How to Renew an Expired Driver's License in Colorado

What happens when your Colorado license expires

An expired Colorado driver's license cannot be used to drive legally. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving on an expired license, you can be cited for driving with an expired license, which is a traffic violation. However, Colorado does allow a grace period: you can renew your license up to one year before it expires, and you can also renew it after it has expired without losing your place in line or facing penalties, as long as you renew before driving again.

The good news is that renewing an expired Colorado license is straightforward. You do not need to retake the written or road test unless your license has been expired for more than five years, or unless the Colorado Department of Revenue has a specific reason to require testing. For most people, renewal is a straightforward administrative process.

Key Takeaways

You can renew your Colorado license online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Revenue office, depending on how long it has been expired.
If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you do not need to retake any tests; you only need to submit your renewal process and fee.
Online renewal is the fastest option and takes about 10 business days; mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks.
You will need your expired license, proof of Colorado residency, and payment for the renewal fee, which varies based on license type and how many years you are renewing for.
If your license has been expired for more than five years, you will need to retake the written test and may need to retake the road test.

Renewing online through the Colorado Department of Revenue

The fastest way to renew an expired Colorado license is through the Colorado Department of Revenue website. You can renew online if your license expired fewer than five years ago and you meet basic requirements: you must be a Colorado resident, have a valid Social Security number on file, and have no medical or legal holds on your license.

To renew online, visit the Colorado Department of Revenue's driver's license services page and select the renewal option. You will need your expired license number, your date of birth, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The state charges a nonrefundable processing fee in addition to the license renewal fee. Once you submit your process, the state will mail your new license to your Colorado address within 10 business days.

Online renewal is not available if you need to update your address, change your name, add or remove endorsements (such as a motorcycle endorsement), or if you have any flags on your driving record. In those cases, you will need to renew by mail or in person.

Renewing by mail

You can renew by mail if your license expired fewer than five years ago. Request a renewal process form from the Colorado Department of Revenue by calling 303-205-5600 or by visiting a local driver's license office. You can also read the process form from the state website.

Complete the process form and mail it along with your expired license, proof of Colorado residency (such as a utility bill or lease), and a check or money order for the renewal fee. Mail everything to the address listed on the process form. Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the state receives your process.

Keep a copy of everything you send, and consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery. If your process is incomplete or the state has questions, they will contact you by mail, which can delay the process.

Renewing in person at a Colorado driver's license office

You can renew in person at any Colorado Department of Revenue driver's license office. This is the best option if your license has been expired for more than five years, if you need to make changes to your license (such as a name change or address update), or if you prefer to handle everything in one visit.

Bring your expired license, proof of Colorado residency, and payment for the renewal fee. You will fill out an process form at the office. If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you will not need to take any tests. If it expired more than five years ago, you will need to pass the written test; the examiner may also require you to take the road test depending on how long the license has been expired and your driving history.

Wait times at driver's license offices vary by location and time of day. Call ahead or check the Colorado Department of Revenue website to see current wait times at the office nearest you. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment online, which can save you time.

What documents you need to bring

Regardless of which renewal method you choose, you will need to provide proof of your identity and Colorado residency. Here is what the state accepts:

Proof of identity: Your expired Colorado driver's license, or a passport, military ID, or tribal ID if your license is not available.
Proof of Colorado residency: A utility bill, lease agreement, mortgage statement, bank statement, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. A piece of mail with your name and current Colorado address will work.
Social Security number: You must provide your full Social Security number. If you do not have one, you will need to renew in person and bring documentation of your immigration status.
Payment: A check, money order, debit card, or credit card. The fee depends on your license type and how many years you are renewing for.

If you have changed your name since your license was issued, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, or adoption papers).

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years from the date of issue. The renewal fee varies depending on your age and license type. A standard driver's license renewal costs between $30 and $35 for a five-year renewal. If you are renewing for fewer years (for example, if you will be turning 21 or 65 soon), the fee is lower.

The Colorado Department of Revenue also charges a nonrefundable processing fee if you renew online. Check the state website or call 303-205-5600 to confirm the exact fee for your situation before you submit your process.

If you renew in person, you can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you renew by mail, send a check or money order. If you renew online, you must use a debit or credit card.

What to do if your license expired more than five years ago

If your Colorado license has been expired for more than five years, you cannot renew by mail or online. You must renew in person at a Colorado Department of Revenue driver's license office, and you will need to retake the written test. The examiner may also require you to retake the road test, depending on how long the license has been expired and your driving record.

Schedule an appointment at your nearest driver's license office if possible. Bring your expired license, proof of residency, and payment for the renewal fee. Arrive early on the day of your appointment so you have time to study the Colorado Driver Handbook before you take the written test. The handbook is available free on the state website and covers traffic laws, road signs, and safe driving practices.

If you fail the written test, you can retake it the same day or schedule another appointment. There is no additional fee to retake the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive while my renewal process is being processed?

No. You cannot legally drive on an expired license, even if you have submitted a renewal process. Wait until you receive your new license before you drive. If you are stopped by law enforcement while driving on an expired license, you can be cited, even if your renewal is pending.

What if I lost my expired license and cannot find it?

You can still renew without your expired license. Bring another form of government-issued ID (such as a passport or military ID) and proof of Colorado residency. The state will look up your license information in their system using your name, date of birth, and Social Security number.

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

Online renewal takes about 10 business days. Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the time the state receives your process. In-person renewal is when ready if you do not need to retake any tests; you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot and your plastic license will arrive by mail within 10 business days.

Do I need to retake the road test if my license expired?

No, not unless your license has been expired for more than five years. If it expired fewer than five years ago, you only need to submit your renewal process and fee. You do not need to retake the written or road test.

What if my address changed since my license expired?

You must update your address when you renew. You cannot do this online; you must renew by mail or in person. Bring proof of your new Colorado residency (such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days) along with your other documents. There is no additional fee to update your address.

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.