The fastest way to renew in Colorado
You can renew your Colorado driver's license online through the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website, by mail, or in person at a DMV office. Online renewal is the quickest option and takes about 10 minutes — you'll need your current license number, Social Security number, and a valid payment method. If you renew online or by mail, your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days. In-person renewal at a DMV office takes the same day if you arrive early, though wait times vary by location.
The method you can use depends on whether your license is still valid and how much time is left before it expires. Colorado allows you to renew up to one year before your expiration date, so you don't have to wait until the last moment.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado offers online renewal through the DMV website for most drivers, and your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
- You can renew by mail or in person at a DMV office if online renewal is not an option for you.
- Renewal by mail requires sending your current license and a completed form to the DMV; processing takes 10 to 15 business days.
- In-person renewal at a DMV office is same-day if you complete the process before the office closes, though you may wait several hours during peak times.
- Colorado driver's licenses are valid for five years, and you can renew up to one year before your expiration date.
Online renewal: what you need and how it works
Online renewal through the Colorado DMV website is open to most drivers whose licenses are still valid and not suspended or revoked. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a credit or debit card to pay the renewal fee. The fee is $28.75 for a five-year license. You cannot renew online if your address has changed, if you need a corrected name on your license, or if your license is expired.
The process takes about 10 minutes. You log into the Colorado DMV online portal, answer questions about your current information, review the details, pay the fee, and submit. Your new license is mailed to the address on file and arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can continue to drive on your current license until the new one arrives.
If you need to change your address or correct your name, you must renew in person or by mail instead. Address changes require proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days.
Renewing by mail in Colorado
Mail renewal works if your license is still valid and you don't need to change your address or name. You'll need to complete the process for Renewal of Driver's License form (available on the Colorado DMV website or at any DMV office), sign it, and mail it along with your current license and a check or money order for $28.75 to the address listed on the form.
Processing takes 10 to 15 business days from the time the DMV receives your envelope. Your new license is mailed to the address on file. Because mail can take time to arrive and be processed, plan to mail your renewal at least three weeks before your license expires if you want to avoid driving with an expired license.
Keep a copy of your completed form and note the date you mailed it. If your new license doesn't arrive within 15 business days of mailing, contact the Colorado DMV to confirm they received your renewal.
In-person renewal at a Colorado DMV office
You can renew in person at any Colorado DMV office. Bring your current driver's license, proof of residency if your address has changed (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within 60 days), and payment of $28.75 by cash, check, debit card, or credit card. If you need to change your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the legal change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Arrive early in the day to avoid the longest wait times. Most DMV offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., though some locations have extended hours. You can check wait times and hours for your nearest office on the Colorado DMV website before you go. The renewal process itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes once you reach the counter, and you receive your new license the same day.
If your license is already expired, you can still renew in person, but the process is the same and takes the same amount of time. Driving with an expired license is illegal in Colorado, so renew before your expiration date if possible.
What happens if your license is expired
If your Colorado license has been expired for less than one year, you can still renew it using any of the three methods — online, by mail, or in person. However, online renewal is not available if your license is expired, so you must choose mail or in-person renewal. The fee remains $28.75.
If your license has been expired for more than one year, you cannot renew it. Instead, you must explore for a new license, which requires taking the written test and the road test again, just as a first-time driver would. This is a longer process and costs more than renewal. To avoid this, renew before your expiration date or within one year after it expires.
Address changes and name corrections during renewal
If you've moved since your last license was issued, you must update your address during renewal. Online renewal does not allow address changes, so you'll need to renew by mail or in person. For mail renewal, include a copy of your proof of residency with your process. For in-person renewal, bring the original or a certified copy of your proof of residency, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days.
If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, you must provide a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. This document must accompany your renewal process whether you renew by mail or in person. Online renewal does not allow name changes.
Renewal fees and payment methods in Colorado
The renewal fee for a five-year Colorado driver's license is $28.75. This fee is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Payment methods vary by renewal type: online renewal accepts credit and debit cards only; mail renewal accepts checks and money orders; in-person renewal accepts cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards.
If you renew online or in person, you pay when ready and your renewal is processed right away. If you renew by mail, your check or money order must be included with your process. Do not send cash by mail. Make checks and money orders payable to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Colorado license if I have a suspended or revoked license?
No. You cannot renew a suspended or revoked license through any method. You must contact the Colorado DMV to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what steps you need to take to restore it. Once your license is restored, you can then renew it.
How long does my new Colorado license take to arrive if I renew online?
Your new license arrives in 7 to 10 business days after you complete your online renewal. You can continue to drive on your current license during this time. If your license doesn't arrive within 10 business days, contact the Colorado DMV to confirm they processed your renewal.
What if I move out of Colorado after I renew my license?
Your Colorado license remains valid for the full five-year period even if you move to another state. However, if you become a resident of a new state, that state may require you to obtain a driver's license there. Check with your new state's DMV for their residency and licensing requirements.
Do I need to take a new photo for my renewal in Colorado?
If you renew online or by mail, the DMV uses your photo from your current license. If you renew in person, the DMV takes a new photo at the office. You cannot request to keep your old photo if you renew in person.
Can someone else renew my license for me?
No. You must renew your license yourself. For online renewal, you log in with your own information. For mail renewal, you must sign the process. For in-person renewal, you must appear at the DMV office. A family member or representative cannot renew your license on your behalf.