How to Renew Your Colorado Driver's License

The fastest way to renew in Colorado

You can renew your Colorado driver's license online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website if you meet a few basic conditions: your license is not suspended or revoked, you have not had any major changes to your information (like a name change), and your license is not expired by more than five years. If you fit that description, the online renewal takes about 10 minutes and costs $28.25.

If you cannot renew online — because your license is too old, you need to update your address, or you want a REAL ID-compliant license — you will need to visit a Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office in person. That appointment takes about 30 minutes and costs between $28.25 and $33.25 depending on the license type you choose.

Your new license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after you complete your renewal, whether you renew online or in person.

Key Takeaways

Colorado allows online renewal for most drivers whose licenses are not expired by more than five years and have no suspensions or major information changes.
Online renewal costs $28.25, takes about 10 minutes, and your new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you need a REAL ID-compliant license or your license is expired by more than five years, you must renew in person at a DMV office.
In-person renewal requires an appointment, a valid form of identification, and proof of your current address.
You can schedule a DMV appointment online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website.

Renewing online through the Colorado Department of Revenue

Start at the Colorado Department of Revenue website and look for the driver's license renewal section. You will need your current Colorado driver's license number, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number to log in. The system will ask you to confirm your personal information and choose whether you want a standard license or a REAL ID-compliant license.

A standard Colorado license costs $28.25 and works for driving within the state and for most everyday purposes. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $33.25 and is required for federal purposes like boarding a domestic flight or entering a federal building. If you choose REAL ID online, you will still need to visit a DMV office in person to provide proof of citizenship and your current address — the online renewal will not be complete without that step.

If the system tells you that you cannot renew online, it will explain why and direct you to schedule an in-person appointment instead. Common reasons include a suspension, an expired license that is more than five years old, or a recent address change that needs verification.

Renewing in person at a Colorado DMV office

Schedule your appointment online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website. You can choose your preferred DMV location and pick a date and time that works for you. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but appointment holders are served first, so scheduling ahead saves time.

Bring your current Colorado driver's license, a valid form of identification (such as a passport or military ID), and proof of your current address (such as a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement). If you are renewing a REAL ID license, you will also need to bring proof of citizenship — a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization document.

At your appointment, a DMV employee will verify your information, take a new photo if your license has expired or you request a new one, and process your renewal. The fee is $28.25 for a standard license or $33.25 for REAL ID. You will receive a temporary paper license on the spot, and your permanent license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than five years

If your Colorado license expired more than five years ago, you cannot renew it — you must reapply as a new driver. This means you will need to pass the written knowledge test and the road test again, just as you would if you were getting your first license. You will also need to provide proof of identity, proof of residency, and proof of your Social Security number.

Schedule an appointment at a Colorado DMV office to begin the reapplication process. The DMV will explain the testing requirements and help you understand what documents you need to bring. Testing fees and license fees explore separately, and the total cost will be higher than a straightforward renewal.

Updating your address or name during renewal

If you have moved to a new address in Colorado, you can update it during your renewal. Online renewal allows you to change your address without visiting an office, as long as you provide proof of your new address (such as a utility bill or lease). The DMV will verify the address and issue your new license with the updated information.

If you have changed your name — through marriage, divorce, or legal petition — you must renew in person at a DMV office. Bring your current license, a valid form of identification, and a document that proves your name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The DMV will update your license with your new name at no additional cost beyond the standard renewal fee.

REAL ID versus standard Colorado licenses

A standard Colorado driver's license works for driving and everyday identification within the state. A REAL ID-compliant license has a gold star in the upper right corner and meets federal security standards. Starting May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID license or another acceptable form of identification (such as a passport) to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building.

If you are renewing your license and want to switch to REAL ID, you can do so online or in person. The upgrade costs an extra $5 (total $33.25 instead of $28.25). You will need to provide proof of citizenship — a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization document — either during your online renewal (by uploading a photo) or in person at a DMV office.

If you renew online and choose REAL ID, you will receive a temporary paper license when ready, but you must visit a DMV office within 30 days to complete the REAL ID verification process. Your permanent REAL ID license will arrive by mail after that visit.

Replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged license during renewal

If your license is lost, stolen, or too damaged to use, you can request a replacement during your renewal. You do not have to wait for your renewal date — you can replace it anytime. The replacement process is the same as renewal: you can do it online if your license is not suspended and not expired by more than five years, or you can visit a DMV office in person.

Online replacement costs $28.25 for a standard license. In-person replacement costs the same, and you will receive a temporary paper license on the spot while your permanent license arrives by mail. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, the DMV may ask you to sign a statement confirming that it was lost or stolen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Colorado license before it expires?

Yes. Colorado allows you to renew your license up to six months before it expires. This is useful if you are planning a trip or want to avoid renewing during a busy season. The renewal fee is the same whether you renew early or wait until closer to your expiration date.

What happens if my Colorado license expires while I am waiting for my new one?

If you renew in person, you receive a temporary paper license that is valid until your permanent license arrives by mail. If you renew online, your current license remains valid for 30 days after you complete your online renewal, which gives the permanent license time to arrive. Do not drive with an expired license — always carry your temporary license or proof of your renewal.

How much does it cost to renew a Colorado driver's license?

A standard Colorado driver's license renewal costs $28.25. A REAL ID-compliant license costs $33.25. These fees are the same whether you renew online or in person. If you are replacing a lost or stolen license, the cost is the same as renewal.

Do I need an appointment to renew my license at a Colorado DMV office?

Appointments are not required, but they are strongly recommended. You can schedule an appointment online through the Colorado Department of Revenue website. Walk-ins are accepted at some offices, but appointment holders are served first, and wait times for walk-ins can be long.

What if I have a commercial driver's license (CDL)?

Commercial driver's licenses have different renewal rules and cannot be renewed online. You must renew a CDL in person at a Colorado DMV office. Schedule an appointment online and bring your current CDL, a valid form of identification, and proof of your current address. The renewal fee for a CDL is higher than for a standard license.

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.