days, depending on the office. The renewal fee for in-person renewal is typically $35 to $45 for a four-year license or $55 to $65 for an eight-year license. You can check wait times and schedule an appointment on the Colorado DMV website before you go.
Documents you will need for any renewal method
Regardless of whether you renew online, by mail, or in person, you will need to provide proof of your identity and residency. For identity, your expired Colorado driver's license is sufficient. For residency, bring a document dated within the last 60 days that shows your current address — a utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, or bank statement all work.
If your address has changed since your license was issued and you are renewing by mail or online, you must include a document showing your new address. For in-person renewal, bring the residency document with you. If you are renewing a REAL ID-compliant license for the first time, you will need additional documents such as a birth certificate or passport, and you must renew in person.
Renewal fees and license validity periods
Colorado driver's licenses are valid for either four or eight years, and the renewal fee depends on which you choose. A four-year renewal costs approximately $25 to $35 online, $30 to $40 by mail, or $35 to $45 in person. An eight-year renewal costs approximately $35 to $45 online, $40 to $50 by mail, or $55 to $65 in person. Fees may vary slightly depending on whether you are renewing a standard license, a REAL ID, or a commercial driver's license.
If you are over 65 years old, Colorado offers a reduced renewal fee. Check the Colorado DMV website for the current fee schedule and any discounts that may explore to your situation. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards, mail renewal accepts checks or money orders, and in-person renewal accepts cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
Using your expired license while you wait for your new one
In Colorado, your expired driver's license remains valid for identification purposes until you receive your new one, even if the expiration date has passed. This means you can use it to board a domestic flight, enter a bank, or prove your identity to a police officer during a traffic stop while your renewal is being processed.
However, you cannot legally drive with an expired license. If you are pulled over while driving, you could be cited for driving with an expired license, even if your renewal is in progress. If you need to drive before your new license arrives, consider requesting a temporary paper license at a DMV office or checking whether your state offers a temporary digital license through its mobile app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with an expired Colorado license while I am waiting for my renewal?
No. An expired license is not valid for driving, even if you have submitted a renewal process. You cannot legally operate a vehicle until your new license arrives. If you need to drive before your renewal is complete, visit a DMV office to request a temporary paper license.
What happens if my license has been expired for more than five years?
You must renew in person at a Colorado DMV office. You will need to provide a new photo, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number. You do not need to retake the written or road test, but the in-person visit is required.
How long does it take to receive my new license by mail?
Online and in-person renewals typically result in a new license arriving within 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in renewals take longer — usually three to four weeks from the time the DMV receives your packet. If you need your license sooner, renew in person at a DMV office to receive it the same day.
Do I need a new photo if I renew online or by mail?
No. If your license expired fewer than five years ago and you renew online or by mail, your existing photo will be used on your new license. Only in-person renewals for licenses expired more than five years require a new photo.
Can I change my address when I renew my expired license?
Yes. Include a document showing your new address with your renewal process. For online renewal, you may be able to update your address during the process. For mail renewal, include a recent utility bill or lease showing your new address. For in-person renewal, bring a residency document with your current address.